The topic of hell is serious, sobering, and often avoided. Yet the Bible doesn’t shy away from it. Understanding hell in the Bible is essential to understanding God’s justice, mercy, and the weight of eternal choices. Hell is not just a place of punishment; it is the ultimate separation from God—a result of rejecting His grace and truth.
While the topic can feel uncomfortable, these scriptures are not meant to condemn us but to wake us up, invite us to repentance, and lead us toward eternal life through Jesus Christ. God’s Word speaks clearly and compassionately about hell, offering both warning and a path to hope.
Below are 35 verses that speak directly about hell in the Bible, each paired with a short, clear explanation to help you understand their meaning and message.
35 Bible Verses About Hell In The Bible
1. Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Explanation:
Jesus reminds us that eternal judgment matters more than physical harm. Only God has authority over the soul’s final destination.
2. Mark 9:43
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell…
Explanation:
Jesus uses strong imagery to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the reality of hell. It’s better to lose something valuable than to lose eternal life.
3. Revelation 20:14
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Explanation:
This verse shows the final judgment—where hell itself is thrown into the lake of fire, symbolizing eternal separation from God.
4. Luke 12:5
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell…
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that true reverence belongs to God, who holds eternal authority—not people.
5. Matthew 5:22
…whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Explanation:
Jesus warns that our words matter. Even anger and contempt can lead to spiritual danger if left unchecked.
6. 2 Thessalonians 1:9
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord…
Explanation:
Hell is described as eternal separation from God’s presence—a devastating reality for those who reject Him.
7. Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Explanation:
Jesus clearly presents two eternal outcomes—everlasting punishment or eternal life.
8. Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving… shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone…
Explanation:
The verse lists those who choose rebellion over repentance and shows the eternal consequence of that choice.
9. Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Explanation:
Wisdom leads us away from hell. God offers a path of life through obedience and faith.
10. Psalm 9:17
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Explanation:
This verse gives a sobering warning about turning away from God. Hell is a result of spiritual rebellion.
11. Isaiah 5:14
Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure…
Explanation:
Hell is portrayed as ever-hungry, taking in those who live in pride and disregard God.
12. Matthew 13:42
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
Jesus describes the agony of hell—physical, emotional, and spiritual pain.
13. Luke 16:23
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…
Explanation:
This is part of Jesus’ parable about the rich man and Lazarus, emphasizing awareness and regret in hell.
14. Matthew 13:50
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
Repeated to stress the horror of eternal separation from God—something Jesus did not take lightly.
15. Jude 1:7
…suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Explanation:
Jude uses historical examples to show how God judges rebellion, warning of eternal fire.
16. Proverbs 27:20
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Explanation:
Just as hell is never satisfied, neither is human greed. This is a call to spiritual self-control.
17. Revelation 14:11
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever…
Explanation:
The suffering of hell is eternal. This verse shows the finality and seriousness of God’s judgment.
18. Matthew 23:33
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Explanation:
Jesus strongly warns the religious hypocrites of their danger. Hell is real, even for the self-righteous.
19. Isaiah 66:24
…for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched…
Explanation:
Hell is described as a place of endless suffering—emphasizing the need for repentance now.
20. Jonah 2:2
…out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.
Explanation:
Jonah uses “hell” to describe a place of deep distress. God hears those who cry out from dark places.
21. Job 11:8
It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?
Explanation:
This verse compares the depth of God’s wisdom to the depth of hell—both beyond human reach.
22. Job 26:6
Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
Explanation:
Nothing is hidden from God—not even the depths of hell. He sees and rules over all.
23. Psalm 86:13
For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
Explanation:
God has the power to save us from hell. His mercy reaches even the darkest places.
24. Proverbs 15:11
Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
Explanation:
If God knows the depths of hell, He surely knows every heart. We can’t hide from Him.
25. Amos 9:2
Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them…
Explanation:
No one can escape God’s reach—not even by hiding in the depths of hell.
26. Matthew 8:12
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness…
Explanation:
This verse warns that even those who think they are “safe” may be lost if their hearts are not right.
27. Luke 13:28
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth…
Explanation:
This is a warning to those who reject Jesus, reminding us that the consequences are real.
28. Nahum 1:6
Who can stand before his indignation? …his fury is poured out like fire…
Explanation:
God’s wrath is holy and just. Hell is the result of rejecting His mercy.
29. Daniel 12:2
…some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Explanation:
This verse clearly points to two eternal destinations—one of hope, the other of sorrow.
30. Hebrews 10:27
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation…
Explanation:
Those who reject Christ face a fearful judgment. Hell is a result of willful disobedience.
31. 2 Peter 2:4
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell…
Explanation:
Even angels were not spared from judgment. God’s justice is universal.
32. Matthew 7:13
…broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Explanation:
Many choose the easy path, but it leads to destruction. Jesus urges us to take the narrow way.
33. Psalm 116:3
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me…
Explanation:
David expresses deep emotional and spiritual pain—something that reflects the weight of hell’s reality.
34. Deuteronomy 32:22
For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell…
Explanation:
God’s judgment is fierce and far-reaching, especially when His people turn away from Him.
35. Isaiah 14:15
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Explanation:
This speaks of Satan’s fall and serves as a warning to all who choose pride over obedience.
Final Reflections on Hell and God’s Justice
Reading about hell in the Bible can feel heavy—but it’s meant to draw us toward God, not away from Him. These verses reveal the seriousness of sin, the justice of God, and the need for salvation through Jesus. They also remind us that God has made a way for everyone to avoid this eternal separation through faith and repentance.
If these verses stirred your heart, take time to reflect, pray, and seek God’s direction. He is always ready to forgive, restore, and lead us into eternal life.
Which verse impacted you the most? Have you ever wrestled with the topic of hell in the Bible? Share your thoughts, reflections, or favorite scriptures in the comments below.