Mark 9:48
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Gehenna (translated 'hell') refers to Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem where refuse burned continuously. In Old Testament times, apostate Israelites practiced child sacrifice there (2 Kings 23:10), making it symbol of judgment. By Jesus' time, it represented final punishment. Isaiah 66:24's original context depicts defeated enemies' corpses being consumed—ultimate disgrace and defeat. Jesus applies this to eternal state, not earthly humiliation. First-century Jews debated afterlife; Pharisees affirmed resurrection and judgment, Sadducees denied it. Jesus' teaching sided with Pharisees but intensified the stakes, making His audience face eternal consequences. This wasn't hypothetical theology but urgent warning to flee coming wrath.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' teaching on hell affect your urgency in evangelism and personal holiness?
- Does belief in eternal punishment seem incompatible with God's love, or the necessary outworking of His holiness and justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Quoting Isaiah 66:24, Jesus describes hell with imagery of unquenchable fire and undying worm—perpetual, irreversible judgment. 'Their worm' (Greek skōlēx) refers to maggots consuming corpses, symbol of decay and disgust. That it 'dieth not' indicates eternal duration—no relief, no end. 'The fire is not quenched' (to pyr ou sbennutai) emphasizes permanence of punishment. Context (9:43-47) teaches it's better to enter life maimed than go to hell whole—hyperbole stressing hell's seriousness. Reformed theology affirms eternal conscious punishment against annihilationism. Hell isn't remedial but retributive—just punishment for sin against infinite God requires infinite duration. The horror of these images should drive people to Christ and motivate evangelism. Jesus, the most loving person who ever lived, taught hell more than anyone in Scripture, demonstrating it's not vindictiveness but reality. Love warns of danger.