Brief Overview of ᾅδης (Strong’s G86: hadēs)

ᾅδης (Hades):
The Greek word “ᾅδης” (G86) is often translated as “Hades” or “hell” in English. It refers to the abode of the dead or the underworld, a place where the souls of the deceased reside.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ᾅδης (Hades):

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: Strong’s Concordance (G86) defines “ᾅδης” as the “unseen world” or “the place (state) of departed souls.” It is equivalent to the Hebrew term “Sheol,” representing the abode of the dead, particularly the wicked.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon explains “ᾅδης” as the “region of departed spirits of the lost” or “hell.” It is used in the New Testament to denote the place of future punishment and is often associated with a realm of suffering for the ungodly. Thayer notes its usage in both the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) and the New Testament, indicating it as the underworld where souls await final judgment.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary describes “ᾅδης” as the “underworld” or “the realm of the dead.” It contrasts “Hades” with “Gehenna,” another term for hell, emphasizing that “Hades” is a temporary place where souls reside until the final judgment. Vine highlights that “Hades” is the intermediate state between death and the resurrection.

1. BDAG Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: BDAG defines “ᾅδης” as “the netherworld” or “the abode of the dead.” It explains that in the New Testament, “ᾅδης” often carries the connotation of a place of punishment and suffering for the wicked after death. BDAG also notes that “ᾅδης” is occasionally used more generally to refer to the state of death or the grave.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

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• Meaning: LSJ describes “ᾅδης” as “the unseen world” or “the underworld.” In classical Greek literature, it is the realm of Hades, the god of the underworld, and it is where the souls of the dead reside. LSJ notes that “ᾅδης” can refer to both a general concept of the afterlife and a specific place of punishment.

Usage in the New Testament:

• Example: In Luke 16:23, “ᾅδης” is used in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man finds himself in a place of torment after death. This illustrates “ᾅδης” as a place of suffering for the unrighteous.
• Example: In Revelation 1:18, Jesus says He holds “the keys of death and Hades,” indicating His authority over the realm of the dead.

Summary:
The Greek term “ᾅδης” (G86), often translated as “Hades” or “hell,” refers to