GEHENNA
“Eternal fire,” “fiery Gehenna,” and “blazing furnace” (Mt 13:50) are metaphorical presentations of eternal punishment for sinners. In the parable of the weeds among the wheat, the angels will throw the wicked into a blazing furnace. This imagery signifies the everlasting and unbearable suffering awaiting the wicked.
Gehenna literally means “the valley of the sons of Hinnom.” Though the exact identity of Hinnom is unknown today, it refers to a person who lived in ancient Israel. Gehenna is a deep and narrow valley south of Jerusalem, notorious for the idolatrous worship of Molech, where people sacrificed children to appease the deity (2 Chr 28:3). Despite Jewish Law’s prohibition against pagan worship and child sacrifice, unfaithful Jews, including King Ahaz (2 Chr 28:1-3), offered their children as burnt offerings to this false god (Jer 19:4). Consequently, God cursed this valley. Later, King Josiah stopped these sacrifices (2 Kgs 23:10).
Gehenna subsequently became a waste disposal site where people burned garbage, including the bodies of dead animals and criminals. Because of the perpetual fires and the presence of worms and maggots, it symbolized the everlasting destruction of sinners after death. This highlights the severity of punishment for those leading others astray.
Biblical Context and Teachings
In the New Testament, Gehenna is a warning of sin’s severe consequences. Jesus spoke about Gehenna more than anyone else in the Bible. In Matthew 5:22, He warns that anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. This warning underscores the importance of our words and actions.
James 3:6 also mentions Gehenna, describing the tongue as a fire, a world of iniquity, which can corrupt the whole body and set the course of life on fire, itself being set on fire by hell (Gehenna). This illustrates the destructive power of sinful speech and behavior.
In Mark 9:43-48, Jesus advises cutting off a hand or foot or plucking out an eye if it causes one to sin, to avoid being cast into Gehenna, where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. This hyperbolic language stresses the urgent need to avoid sin at all costs.
REFLECTION
Despite God’s commandments and the prophets’ corrections, the Jews often disobeyed and practiced idolatry. The influence of evil in the world offers worldly promises that lead to breaking the covenant with God. Gehenna reminds us of the eternal suffering of sinners and the salvation of the just in the afterlife.
For us Christians, the message of Gehenna is a sobering reminder of sin’s consequences. It calls us to live a holy life, avoid idolatry, and remain faithful to God. Our actions, words, and thoughts must reflect our commitment to Christ. The imagery of Gehenna urges us to take sin seriously, repent, and seek God’s grace and forgiveness.
As believers, we are called to be light and salt in the world, helping others avoid the path leading to destruction. By living out our faith and sharing the gospel, we can guide others toward salvation in Jesus Christ. Let Gehenna motivate us to strive for righteousness, love God and our neighbors, and pursue eternal life with the Lord.
May we always remember the gravity of sin and the immense gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, who came to save us from the ultimate consequence of our wrongdoings. Let us walk in His ways, uphold His commandments, and lead others to His light.