Deathly Word Study
Scans featured below.
A few years ago I looked through Strong's Concordance in regard to 'Death' to see the connection with 'Hell'.
Hell is at times referred to within Christianity as eternal death or the term more accurately philosophically would be everlasting death.
Eternal means to have no beginning and no end, everlasting means to have a beginning and no end.
Interestingly in New Testament Greek, according to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the same Greek word can be defined in English as either eternal or everlasting.
The Greek word aíwvios (aionios) is explained as meaning perpetual, used of past time or past and future as well, eternal, for ever, and everlasting. Strong (1986: 8). Strong provides only one word for eternal or everlasting from the New Testament.
Some key words for 'Death' from the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament from Strong's.
Scan 1: Strong, page 8.
Scan 2: Strong, page 84.
Scan 3: Strong page 132.
Scan 4: Strong, page 146.
Scan 5: Strong page 89.
Scan 6: Strong page 16.
From both the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament looking at Strong’s and the meaning of the words for ‘Death’ in individual contexts it seems to basically and primarily mean termination of the natural human body. But this does not mean that the Bible, especially the New Testament does not teach an everlasting hell.
Browning reasons that Biblically ‘Death' in the Bible is presumed when all sign of life have disappeared; it is the end of natural life’. Browning (1997: 94).
P.H. Davids explains theologically death is a result of being cut off from God and then death causes a separation from God which is highlighted in Biblical places such as Romans 5 in regard to Adam. Davids (1996: 300). The existence of the spirit is assumed after death within a Biblical Christian world-view. Jesus gave up his spirit in John 19: 30 and Paul discusses the possibility of being with Christ and God in spirit in Philippians 1. Death is therefore not only a result of scientific realities but is also a result of sin (Genesis 3, Romans 1-6).
Erickson points out that from a Christian perspective death is not simply a transition from existence to non-existence, it is a transition from one mode of existence to another. Erickson (1996: 1169).
The Scripture in the original Biblical languages does happen to technically list ‘Death’ primarily as a termination of physical life. But there is an acceptance of concepts of the existence of the spirit and judgment after death (Hebrews 9: 27).
There is a concept of Hades for example in Luke 16. It may very well be a parable. Did the dead rich man have a body in Hades? Was he in flames? Would water from the tip of the finger of Lazarus cool off his tongue somewhat from the agony? From scholarship it probably is a parable and not plain literal. Does it mean, however, Hades is not a place at all? Not necessarily so. The parable could be describing a spiritual realm in figurative literal terms.
As well, with Revelation Chapter 20, Hades is thrown in the lake of fire. The lake of fire appears a figurative literal location for resurrected unbelievers outside of Christ. Verse 15 states that anyone’s name not found in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. So, anyone not in Christ ends up in this realm.
Literal flames? Not likely, due to the figurative type of language used although possible I suppose if persons have resurrected bodies. Spiritual separation from God, yes. So this could be considered a type of everlasting death of sorts.
In conclusion, I reason that even with the above linguistic evidence, everlasting hell (everlasting death of sorts) is still a major New Testament concept.
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BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Oxford Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
DAVIDS P.H. (1996) ‘Death' in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.
ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.
STRONG, J. (1890)(1986) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Burlington, Welch Publishing Company.
Thanks once again for your scholarship, Russ.
ReplyDelete"The parable could be describing a spiritual realm in figurative literal terms."
I am going to remember this phrase when trying to make sense of some difficult to explain passages!
Thank you, Ms. Orange of California.
ReplyDeleteThis is a useful approach to consider.
For anyone interested, there is a Facebook page where the creator of the page says the following: "I need prayer for my page Jesus Debate. It's a page where Christians can debate atheists and agnostics over God and Jesus. I need as many Christians who are well versed in apologetics to come join the discussion! Please pray for God's warriors to come to the discussion, and if you're one of those warriors please join us at Jesus Debate."
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't believe the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus is a parable. First, Jesus names Lazarus, which He does not do in His parables. He also named Abraham and Moses, and again, actual names of people are never given in Jesus' parables. It also mentions the prophets. Secondly, parables have a double meaning, and are earthly events meant to show spiritual truths. 'The Rich Man and Lazarus' does not have a double meaning, and it is not an earthly event, because it is mainly about the afterlife. Said another way, it does not use the principle of comparison in a way that is characteristic of parables. Thirdly, it does not have the normal form of a parable: an introduction, analogy story, and application. Instead it is in the form of the narration of a real-life story given for the purpose of illustration. Fourthly, the discussion between the rich man and Abraham is not consistent with the parabolic style found in the Scriptures. Additionally, it is possible, and even seems likely, that many of those listening to Jesus that day could readily relate to it because they actually knew, or at least knew of, the two men involved. The rich man's brothers may have even been in the audience.
ReplyDeleteI pointed out to a certain Jehovah's Witness that it shows that both men were in a conscious state after death, and he dismissed that, saying that it is merely a parable, and so that is no proof at all. But again, I do not believe it is a parable. It also shows that we only get one chance in this life, which contradicts those who, like an uncle of mine (who is supposedly a Christian) believe in Reincarnation.
The Book of Enoch (or 1 Enoch), which was supposedly very popular with the early church, gives a description of the place of the dead. Enoch is cited in the Bible, in Jude 14-15. On the subject of Hades, it reads:
ReplyDelete“I went to another place, which was still more horrible than the former, and I saw … a great fire there which burned and blazed, and the place had a crevice as far as the abyss, being full of great, descending columns of fire … Then Uriel … one of the holy angels who was with me said … to me, "This place is the prison of angels, and here they will be imprisoned forever.
From there I went to another place with a mountain of hard rock. … Raphael, … one of the holy angels who was with me, said to me, "These hollow places have been created for … the spirits of the souls of the dead, … yea, that all the souls of the children of men should assemble here. These places have been made to receive them until the day of their judgment.” (1 Enoch 21-22)
Purgatory, which idea may be based on the Book of Enoch, is an idea created by the Popes as a ‘purging place.’
“Clement contributed to the development of purgatory and Christian mysticism. In fact, he was one of the “inventors” of purgatory, with its primary goal of eventual purification of the soul.” (p. 18, Howard F. Vos , “Exploring Church History”)
Gregory the Great (540-604) “expanded the concept of purgatory and converted the Eucharist from a sacrament into a sacrifice for redemption, having value for the living and the dead. He officially approved the invocation of saints and martyrs and the use of relics and amulets to reduce temporal punishments.” (ibid, p. 52)
Purgatory is apparently (officially-speaking, according to the teachings of the Catholic Church) more of a condition, rather than a place. It is supposedly:
“… a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace, are, not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions.” (The Catholic Encyclopedia at newadvent.com)
Revelation 20:13 says that Hades gives up the dead that are in it at the judgment, at which time it is thrown into the Lake of Fire. So apparently, Hades is sort of a pre-Lake of Fire holding place, and apparently, when it says, “Hades is thrown in the lake of fire,” that may mean that Hades is emptied of its inhabitants into the Lake of Fire---that the inhabitants are thrown into the Lake of Fire. But I think that is basically the same thing you said in your article, Russ. So no final decision is made until the Judgment. Yes, people like the rich man were in flames in Hades, while people like Lazarus the beggar were in comfort; nonetheless no final decision was made.
Beautiful places. Thanks very much.
ReplyDeleteKatia, you are very welcome.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Lord, please bless the ministry of the 'Jesus Debate' as they discuss and debate with atheists, agnostics, and critics with the use of Christian apologetics and other academic disciplines in love and kindness.
ReplyDeleteIn Jesus name, amen.
Russ:)
Note:
Personally with two theology/philosophy blogs I refuse to academically blog as well on Facebook, to any major degree, and reason I am doing my ministry share and need to pursue other areas of my life, but I do pray for the success of that work.
'Personally, I don't believe the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus is a parable.'
ReplyDeleteSeems to me when I was around 16 or so I went to the local Baptist church to discuss this verse and other issues with the pastor. He was eventually the theologian at Trinity Western University and left there just as I was starting. He took the view it was not a parable, but I doubt from my reading that most conservative scholarship would support this view. But this pastor/theologian reasoned that because Jesus stated 'There was a certain rich man' it was not a parable and this could be the case I admit.
But then again Jesus could use historical figures in a parable. In response to your first point, Laurence E. Porter states that this parable is different is that characters are named and that some have therefore regarded it as historical narrative. But all parables likely list actual events and the view that denies this as parable ignores the symbolism that is apparent within. Terms related to fire and such should not be pressed too materialistically and too literally. A rash attempt at a very good description of the after-life should not be sought here. Porter (1986: 1216).
The truths here he reasons are:
Death settles the destiny of the human soul.
Everlasting happiness for the righteous occurs and the ungodly receive everlasting distress.
These are conscious states.
There is memory of lost opportunities.
There is a guide concerning heaven and hell in the Scriptures. Porter (1986: 1216).
I think Porter's presentation is reasonable. I have quoted him from Luke before and he seems pretty reliable.
PORTER, LAURENCE.E. (1986) ‘Luke’, in F.F. Bruce (gen.ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Marshall Pickering/Zondervan.
'Secondly, parables have a double meaning, and are earthly events meant to show spiritual truths. 'The Rich Man and Lazarus' does not have a double meaning, and it is not an earthly event, because it is mainly about the afterlife. Said another way, it does not use the principle of comparison in a way that is characteristic of parables.'
It does use symbolism though. Even if not a parable it would still not be plain literal and is not straight forward literature. It is going to be considered a parable by many in scholarship. But if not a parable, it uses figurative literal language and some historical figures.
'Thirdly, it does not have the normal form of a parable: an introduction, analogy story, and application. Instead it is in the form of the narration of a real-life story given for the purpose of illustration.'
As Porter noted, it is different.
'Fourthly, the discussion between the rich man and Abraham is not consistent with the parabolic style found in the Scriptures. Additionally, it is possible, and even seems likely, that many of those listening to Jesus that day could readily relate to it because they actually knew, or at least knew of, the two men involved. The rich man's brothers may have even been in the audience.'
They would have also understood the symbolic figurative language, the critic can suggest.
Thank you, Jeff.
'“Hades is thrown in the lake of fire,” that may mean that Hades is emptied of its inhabitants into the Lake of Fire---that the inhabitants are thrown into the Lake of Fire. But I think that is basically the same thing you said in your article, Russ.'
ReplyDeleteYes. The exact meaning of that figurative literal language is unknown, but I reason it is everlasting punishment/hell and therefore death in a sense.
I appreciate the research provided Jeff. It always adds to the blog. And as I was in Vancouver going to church, then having lunch, walking to the beach, and then watching Vancouver beat Chicago on the road in Game Three on television, it is good to see someone working on this blog while I am away.;)
It is comforting to be reminded from your article that the Gospels present a strong hope of life after death in Christ and not extinction or nonexistence.
ReplyDelete-LIFE FOREVER-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9UTCnMjml0
ReplyDeleteTrying to understand John Lennon's view of himself and God...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jknynk5vny8
ReplyDeleteQuote at the end of song on death by John Lennon similiar to what erickson was saying...eg. one vehicle to another
'It is comforting to be reminded from your article that the Gospels present a strong hope of life after death in Christ and not extinction or nonexistence.
ReplyDelete-LIFE FOREVER-'
Yes, and I should state I do not wish for any of my non-Christian readers to 'go to hell', but am simply reporting evidence.
I wish the everlasting best for all my readers.
'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9UTCnMjml0
ReplyDeleteTrying to understand John Lennon's view of himself and God...'
Depressing that within the track he only trusted in himself and his wife.
'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jknynk5vny8
ReplyDeleteQuote at the end of song on death by John Lennon similiar to what erickson was saying...eg. one vehicle to another'
Yes, a belief in everlasting life, and not a termination of existence at natural death.
Thanks.
Beautiful pictures Russ.. thankyou for sharing..
ReplyDeleteTammy :)
Thank you so much, Tamela. I try to make the blog esthetically pleasing.
ReplyDeletethank you for the comment! it looks fantastic! =) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you very much.
ReplyDeleteRuss:)
So death as a word in Scripture means physical death but with the idea of a person's spirit surviving and being judged by God ???
ReplyDelete-Serious Curious-
The judgment of the spirit, and resurrected persons, is covered elsewhere in the Scripture, yes.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Interesting article on hell and death, so hell can only be everlasting and not eternal, because everlasting means it has a beginning but no end, whereas eternal can only be a term designated to God because He has no beginning and no end.
ReplyDeleteGO CANUCKS GO!! please don't be the CANNOTS, Quit pucking around and bring the Stanley Cup back to the home of hockey...CANADA!
ReplyDelete-Hockey Stick Hick-
Hello Dr. Murray, if you could be lumped in with another Doctor who would you relate with?
ReplyDeleteDr. Love, Dr. Doolittle, Dr. Strange,
Dr. Banner, Dr. Doom, Dr. Who,
Dr. Know, or Dr. Pepper.
-Dr. Duphas-
Dr. Murray who is your favorite NHL pick for Sir Stanley 2011?
ReplyDelete-Completely Curious-
'Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteInteresting article on hell and death, so hell can only be everlasting and not eternal, because everlasting means it has a beginning but no end, whereas eternal can only be a term designated to God because He has no beginning and no end.'
Yes.
'Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteGO CANUCKS GO!! please don't be the CANNOTS, Quit pucking around and bring the Stanley Cup back to the home of hockey...CANADA!
-Hockey Stick Hick-'
Woah, your language is not 'fundi' friendly and I am losing faith in how many games it is taking our locals to defeat the opponents. I reason the team may be too tired to win it all.
'Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteHello Dr. Murray, if you could be lumped in with another Doctor who would you relate with?
Dr. Love, Dr. Doolittle, Dr. Strange,
Dr. Banner, Dr. Doom, Dr. Who,
Dr. Know, or Dr. Pepper.
-Dr. Duphas-'
I suppose Dr. Strange except I am not an occultist. Then again he lives in a fictional world.
'Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteDr. Murray who is your favorite NHL pick for Sir Stanley 2011?
-Completely Curious-'
Sad to state, Tampa Bay, hoping for
Vancouver.
Thank you my friend.
Dr. Murray ;
ReplyDeleteJesus is like the wind, you can’t see It but you can feel It. As much we discuss religion as far way we are from God Who is the true religion. Religiosity has the power to blind you and on the other hand Jesus has the power to make you see beyond everything. Its like when we talk about Jesus, the true Jesus. Nothing else matter. I love you space DR Murray.
Sincerely
Dayane
Thank you for the essay, Dayane.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can continue reading my work. My goal is to learn about the true Jesus and related in a context of scholarship.
Blessings to you and family.
Russ;)