Question:
I’d like to have any information at all on what Hades, Sheol, Gehenna, and any others are all about. From what I’ve gathered so far, Hades is merely being absent from the physical body, but I’d like to know more.

Answer:
Time and space does not permit me to give the needed information on these most important terms. I will give a short definition of each, but before I do, I would like to recommend two excellent works which cover the truth as to Hades, Sheol, and Gehenna very well. They are:(1) “Facts and Theories as to a Future State” by Mr. F. W. Grant (there is also an abridgment of this book called, “Man and the Future State.” and (2) “Hades and Eternal Punishment” by A. J. Pollock. Mr. Pollock’s pamphlet can be purchased through MOMENTS WITH THE BOOK. It is an exhaustive work and it would answer the inquirer’s questions completely. I highly recommend it. Mr. Grant’s books are, I believe, out of print.

SHEOL—Sheol is the Hebrew equivalent for the Greek work, Hades. It is “the state of disembodied souls,” i.e., a condition. Sheol has no geographical position assigned to it. A condition has no geography. Sheol is never spoken of in relation to the body. The reason is obvious. It has no relation to it. It has only to do with the soul.

HADES—Hades has the exact same meaning as Sheol. It is the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word, Sheol.

GEHENNA—Gehenna is the Greek equivalent for two Hebrew words signifying “valley of Hinnom.” It was the place near Jerusalem where the Jews made their children pass through fire to heathen gods, and which was afterwards defiled (2 Kings 23:10). A continual fire made it a fit emblem of the place of eternal punishment. The word Gehenna is translated “hell” nine times and “hell fire” three times. We saw that Hades is a condition, but Gehenna is a place. It is the place that the lost will dwell in (body, soul, and spirit) forever and ever. It is what the Scriptures also refer to as “the lake of fire” (Revelation 19:20; 20:10,14,15; 21:8).