γέεννα (geenna)
geenna
hell: Gehenna
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun geenna refers to a place of future punishment, drawing its imagery from the Valley of Hinnom south of Jerusalem. Historically, this location was desecrated by King Josiah after it had been used for idolatrous fire worship under Ahaz. It later served as a dumping ground for the city’s refuse and dead animals, where fires burned continuously to consume the waste.
In the New Testament, Jesus uses this grim reality as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment. He speaks of "Gehenna of fire" in Matthew 5:22 and warns that both body and soul can be destroyed there, as seen in Matthew 10:28. The term appears frequently in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, where it symbolizes the ultimate fate of the wicked rather than a mere physical location.
The word’s etymology traces back to Hebrew phrases meaning "valley of Hinnom" or "valley of the son of Hinnom." Early Jewish tradition associated this valley with judgment, a concept that carried over into Christian teaching. Translators often render it as "hell," though the original context emphasizes a place of destruction and fire linked to historical defilement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Gehenna draws its imagery from a real valley south of Jerusalem that became a symbol of ruin. Jesus used this grim historical reality to speak about the seriousness of sin and the finality of judgment. It is not merely a scary story but a warning about where our choices lead us.
Understanding this term helps us take spiritual health seriously. It reminds us that some actions have eternal consequences, affecting both soul and body. This knowledge should drive us toward repentance and reliance on God’s mercy rather than fear alone.
When we see the call to pluck out an eye or cut off a hand, it is not about literal self-harm but about radical action against sin. The goal is to enter life, not destruction. This perspective encourages us to value our relationship with God above all earthly comforts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hell6×
- hell.4×
- of hell?1×
- of hell1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γέενναν6×
- γέενναν.¶1×
- γέενναν.1×
- γεέννῃ.1×
- γεέννης;1×
- γεέννης.¶1×
- γεέννης1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:28
Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
This verse distinguishes between physical death and eternal destruction, emphasizing that God alone holds power over the soul's final fate in Gehenna.
-
Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
Jesus connects uncontrolled anger and contemptuous speech to the danger of Gehenna, showing that internal heart attitudes matter as much as outward actions.
-
Mark 9:43
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire,
The repetition of cutting off a hand highlights the extreme value of eternal life compared to temporary physical wholeness, using Gehenna as the ultimate contrast.
-
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.
This unique usage applies Gehenna to the tongue, illustrating how destructive speech can ignite and defile the entire course of human nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the word Gehenna?
Is Gehenna the same as Hades?
Why does Jesus use such harsh language about Gehenna?
Does Gehenna imply eternal conscious torment?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 7 verses
But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever…
Matthew 5:29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 10:28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy…
Matthew 18:9If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one…
Matthew 23:15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he…
Matthew 23:33You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?