Is Hell Real or Metaphorical

The Bible tells us hell is a real and literal place, but this idea is difficult for many to accept. Understandably, it’s unsettling to think about a place of eternal torment, especially if we consider the possibility of loved ones being there. Unfortunately, the truth isn’t always pleasant.

This has led some to suggest that hell might be a metaphor. Others go further, claiming that our current life on earth is hell. However, these interpretations lack any biblical foundation. The Bible consistently describes hell as a literal reality, not a symbolic metaphor.

The Bible does use metaphors, but it always makes it clear when it is doing so. A metaphor uses a real and tangible thing to describe something else, usually an abstract concept. But, the meaning of the metaphor is always explained, either immediately or elsewhere in the text.

Here are some examples of how metaphors are identified and used in the Bible:

Here, Jesus explicitly states that He is using a metaphor. The children in the market symbolize the characteristics of the generation He is addressing.

Again, Jesus explicitly indicates that He is using a metaphor to describe the kingdom of heaven. This is a common theme in His parables: He uses real things to help people understand abstract or unfamiliar concepts.

Daniel explains that what he saw in his vision was a metaphor that required interpretation. Later, we are told that an angel visits him to reveal the meaning.

These examples show that biblical metaphors are always identified and explained. They use familiar, real-world elements to help convey deeper truths. If you want to know more about how to understand the context of the Bible please see Unit 1:13.

Hell Is Not a Metaphor

Unlike the examples above, hell itself is never presented as a metaphor in the Bible. It is always described as a literal place, often with vivid and consistent imagery of fire, torment, and darkness. The Bible uses other things to describe hell—such as fire that never goes out, darkness, or the “worm that dieth not”—but hell itself is never a substitute for something else.

Let’s emphasize this: Hell is the subject of discussion, not a stand-in for a different concept. To claim that hell is metaphorical requires ignoring the Bible’s clear, literal descriptions of it and arbitrarily assigning it a metaphorical meaning.

Even when Jesus uses the word Gehenna (a reference to the Valley of Hinnom, a trash dump outside Jerusalem where fires burned continuously), He is using it to describe hell. He draws on the imagery of a real place of fire and destruction to describe the reality of hell—a place of eternal torment.

A Biblical Example: The Rich Man and Lazarus

One of the clearest descriptions of hell comes from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Jesus does not use hell as a metaphor for something else. He describes it as a real place of conscious torment. The rich man is not experiencing a symbolic separation from God—he is suffering in flames and begs for relief.

Parables often contain symbolic elements, but they also reference real, tangible truths. For example, when Jesus speaks of a mustard seed, He refers to an actual seed people could recognize. Similarly, in the parable of the rich man, hell is presented as a literal place, not as an abstract idea or metaphorical concept to describe something else.

The idea that hell is a metaphor may feel more comfortable, but it does not align with the Bible’s teachings. Scripture consistently speaks of hell as a literal place of punishment, with no indication that it is a metaphor.

Biblical metaphors are always explicitly identified and explained. Hell, however, is never used to describe something else—it is the subject being described. Attempts to reinterpret hell as a metaphor arise not from the Bible but from a desire to soften an uncomfortable truth.

As difficult as it may be to accept, we must remain faithful to what the Bible teaches. Hell is real, and it is our responsibility to share this truth with others, offering them the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Hell Is Not a Place Void of God

Some claim that hell is simply a place void of the presence of God. This idea suggests that God, in His “kindness,” allows people to stay in a place where He doesn’t exist, rather than forcing them to be in His presence. While this might seem more comfortable, it’s not what Scripture teaches.

These verses clearly state that God is present everywhere, including hell. But what about passages that seem to suggest otherwise?

Some verses may seem to imply that God sends people away from His presence. For example:

At first glance, these verses might seem contradictory. If God is everywhere, how can people depart from His presence? How can they be separated from Him?

But, a closer look at Isaiah 59:2 will explain this. Sin separates us from God in terms of relationship and fellowship, not physical presence. Even when humanity is far from God spiritually, His presence sustains their very existence. Without Him, there is no life, no existence.

Even heaven and earth cannot escape God’s presence. There is no corner of creation—including hell—where He does not exist.

When God tells the condemned to “depart,” they are eternally trying to flee from Him, yet unable to escape His presence. They are forever trying to depart from Him, and finding no place to hide.

See Unit 2:9 for information on why hell is not antihalation.

Imagine Hell

Have you ever been in a house with no air conditioning during a desert heat wave? Imagine your eyes turn bloodshot, you feel trapped, breathing is difficult, your mind is clouded, and you thrash about trying to fight the heat. You can’t sleep, but your body is completely void of all energy. You even lash out at those around you for no reason.

Now imagine billions of people around you, clawing at themselves and each other in desperation. Each one dealing with the same things.

Multiply that unbearable heat to a level capable of tormenting an angel. Take away any hope of relief, any ability to die, and any reprieve from pain. Add the torment of being able to see heaven and communicate with those there, only to receive no help or pity.

This is just a glimpse of the torment described in hell. Revelation speaks of the smoke of their torment rising forever, a process of destruction without end.

Hell is a real, physical place of eternal suffering for the unforgiven. But heaven is equally real, offering eternal joy and fellowship with God. Knowing this, how should we live our lives?

The good news is that you don’t have to experience the torment of hell. Jesus offers mercy and grace through His death and resurrection, paying the price for your sins. All you need to do is admit your need for Him, believe in His saving work, and follow Him.

Jesus doesn’t demand perfection. He knows you’ll stumble and sin, but His forgiveness covers it all. It’s not about your ability to be good—it’s about His ability to save!

Yet some will reject Him, choosing rebellion even against God’s desire for their salvation. For these, the consequence is hell.

But why? How could a loving God do this? We will answer that question in the next study.

Continue To Unit 2:11 – Would a Loving God Send Someone to Hell OR

Return To Christianity 101 Unit 2 – Sin and Eternal Judgment