How do various Bible versions translate the words Sheol and Hades?

The meaning of SHEOL and HADES

In the King James Version, the Hebrew word SHEOL is usually translated as hell. The corresponding Greek word HADES is also translated as hell. Sheol means “the place of departed spirits” and hades means the “place of the dead”. The word “hell” conjures images of darkness, flames, torment and agony. However, the departed spirits of the Old Testament believers also went to sheol/hades, but not to suffer torments.

According to Vines Dictionary…

Hades is the region of departed spirits of the lost". This includes the blessed dead in periods preceding the ascension of Christ. It corresponds to "Sheol" in the Old Testament. In the Authorized King James Version it has been unhappily rendered "hell" (Psalms 16:10)" TARGET="_blank">Psalms 16:10) or "the grave," (Genesis 37:35)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 37:35) or "the pit" (Numbers 16:30-33)." TARGET="_blank">Numbers 16:30-33). In the New Testament the Revised Version always used the rendering "hades". In the Old Testament, they have not been uniform in the translation. For example in Isaiah 14:15" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 14:15 it is translated "hell" with a note in the margin that says "Sheol". Usually they have "Sheol" in the text and "the grave" in the margin. Sheol never denotes the grave, nor is the permanent region of the lost.

Translation Challenge

Most Bible translators avoid using “hell” to translate the words sheol and hades. Instead they simply transcribe the words from the original Hebrew (sheol) or Greek (hades) such as the English Standard Version (ESV). Other translations that use “sheol” instead of hell include the New American Standard Bible (NASB), The New King James Version (NKJV), Darby, and Young’s Literal Translation. The NIV and other loose translations and paraphrases use a phrase such as “the realm of the dead”.

Other pages in this section

About this site

What does praying in the Spirit mean?

Q: I have come out of the charismatic church. I am praying for wisdom and understanding. I am unsure of speaking in tongues now. I do have the 'gift' but now i am unsure. Well, I do understand the 'speaking in tongues' is actually a language that needs an interpreter that it was origionally designed to spread the gospel for other countries. Now I want to know why in the bible there is a verse saying, " continue to pray in the spirit at all times' what is then praying in the spirit? My brain is experiencing some conflict but I am at peace with leaving the cahrismatic church and its beliefs and I am now searching the bible and discovering truth for myself however there are some parts which i cannot fully explain as I was taught that tongues were a sign from God. Please can you let me know your interpretation of praying in the spirit. Thank you and God bless

A: I'm glad you are examining your experience in the light of scripture. Often, we are more comfortable to interpret experiences based on feelings or advice of others.

Praying in the Spirit is mentioned three times in Scripture.

1) 1 Corinthians 14:15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:15 says, “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.”

2) Ephesians 6:18" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

3) Jude 20" TARGET="_blank">Jude 20 says, “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”

Some Christians understand these Scriptures to be referring to praying in tongues. However, God usually communicates to us in our native language and we speak to him with understanding by using our own language. As you mentioned in your email, when a person has the gift of speaking in tongues, it is sign to the audience that God is revealing new information through direct revelation. The miracle of tongues authenticates the messengers.

So what does it mean? “Pray in” the Spirit can have several different meanings. It can mean “by means of,” “with the help of,” “in the sphere of,” and “in connection to.” Praying in the Spirit does not refer to the words we are saying. Rather, it refers to how we are praying. Praying in the Spirit is praying according to the Spirit’s leading. It is praying for things that the Spirit leads us to pray for.

1 Corinthians 14:15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:15 uses the words "my spirit" which means Paul's spirit - the inner, spiritual part of man that responds to God's truth. Paul is using both his powers of reason and capacity to worship when he prays.

Ephesians 6" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6 tells us that we should be sensitive to spiritual necessities of every moment and every person. A spiritual person recognizes these needs by being awakened to such needs - for example, how we see a financial crisis in a home can be interpreted as nothing more than poverty, or we can see a spiritual problem in a relationship as the root cause. A spiritual insight means we see problems that have a spiritual solution which may be salvation, obedience to a commandment of the scripture or a clearer understanding of who we are in Christ.

Jude refers to spiritual growth in our faith. Increasing understanding and appreciation to "the faith" or the doctrines of scripture will affect the way we pray - enlightened by the spirit of God in the understanding of His word.

Romans 8:26" TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:26 tells us, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

Other pages in this section

About this site

Is the "Rapture" distinct from Christ's return to earth?

Is the "Rapture" distinct from Christ's return to earth?

The second coming of Christ Ahas two segments: the rapture into the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17);" TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:17); the return onto the earth (Zechariah 14:4)." TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 14:4). The term "rapture," from the expression "caught up" (1 Thessalonians 4:17)," TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:17), literally means "to snatch away" "The Lord Himself" (verse 16) comes to catch away into the air both the resurrected and living believers to "be with the Lord" (see John 14:3)," TARGET="_blank">John 14:3), for He has "not appointed us to wrath" (ch.5:9, 1:10, and Romans 5:9)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 5:9). In contrast, at His return to earth, the Lord comes accompanied by His saints (Zechariah 14:5," TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 14:5, Revelation 19:14)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:14) and "His mighty angels" (2 Thessalonians 1:7)." TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 1:7). At this time, He executes wrath, "taking vengeance on them that know not God" (2 Thessalonians 1:8)." TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Another distinction in 1 Thessalonians is that Paul saw the Rapture as imminent; it could happen even while he wrote, since "we which are alive" (4:15, 17) included himself. He says the Thessalonians were presently waiting for "His Son from heaven" (1:10, see Titus 2:13)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:13). Again, in contrast the return to earth requires fulfilled signs (Matthew 24:3, 6, 15, 21, 29-30)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:3, 6, 15, 21, 29-30) before it will occur. It could not happen today. In addition, the expression, "the coming of the Son of Man" is linked only to His earthly return. Further, the change in both sleeping and living saints at the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:51-53) was a mystery revealed only in the N.T. It had not been prophesied in O.T. portions regarding our Lord's return to earth.

S. Thompson
Other pages in this section

About this site

Do we worship Christ or the Father or the Holy Spirit?

PRAYER AND WORSHIP
THE PROPER OBJECT OF OUR WORSHIP

In this dispensation, to which Person in the Godhead should the worship of the assembly be directed?

Without question our Lord Jesus Christ is a true and proper object of His people’s worship. The wise men from the east came to worship Him (Matthew 2:2)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 2:2), and “when they saw the young child with Mary His mother, they fell down and worshipped (not them, as the Romanist and Ritualist would have it, but) Him”—not to mention such cases as occur in Matthew 8:2;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 8:2; Matthew 9:18," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 9:18, which perhaps would hardly mean more than an act of deep reverence (for “worship” etyrnologically means “worth-ship,” and is thus used in law courts—”your worship”).

In Matthew 14:33 we read that those in the boat recognised Him as “Son of God;” as did the healed man of John 9:38" TARGET="_blank">John 9:38 when he exclaimed, “Lord, I believe, and he worshipped Him.” In each instance it is the revelation of the glory of His person, which draws out the adoring worship of His own. This was the case on earth after His resurrection (Matthew 28:9)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:9), and never did the Lord disclaim such worship, as did Peter (Acts 4:12)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 4:12), but accepted it as His rightful due.

This is all perfectly true and most blessed, and wherever to-day God is worshipped, our Lord Jesus Christ receives His part, for He is God the Son. But this being so, we must not confuse the Persons of the Trinity. Each has His proper place and function, and in John 4" TARGET="_blank">John 4: the Lord clearly indicates that it is God the Father who is seeking worshippers, and it is “in spirit and in truth” that the true worshipper must worship Him.

The worship of the Old Testament saints was figurative. The worship of the Lord when on earth was direct and personal, but there was another worship, even then beginning, true and spiritual. The Lord Jesus is the Way to the Father. If in our priestly worship we habitually stop short of Him, we fall below what the Lord wills for His people. He is the High Priest over the house of God, delighting to present their worship to the Father. The object, the way, and substance, the power of worship are all indicated in that most inclusive verse, Ephesians 2:18," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:18, “For through Him (the Lord Jesus) we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Should I buy clients alcoholic drinks through a business expense account?

My business expects me to entertain clients for meals. At times they order alcoholic drinks. I feel as though I am paying for this although it comes out of an expense account. What should I do?

As a representative of your employer, you cannot dictate what a person may order from the menu in a restaurant unless your employer has made limitations. Your abstinence and your manner of conduct can often open an opportunity to explain why you do not take alcoholic beverages. Your paying - as a representative of your employer - is not an indication that you condone the practice. If, however, your work requires you to take clients out for the express purpose of visiting bars, clubs, or places of entertainment characterized by drinking or betting, you would be well advised to request to be relieved of this responsibility or to look for another job. You cannot maintain a clear testimony with this practice. "Let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that I they be not unfruitful" (Titus 3:14)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 3:14).

W. Oliver

Other pages in this section

About this site

What becomes the role of those God has used in planting an assembly?

What becomes the role of those God has used in planting an assembly?

The assemblies in Crete were apparently exposed to the attacks of those who contradicted sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:9). Paul was concerned that the men who led the flock would be able to stand against such men and thus preserve the assembly for which they were responsible. Titus had a part to play in this by his teaching (2:1), but the goal was that each assembly would have men within it who possessed this capability. The role of those who plant and nurture a young assembly is to so strengthen that assembly that it will be able to function and flourish without him (or them). In speaking to the Ephesian elders, Paul makes it clear that this is also the Spirit’s goal (Acts 20: 28-32)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 20: 28-32). Remarkably, God is able to accomplish this despite the native characteristics, even of Cretans (Titus 1:12)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:12).

The instruments the Spirit is using in this work need sensitivity so they neither rush ahead of the Spirit’s working nor lag behind it. Circumstances differ and the rate at which this good work progresses differs from case to case. Those who are not familiar with a particular work may not be fitted to understand the timing of the Spirit’s work. Nonetheless, the goal remains the same.

Paul speaks of himself as having a role like a mother (1Th 2:7)" TARGET="_blank">1Th 2:7) and a father (v 11) in the development of the Thessalonian assembly. Parents work toward the day when their child will be able to function on his own and make choices consistent with the truth they have taught him. Some parents can so control a child that they limit his maturing. Sometimes parents step in too quickly when they see some unsteadiness in their mature child. Eventually, parents must trust the power of the principles they have instilled in their child and commit him to God in prayer. They trust God’s power and wisdom to continue the training required. Epaphras certainly practiced this (Col 4:12, 13)." TARGET="_blank">Col 4:12, 13).

David Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

In Hebrews 2:3, to whom does "we" refer?

In Hebrews 2:3," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:3, to whom does "we" refer?

The book was written to Hebrews. The evidence of this is its title, its theme, drawing so much from Old Testament ceremonies, and its thread of Old Testament promises through the book. In addition, the message to "us" (1:1) is contrasted to the message to "the fathers," ("our forefathers," Weymouth). The epistle addresses not only believers, but also unbelievers. This is clear in 3:12-14, "let there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief," "lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin," "if we hold the beginning of our confidence." These expressions point to the four kinds of hearers in the Lords Parable of the Sower, the good ground being those who hear the Word and keep it (Luke 8:14," TARGET="_blank">Luke 8:14, same word as "hold," Hebrews 3:14)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 3:14). Those who "sin willfully" must likewise be unbelievers, for they will "fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:26-31)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:26-31).

Over 80 times, the writer uses first person plural pronoun forms (we, our, us) either in a general sense (1:3; 2:8,9; 3:19), of those who are writing (5:11; 8:1), or of believers (8:1; 9:24; 10:10). On other occasions, he includes himself with those of Jewish background who claim to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, although they are proving to be unbelievers (10:26; 12:25). In 3:12, he addresses "brethren" who may have an evil heart of unbelief. This cannot refer to "brothers in Christ," but to Jewish brothers (see also Acts 13:38; 22:1; 23:1; 28:17)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 13:38; 22:1; 23:1; 28:17). In Hebrews 2:1-3," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 2:1-3, he views himself as part of that nation and addresses his people, some of whom are not genuine believers in Christ.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Printable Nativity Scenes

A printable manger scene for your Sunday school craft. This Christmas, create a creche with the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the wise men and the shepherds at the stable in Bethlehem the first Christmas night.

This printable nativity scene can be printed, cut and taped in less than one hour.

Click here or the picture to download the printable PDF file.

Other Printable Resources

If you are a Bible class teacher, you may also be interested in the items in the Sunday School section of this site.

- Word puzzle creators to create your own crossword puzzles and word games.

- Sunday school worksheets ready made for almost every story in the Bible.

- Other printable activities such as a printable 3D model of the Tabernacle or a 3D printable model of Noah's ark .

- Subscribe to The Encourager, a monthly newsletter for Sunday school teachers.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Did the wise men visit Jesus in Bethlehem?

Where did the wise men (Matthew 2:1)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 2:1) find the child Jesus— in Bethlehem or Nazareth?

I do not think there can be any reasonable doubt that it was in Bethlehem. Verse i tells us the narrative happened “when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.” It was thither theywere directed by the teaching of the elders (vv. 4-6) and sent by Herod. Nazareth is not mentioned. It was in Bethlehem and its borders that the slaughter of the innocents took place (ver. 16), after the Child and Mary and Joseph had departed into Egypt. From verse 22 we learn that after the death of Herod they would have returned into Juda, but hearing that Archelaus, his son, was reigning in his stead, Joseph was afraid to go thither and being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee and dwelt in a city, now mentioned for the first time—Nazareth.

W.H. .

Other pages in this section

About this site

What does the "unity of the Spirit" mean in Ephesians 4?

What is the meaning of Ephesians 4:3" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:3?

"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" doesnt refer to a manmade unification, but to the unity of the one Body (verse 4) formed at Pentecost. If we recognize the distinction between the Church, the Body (of which there is only one), and the church of God (of which there are many, 1 Corinthians 11:16)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:16), we must conclude that groups of congregations do not form this unity. It was formed positionally by the Spirit at Pentecost; it is expressed practically in each assembly. The Body is not Gods testimony in this age; churches of God are (Revelation 2, 3)," TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2, 3), therefore each assembly displays this truth. Churches are united in their obedience to the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:16)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:16) and their accountability to Him (Revelation 2, 3)," TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2, 3), but each is distinct and complete in itself (Revelation 1:20;" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:20; 1 Corinthians 14:23)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:23).

Paul often stresses unity within the assemblies he addresses. This may be a primary objective in Romans (see 12:4, 5) and Galatians (5:15, 25). The need for unity within the assembly runs through 1 Corinthians (eg., 1:12-24). In Ephesians, Paul declares that God established in the Body a unity between Jews and Gentiles (2:11-18). By their walk, believers maintain unity by living above their natural prejudices (4:25). We are responsible for right behavior toward all believers, but Paul here emphasizes behavior in the assembly because the assembly testifies to the truth of the one Body.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Main Menu

Printable Nativity Scenes

Other Printable Resources