Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?” addresses a topic that has been debated among Christians for centuries. The idea that Jesus descended to “hell” after His crucifixion comes from interpretations of certain biblical passages and the Apostles’ Creed, which states, “He descended into hell.” Understanding this topic requires examining the biblical teachings, historical and theological context, and the original language used in these passages.

2. Context and Background

To explore whether Jesus went to “hell” between His death and resurrection, we must consider the historical, cultural, and literary context of the New Testament writings. The term “hell” is often used in English translations, but it can refer to several different concepts in the original languages of Scripture:

• Sheol (Hebrew): In the Old Testament, “Sheol” generally refers to the grave or the abode of the dead, a place where all souls go after death, regardless of their righteousness.
• Hades (Greek): In the New Testament, “Hades” is the Greek equivalent of Sheol, representing the realm of the dead. It is distinct from “Gehenna,” which refers to a place of final judgment and punishment (often translated as “hell” in English).
• Gehenna (Greek): This term is used by Jesus to describe a place of eternal fire and judgment (e.g., Matthew 10:28), often associated with what most people think of as “hell.”

Understanding these terms is essential because the question is often confused by the translation of these distinct concepts into a single English word, “hell.” When examining whether Jesus “descended to hell,” it is more accurate to ask if He went to Sheol or Hades—the realm of the dead—rather than to a place of torment.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Several key scriptures in the NASB 2020 translation are often cited in discussions about Jesus’ descent to the realm of the dead:

• 1 Peter 3:18-20 (NASB 2020): “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark…” This passage suggests that after His death, Jesus, in spirit, made a proclamation to “the spirits in prison,” often interpreted as a visit to Hades to proclaim His victory.
• Ephesians 4:8-10 (NASB 2020): “Therefore it says, ‘When He ascended on high, He led captive the captives, And He gave gifts to people.’ (Now this expression, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)” This passage is often understood to mean that Jesus descended to the lower parts of the earth, interpreted by some as Hades, before His ascension.
• Acts 2:27 (NASB 2020), quoting Psalm 16:10: “For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, Nor allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.” This verse, quoted by Peter in his sermon at Pentecost, references Jesus’ death and resurrection, implying that His soul was not left in Hades, which some interpret to mean that He did go to the realm of the dead.

These passages suggest that Jesus did indeed descend to the realm of the dead (Hades or Sheol), not as a place of punishment, but to proclaim His victory over sin and death and to fulfill the Scriptures.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

Different Christian traditions interpret these passages in various ways:

1. Traditional View (Descent to Hades): This view holds that Jesus descended to Hades (the realm of the dead) to proclaim His victory over sin and death, freeing the righteous souls (the “captives”) who had died before His atonement. This interpretation sees this descent as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and an essential aspect of Christ’s work in redemption.
2. Metaphorical or Symbolic View: Some theologians view these passages as metaphorical or symbolic, referring to Jesus’ suffering and death rather than a literal descent to the underworld. They argue that the emphasis is on Jesus’ triumph over the powers of sin and death.
3. No Descent View: A minority of scholars believe there is no biblical basis for the idea that Jesus descended to Hades or any form of hell. They interpret the passages in 1 Peter and Ephesians differently, focusing on the idea of Jesus’ exaltation rather than a literal descent.

The view that aligns most closely with a holistic biblical understanding sees Jesus’ descent as a proclamation of His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. This aligns with the broader narrative of Scripture that portrays Jesus as victorious over all spiritual authorities (Colossians 2:15).

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that Jesus suffered in “hell” after His death. However, the Bible does not support the idea that Jesus endured further suffering after His death on the cross. His statement, “It is finished” (John 19:30), indicates that His redemptive work was complete at His death. Additionally, “hell” as a place of torment (Gehenna) is distinct from Hades, the realm of the dead, where Jesus’ descent is said to occur.

Another misunderstanding is that the Apostles’ Creed phrase “He descended into hell” refers to a literal fiery hell of torment. Instead, this phrase is better understood as “He descended to the dead” (Hades or Sheol), emphasizing His experience of death in all its fullness and His victory over it.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

Understanding Jesus’ descent to the realm of the dead provides significant spiritual insights for believers today:

• Victory Over Death: Jesus’ descent emphasizes His complete victory over death and the grave, providing assurance that death has been defeated for all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
• Proclamation of Hope: Jesus’ proclamation to the spirits demonstrates that God’s justice and mercy extend beyond our understanding, reminding us of His power to redeem and restore.
• Encouragement in Suffering: Knowing that Jesus fully experienced death’s reality encourages believers to trust in His power over all things, including suffering and death.

Practical reflections for Christians include:

• Live with Confidence: Believers can live with confidence in the victory of Christ over death, knowing that His resurrection ensures their future resurrection.
• Proclaim the Gospel Boldly: Understanding Jesus’ triumph motivates Christians to share the good news of His victory over sin and death with others.
• Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Rest in the knowledge that God’s plans and purposes extend beyond our understanding, trusting His sovereignty over life and death.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

The Bible teaches that Jesus’ descent to the realm of the dead between His death and resurrection was not an act of suffering but a declaration of victory over sin, death, and all spiritual powers. This truth reassures believers of the completeness of Christ’s work and His sovereignty over all things. Christians are encouraged to live in the light of His victory, loving what God loves, hating what He hates, and proclaiming the hope of the Gospel to a world in need of redemption.