Did Jesus go to hell after His death? The Bible contains passages that spark this question, and scholars have explored its meaning. Today, we’ll uncover what Scripture teaches about this part of Jesus’ sacrifice.
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What Does The Bible Say About Jesus Going To Hell
1 Peter 3:18-20
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient.”
These verses in 1 Peter suggest that after His death on the cross, Jesus descended to a place called “prison” or “Hades” to preach to the spirits of those who were disobedient before the flood. This event highlights Jesus’ victory over sin and His redemptive work extending to those who lived before His earthly ministry.
It is important to note that these verses do not imply that Jesus went to hell in the sense of experiencing the torment of the condemned, but rather to a realm where those who died before His resurrection were held.
Ephesians 4:8-10
“Therefore He says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’ (Now this, ‘He ascended’—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)”
In Ephesians, Paul references Psalm 68:18 to explain that before Jesus ascended into heaven, He first descended into the lower parts of the earth. This descent emphasizes His victory over sin and death through His sacrificial death on the cross and His subsequent triumph over the powers of darkness.
This passage reminds believers that Jesus’ work of redemption encompassed His descent into the realm of the dead and His ascent to heaven, showcasing His authority and power as the conqueror of sin and death.
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'”
In this verse, Jesus speaks to one of the criminals crucified beside Him. He assures the repentant criminal that he will be with Him in Paradise that very day. This shows Jesus’ authority over life and death and His ability to grant eternal life in heaven.
Although this verse does not explicitly mention Jesus going to hell, it does affirm His power to determine the fate of souls after death and offers hope to all who turn to Him in faith.
Acts 2:31
“He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.”
In Acts, Peter quotes from Psalm 16:10 to explain that Jesus’ soul was not left in Hades and His body did not decay in the tomb. This verse affirms Jesus’ victorious resurrection and verifies His triumph over death.
While it does not explicitly state that Jesus went to hell, it indicates that Jesus experienced the realm of Hades in His death and conquered it through His resurrection, ensuring everlasting life for all who believe in Him.
Colossians 2:15
“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”
In Colossians, Paul highlights that through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual forces of darkness. This verse underscores Jesus’ victory over the powers of hell and His authority as the supreme conqueror.
While it does not explicitly mention Jesus going to hell, it implies His complete triumph over the forces of evil and His ultimate defeat of all that stood against God’s plan of redemption.
Revelation 1:18
“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
In Revelation, Jesus declares His victory over death and Hades, emphasizing His authority and power over the realm of the dead. This verse affirms that Jesus holds the keys to eternal life and determines the fate of all souls.
Although it does not explicitly mention Jesus going to hell, it confirms His sovereignty over Hades and Death, solidifying His role as the ultimate judge and Savior of humanity.
Matthew 12:40
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Jesus compares His upcoming death and burial to the experience of Jonah being in the belly of the fish. This verse foreshadows Jesus’ descent into the realm of the dead and His subsequent resurrection after three days.
While it does not explicitly indicate Jesus going to hell, it establishes a connection between His time in the heart of the earth and His victory over sin and death through His resurrection.
Psalm 86:13
“For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.”
David expresses gratitude for God’s mercy and deliverance from the depths of Sheol, which refers to the place of the dead. This verse underscores God’s ability to rescue and save His people from the power of death.
Although it does not directly mention Jesus going to hell, it reflects the hope that believers have in God’s deliverance and His power to redeem them from the clutches of the grave.
Psalm 16:10
“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”
In this psalm, David expresses his faith in God’s preservation even in death. This verse foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection, as His body did not experience decay in the tomb, affirming His victory over death.
Although it does not explicitly mention Jesus going to hell, it alludes to His triumph over the power of Sheol and the preservation of His body, securing eternal life for all who trust in Him.
Psalm 49:15
“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.”
David assures that God will redeem his soul from the power of the grave and personally receive him. This verse reflects the hope of eternal salvation and the belief in God’s ability to rescue His people from death.
While it does not directly mention Jesus going to hell, it conveys the confidence in God’s redeeming power and His promise to deliver His people from the clutches of the grave.
Psalm 30:3
“O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; you have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.”
David acknowledges God’s deliverance, bringing his soul up from the grave, sparing him from descending into the pit. This verse demonstrates God’s power to rescue His people from the clutches of death.
Although it does not specifically state that Jesus went to hell, it highlights God’s intervention and His ability to bring life even in the face of impending death.
Psalm 88:3-4
“For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength.”
The psalmist expresses anguish and sorrow, feeling overwhelmed by troubles and approaching the grave. These verses depict the despair one may feel when facing the prospect of death.
While it does not directly mention Jesus going to hell, it serves as a reminder of the depths of human suffering and the need for divine intervention to overcome the power of death.
1 Corinthians 15:55
“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”
Paul proclaims the victory of believers over death and Hades through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse celebrates the triumph of Jesus and assures believers of their ultimate victory over the power of the grave.
Although it does not specifically reference Jesus going to hell, it echoes His conquering of death and His authority over Hades, instilling hope and assurance for all who trust in Him.
Romans 6:9
“Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.”
Paul affirms that Jesus, having been raised from the dead, will never die again and that death no longer has power over Him. This verse confirms Jesus’ triumph over death and His eternal existence.
While it does not explicitly address Jesus going to hell, it emphasizes His victory over the dominion of death, reinforcing His status as the conqueror of the grave.
John 10:17-18
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
Jesus explains that He willingly lays down His life and has the authority to take it up again. This verse showcases Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice and His power over life and death.
Although it does not directly mention Jesus going to hell, it highlights His control over His own death and resurrection, exemplifying His authority over the realm of the dead.
Acts 13:34
“And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.'”
This verse in Acts affirms that God raised Jesus from the dead, assuring that He would never return to corruption. It points to the promise of eternal life through Jesus’ resurrection and the fulfillment of God’s covenant.
While it does not explicitly mention Jesus going to hell, it highlights His victory over decay and His assurance of everlasting life for those who trust in Him.
Psalm 139:8
“If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.”
David acknowledges God’s omnipresence, stating that even if he goes to hell, God is there. This verse emphasizes that God’s presence extends to all places, including the realm of the dead.
Although it does not specifically mention Jesus going to hell, it reinforces the belief that even in the darkest and most hopeless places, God’s presence offers comfort and the hope of deliverance.
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
David reflects on God’s presence and protection, declaring that even in the face of death, he will fear no evil. This verse highlights God’s faithfulness and provision in the midst of difficult and perilous times.
While it does not directly address Jesus going to hell, it signifies the reassurance that believers can find in God’s presence and guidance, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Hosea 13:14
“I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction! Pity is hidden from My eyes.”
God declares His plan to rescue and redeem His people from the power of the grave and death itself. This verse showcases God’s determination to overcome death and destruction through His intervention.
While it does not explicitly mention Jesus going to hell, it illuminates God’s promise of deliverance and foreshadows the ultimate victory over death achieved through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
In Isaiah, the prophecy of the Messiah describes His mission to bring good news, healing, and freedom to those in need. This verse anticipates Jesus’ redemptive work, including His victory over the power of death.
While it does not specifically mention Jesus going to hell, it points to His profound impact on the lives of those held captive by sin and darkness, offering liberation and restoration.
Isaiah 25:8
“He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken.”
In Isaiah, it is prophesied that God will eliminate death entirely and bring comfort and joy to His people. This verse foretells the victory over death that Jesus would achieve through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
While it does not specifically mention Jesus going to hell, it emphasizes His ultimate triumph over death, assuring believers of the eternal joy and restoration that awaits them in His presence.
Jonah 2:2
“I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me. ‘Out of the belly of Sheol, I cried, and You heard my voice.'”
Jonah, after being swallowed by the great fish, cries out to God from the depths of Sheol. This verse underscores God’s ability to hear and rescue His people even in the most desperate and hopeless situations.
While it does not directly mention Jesus going to hell, it exemplifies God’s willingness to respond to the cries of those in distress and provide deliverance, ultimately fulfilled in the work of Jesus Christ.