The doctrine of eternal destiny refers to the final, everlasting state of every soul after death—either in Heaven (eternal life with God) or in Hell (eternal separation from God). This teaching is a central component in Christian theology and varies among denominations regarding the nature, duration, and conditions for entry into Heaven or Hell. Below are key KJV scriptures supporting and questioning the traditional dual-destiny view, each followed by interpretations and theological insights.
I. Scriptures Supporting the Doctrine of Eternal Destiny (Heaven or Hell)
1. Matthew 25:46 (KJV)
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Interpretation: This verse establishes a binary eternal outcome—punishment for the wicked and eternal life for the righteous.
Theological View: Evangelicals, Baptists, and Pentecostals view this as direct evidence of the eternal nature of both Heaven and Hell.
2. Luke 16:23 (KJV)
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
Interpretation: Jesus’ parable depicts immediate post-death consciousness in torment for the wicked.
Theological View: Interpreted literally by most conservative denominations as affirming the reality of Hell.
3. Revelation 20:15 (KJV)
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Interpretation: The lake of fire is equated with the second death—eternal separation from God.
Theological View: Strongly supports the traditional Hell doctrine among Protestants and Pentecostals.
4. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV)
“Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.”
Interpretation: Eternal separation from God is described as a punishment for the wicked.
Theological View: Reinforces the concept of a conscious, eternal Hell.
5. Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
“But the fearful, and unbelieving… shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Interpretation: Emphasizes moral and spiritual conditions that result in eternal damnation.
Theological View: Commonly cited by Evangelicals and Baptists for moral accountability.
6. Matthew 10:28 (KJV)
“And fear not them which kill the body… but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Interpretation: God alone has authority over eternal destiny, including the soul’s destruction in Hell.
Theological View: Taken as literal by most conservative branches.
7. Daniel 12:2 (KJV)
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Interpretation: Old Testament support for a resurrection leading to eternal destinies.
Theological View: Confirms dual destinies from a Jewish apocalyptic perspective.
8. Mark 9:43 (KJV)
“…to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.”
Interpretation: A strong image of the unending torment in Hell.
Theological View: Used to stress the urgency of repentance in Evangelical preaching.
II. Scriptures Questioning or Opposing Traditional Views of Eternal Destiny
1. Romans 6:23 (KJV)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Interpretation: The contrast is between death and eternal life, with no direct mention of Hell.
Theological View: Some see “death” as annihilation rather than eternal torment (e.g., Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists).
2. Ecclesiastes 9:5 (KJV)
“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing…”
Interpretation: Implies unconsciousness in death.
Theological View: Used by Jehovah’s Witnesses and others to argue against conscious torment.
3. Psalm 146:4 (KJV)
“His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.”
Interpretation: Suggests cessation of conscious existence at death.
Theological View: Supports soul-sleep or non-conscious intermediate state.
4. 1 Timothy 6:16 (KJV)
“Who only hath immortality…”
Interpretation: Only God possesses inherent immortality.
Theological View: Conditional immortality view—humans are not innately immortal unless granted life by God.
5. Malachi 4:1 (KJV)
“…and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble… it shall leave them neither root nor branch.”
Interpretation: Suggests complete destruction of the wicked.
Theological View: Used by Adventists to argue for annihilation rather than eternal torment.
6. Matthew 10:28 (KJV)
“…destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Interpretation: The word “destroy” (Greek apollumi) can mean total ruin or extinction.
Theological View: Supports annihilationism—destruction, not eternal conscious torment.
7. John 3:16 (KJV)
“…should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Interpretation: “Perish” contrasted with “everlasting life” implies destruction.
Theological View: Conditional immortality again inferred—only the saved live eternally.
8. Obadiah 1:16 (KJV)
“…they shall be as though they had not been.”
Interpretation: Implies total obliteration of the wicked.
Theological View: Annihilationist view, rejecting eternal torment.
Translation Debates
I. Introduction to the Translation Debate
The doctrine of the Eternal Destiny of Humanity (Heaven or Hell) depends significantly on the translation and interpretation of key biblical terms in Hebrew (Old Testament), Greek (New Testament), and English (especially the KJV). Theological perspectives vary based on how certain words are rendered—especially words translated as hell, eternal, destruction, and life.
This analysis will explore major Hebrew and Greek terms, show how the KJV renders them, identify translation problems, and examine the theological implications of these renderings.
II. Key Hebrew Terms and Translation Issues
1. שְׁאוֹל (Sheol)
Used in OT: 65 times
Meaning: Literally, “the grave,” “pit,” or the abode of the dead.
Example: Psalm 9:17 (KJV)
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
Original Word: Sheol
Translation Issue: “Hell” in this verse is Sheol, which does not necessarily imply eternal torment. It’s often used to denote the general abode of the dead, both righteous and unrighteous.
Theological View:
- Traditionalist view reads Sheol as a shadow of Hell.
- Conditionalist and annihilationist views argue this undermines the idea of conscious torment.
2. עוֹלָם (Olam)
Meaning: Long duration, eternity, or an age.
Example: Daniel 12:2 (KJV)
“…some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Original Word: Olam
Translation Issue: Olam can refer to a long but finite period. In context, it’s assumed to mean eternal, but this is debated.
Theological View:
- Some argue this supports eternal destinies.
- Others claim it reflects apocalyptic expectations without necessitating eternal torment.
III. Key Greek Terms and Translation Issues
1. γέεννα (Gehenna)
Meaning: A place of burning—originally the Valley of Hinnom, a site of idolatry and fire.
Example: Mark 9:43 (KJV)
“…to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.”
Original Word: Gehenna
Translation Issue: KJV translates Gehenna uniformly as “hell”, implying eternal torment. However, Gehenna was a known physical location, associated with judgment.
Theological View:
- Evangelicals use it as proof of a literal Hell.
- Some scholars argue Jesus was referencing national judgment on Jerusalem, not post-mortem destiny.
2. ᾅδης (Hades)
Meaning: The unseen realm of the dead.
Example: Luke 16:23 (KJV)
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…”
Original Word: Hades
Translation Issue: Hades is rendered “hell,” though it’s more accurately the intermediate state. It corresponds to Sheol in the OT.
Theological View:
- Orthodox and Catholic traditions distinguish Hades from Gehenna.
- Protestants often conflate it with eternal Hell.
3. αἰώνιος (Aionios)
Meaning: Eternal, age-lasting, or of the age.
Example: Matthew 25:46 (KJV)
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Original Word: Aionios
Translation Issue: This term can mean “eternal,” but also “pertaining to an age.” Same word used for “punishment” and “life” here—consistency argued by traditionalists.
Theological View:
- Eternalist view: both outcomes are equally eternal.
- Conditionalists say “aionios” could refer to the effect being eternal, not the experience.
4. ἀπόλλυμι (Apollumi)
Meaning: To destroy, perish.
Example: Matthew 10:28 (KJV)
“…destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Original Word: Apollumi
Translation Issue: Often translated as “destroy,” but sometimes interpreted as “ruin” rather than annihilation.
Theological View:
- Annihilationists argue this indicates the soul is fully destroyed.
- Eternalists interpret as spiritual ruin, not literal non-existence.
5. ζωή αἰώνιος (Zoe Aionios)
Meaning: Eternal life.
Example: John 3:16 (KJV)
“…should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Translation Issue: The term aionios again raises the question of whether life is infinite duration or of divine quality.
Theological View:
- Evangelicals: eternal conscious existence.
- Some Eastern Orthodox: Zoe Aionios is relational—eternal communion with God, not mere duration.
IV. English (KJV) Translation Accuracy
Strengths of the KJV:
- Faithful to available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts (Textus Receptus, Masoretic Text).
- Poetic, memorable English has preserved theological terminology.
Challenges:
- Translates Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and Tartarus all as “hell,” erasing distinctions.
- “Everlasting” is used where “age-lasting” might be more accurate (especially aionios).
- Lacks nuance in rendering “destroy,” “perish,” and “death” (especially concerning annihilationist interpretations).
Theological Impact:
- Supports a binary, eternal Heaven/Hell model.
- Less favorable to conditional immortality or annihilationism.
- Influences Protestant doctrine significantly.
V. Accuracy of Greek Texts and Modern Comparisons
The Greek NT manuscripts used for the KJV (Textus Receptus) are largely consistent with later Byzantine text types. However, modern critical editions (e.g., Nestle-Aland, UBS) have access to earlier manuscripts (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus, Vaticanus). Some scholars argue the KJV missed certain nuances due to textual limitations and evolving Greek linguistics.
Key differences in modern translations:
- Some distinguish Gehenna and Hades.
- Aionios is sometimes translated more cautiously (“age-lasting”).
- Broader scholarship has led to reassessment of “eternal torment” interpretations.
VI. Summary of the Translation and Doctrinal Debate
- Hebrew (Sheol, Olam): Often refers to the grave or long duration. Not inherently indicative of eternal torment.
- Greek (Gehenna, Hades, Aionios, Apollumi): Rich in variety; translations into English often flatten important distinctions.
- KJV Rendering: Strongly supports traditional, eternal Heaven/Hell theology. However, its uniform translation of varied terms limits interpretive options for alternative views like conditional immortality or universal reconciliation.
- Theological Divergence:
- Traditionalists favor eternal conscious torment based on consistent use of “eternal,” “hell,” and “destruction.”
- Conditionalists highlight more literal readings of “destroy,” “perish,” and suggest annihilation.
- Universalists argue “aionios” may denote an age with eventual restoration.
- Orthodox traditions often see judgment as eternal but interpret “Hell” as separation from divine love rather than a physical place of fire.
This debate is ongoing in theological scholarship and remains central to interpreting the eternal destiny of humanity within the Christian worldview.
Denominational Views
1. Roman Catholic Church
Theological View:
Belief in eternal Heaven or Hell, with Purgatory as a temporary state. Soul judged immediately after death (Particular Judgment) and finally at the Last Judgment.
For Eternal Destiny
Matthew 25:46 (KJV) – “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Greek Word: αἰώνιος (aionios) – translated “everlasting” and “eternal.”
Interpretation: Catholic theology sees this as teaching that both Heaven and Hell are of the same eternal duration.
Catechism Reference: CCC 1035 – Hell is “eternal separation from God.”
Against Traditional Hell
Hebrew Consideration: Sheol (שְׁאוֹל) is not translated as Hell in many Catholic translations (e.g., Douay-Rheims) but as “the grave” or “abode of the dead.”
Psalm 16:10 (KJV) – “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
Hebrew Word: Sheol
Interpretation: Catholic theology sees this more as the “abode of the dead,” allowing for the doctrine of Purgatory—intermediate, not eternal punishment.
2. Eastern Orthodox Church
Theological View:
Heaven and Hell are not geographic places but relational realities—God’s presence is experienced as joy (Heaven) or torment (Hell) depending on the soul’s state.
For Eternal Judgment
2 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV) – “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord…”
Greek Word: ὄλεθρον αἰώνιον (olethron aionion)
Interpretation: Teaches eternal consequence; however, Orthodox understanding is that the torment is eternal because the soul is unrepentant—not because God punishes forever.
Against Literal Hellfire
Luke 16:23 (KJV) – “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…”
Greek Word: ᾅδης (Hades)
Interpretation: Seen more as allegorical and symbolic—used to describe the reality of separation from divine communion, not literal flames.
3. Evangelical
Theological View:
Generally affirms eternal conscious torment for the lost and eternal bliss for the saved. Strong reliance on the KJV and literal interpretation.
For Eternal Torment
Revelation 20:10 (KJV) – “And the devil…shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Greek Phrase: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (eis tous aionas ton aionon)
Interpretation: Emphasized as clear proof of eternal duration and conscious torment.
Against Eternal Hell (minority view within Evangelicals)
Romans 6:23 (KJV) – “For the wages of sin is death…”
Greek Word: θάνατος (thanatos)
Interpretation: Conditionalists argue this refers to literal death (nonexistence), not eternal suffering.
4. Protestant (General)
Theological View:
Historically affirms traditional Heaven and Hell; however, some branches are open to annihilationism or universal reconciliation.
For Eternal Hell
Mark 9:44 (KJV) – “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
Greek Word: σκώληξ (skōlēx) and πῦρ (pur)
Interpretation: Seen as imagery of unending punishment, reinforcing eternal hellfire.
Against Eternal Torment
Ezekiel 18:4 (KJV) – “…the soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
Hebrew Word: מוּת (muth) – to die physically.
Interpretation: Some Protestants argue for conditional immortality, suggesting the soul ceases to exist.
5. Baptist (Southern & Independent)
Theological View:
Affirms eternal conscious punishment in Hell; very literal KJV interpretation, especially among Independent Baptists.
For Eternal Hell
John 3:36 (KJV) – “…but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Greek Word: μένει (menei) – remains, continues.
Interpretation: God’s wrath is not temporary but continues eternally.
Against – Alternative Baptist Views
Matthew 10:28 (KJV) – “…destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Greek Word: ἀπόλλυμι (apollumi) – to destroy completely.
Interpretation: Some suggest “destroy” means annihilation rather than ongoing suffering.
6. Methodist (United Methodist, AME)
Theological View:
Traditionally affirms Heaven and Hell; however, some liberal branches lean toward universalism or symbolic interpretations.
For Eternal Judgment
Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) – “…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
Greek Word: κρίσις (krisis) – judicial sentence.
Interpretation: Life ends in judgment, leading to eternal destiny.
Against Eternal Hell – Universalist Leanings
1 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) – “Who will have all men to be saved…”
Greek Word: πάντας (pantas) – all.
Interpretation: Used to argue for universal salvation or a non-eternal Hell.
7. Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA)
Theological View:
Traditionally holds to eternal conscious punishment, though ELCA leans more progressive.
For Eternal Destiny
Matthew 13:50 (KJV) – “And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Greek Word: κλαυθμὸς (klauthmos) – wailing, πῦρ (pur) – fire.
Interpretation: Seen as literal depiction of Hell’s suffering.
Against Eternal Punishment (ELCA interpretation)
Psalm 103:9 (KJV) – “…neither will he keep his anger for ever.”
Hebrew Word: לְעוֹלָם (le’olam) – not always.
Interpretation: Suggests God’s mercy eventually ends judgment.
8. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI)
Theological View:
Strongly affirms eternal Heaven and Hell with emphasis on experiential reality and judgment.
For Eternal Torment
Revelation 14:11 (KJV) – “…the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever…”
Greek Phrase: εἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων
Interpretation: Pentecostals stress urgency of salvation due to eternal judgment.
Against Eternal Hell (UPCOneness Subgroups)
Malachi 4:1 (KJV) – “…all that do wickedly, shall be stubble…”
Hebrew Word: קש (qash) – stubble, consumed.
Interpretation: Sometimes used to support annihilation.
9. Jehovah’s Witnesses
Theological View:
Reject eternal torment; affirm annihilation of the wicked and resurrection of the righteous.
Against Eternal Hell
Ecclesiastes 9:5 (KJV) – “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing…”
Hebrew Word: יָדַע (yada) – to know.
Interpretation: Supports unconscious non-existence after death.
For Eternal Reward (Heaven for 144,000)
Revelation 7:4 (KJV) – “…an hundred and forty and four thousand…”
Greek Word: ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες
Interpretation: Only select will be in Heaven; the rest live on a restored Earth.
10. Mormonism (LDS)
Theological View:
Three degrees of glory: Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial. Hell is temporary (Spirit Prison), outer darkness for a few.
Against Eternal Hell
2 Nephi 9:12 (Book of Mormon) – Used with 1 Corinthians 15:22 (KJV) – “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Greek Word: ζῳοποιηθήσονται (zōopoiēthēsontai) – made alive.
Interpretation: Universal resurrection, degrees of reward, very limited eternal punishment.
11. Seventh-day Adventist
Theological View:
Reject eternal torment; believe in soul sleep and annihilation of the wicked.
Against Eternal Hell
Malachi 4:3 (KJV) – “…the wicked…shall be ashes under the soles of your feet.”
Hebrew Word: אֵ֫פֶר (epher) – ashes.
Interpretation: Complete destruction, not eternal suffering.
For Eternal Life (Only for Saved)
John 3:16 (KJV) – “…should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Greek Word: ἀπόληται (apolētai) – to perish.
Interpretation: Wicked perish, not suffer forever.
Summary of Denominational Views & Translation Debate
- Traditionalists (Catholic, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Conservative Protestants): Emphasize aionios and Gehenna as proving eternal conscious punishment.
- Conditionalists (Adventists, some Baptists, Methodists): Focus on apollumi, thanatos, and epher to support annihilation.
- Universalists (some Methodist, Eastern Orthodox): Highlight verses showing God’s mercy (le’olam, pantas) and interpret aionios as age-long, not eternal.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses and LDS: Use Sheol, Hades, and KJV texts selectively with doctrinal expansions from other scriptures (Book of Mormon, NWT).
Translation debates—especially surrounding Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, Aionios, and Apollumi—significantly shape these doctrinal differences. The KJV’s choices have supported eternalist theology but also left room for debate, especially where words imply destruction or age-lasting concepts rather than infinite duration.
Conclusion
The doctrine of the eternal destiny of humanity continues to be one of the most debated theological issues across Christian denominations. At its heart is the question of what happens after death: eternal reward in Heaven or eternal punishment in Hell—or something else entirely?
The King James Version (KJV), with its strong use of terms like “everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46), “tormented day and night forever” (Revelation 20:10), and “furnace of fire” (Matthew 13:50), has been central in shaping doctrines of eternal conscious torment. However, Greek and Hebrew word analysis reveals nuances in words such as αἰώνιος (aionios – eternal/age-lasting), ἀπόλλυμι (apollumi – destroy/perish), and שְׁאוֹל (Sheol – grave/abode of the dead). These differences in translation and interpretation have led to varied doctrinal conclusions:
- Some groups (e.g., Catholics, Pentecostals, Evangelicals) affirm eternal torment.
- Others (e.g., Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists) deny eternal suffering and promote annihilation or unconsciousness.
- Still others (e.g., some Methodists, Eastern Orthodox) suggest universalism or metaphorical interpretations of Hell.
These theological positions reflect not only doctrinal priorities but also translation philosophies and interpretations of key biblical terms.
Table 1: Denominational Views – For Eternal Destiny of Heaven or Hell
| Denomination | View | Interpretation | Scripture Basis (KJV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | Eternal Heaven/Hell; includes Purgatory | Aionios = eternal; Hell is eternal separation from God | Matthew 25:46 (KJV) – “everlasting punishment… life eternal” |
| Eastern Orthodox | Heaven/Hell are eternal spiritual realities | Olethron aionion = eternal loss of communion | 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV) – “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord” |
| Evangelical | Eternal conscious torment | Eis tous aionas ton aionon = forever and ever | Revelation 20:10 (KJV) – “tormented day and night for ever and ever” |
| Protestant (General) | Eternal punishment | Hellfire is literal and conscious | Mark 9:44 (KJV) – “fire is not quenched” |
| Baptist | Literal eternal Hell | Wrath remains forever | John 3:36 (KJV) – “the wrath of God abideth on him” |
| Methodist | Traditional view: Eternal Heaven/Hell | Judgment is final and irreversible | Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) – “after this the judgment” |
| Lutheran | Eternal judgment | Separation from God in fire | Matthew 13:50 (KJV) – “furnace of fire… gnashing of teeth” |
| Pentecostal | Eternal torment | Unending smoke/torment | Revelation 14:11 (KJV) – “torment ascendeth up for ever and ever” |
| Mormon (LDS) | Degrees of glory, some form of eternal separation | “Eternal” punishment exists, but differs by degree | 1 Corinthians 15:22 (KJV) – “in Christ shall all be made alive” (used to support universal resurrection) |
Table 2: Denominational Views – Against Eternal Hell or Alternative Interpretations
| Denomination | View | Argument/Interpretation Against | Scripture Basis (KJV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | Temporary Purgatory; not all punishment is eternal | Sheol is temporary dwelling, not Hell | Psalm 16:10 (KJV) – “thou wilt not leave my soul in hell” |
| Eastern Orthodox | Hell is relational, not literal | Hades = spiritual state, not fiery torment | Luke 16:23 (KJV) – “in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments” (seen symbolically) |
| Evangelical (minority) | Annihilationism (conditional immortality) | Thanatos = actual death | Romans 6:23 (KJV) – “the wages of sin is death” |
| Protestant (Some branches) | Annihilation or universalism | Muth = die, not eternal torment | Ezekiel 18:4 (KJV) – “the soul that sinneth, it shall die” |
| Baptist (some Independent) | Annihilation | Apollumi = destroy, not torment forever | Matthew 10:28 (KJV) – “destroy both soul and body in hell” |
| Methodist (liberal branches) | Universal reconciliation | God wills all saved | 1 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) – “Who will have all men to be saved” |
| Lutheran (ELCA) | Some question eternal torment | God’s anger doesn’t last forever | Psalm 103:9 (KJV) – “neither will he keep his anger for ever” |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | No eternal Hell, only annihilation | Sheol = unconscious nonexistence | Ecclesiastes 9:5 (KJV) – “the dead know not any thing” |
| Mormon (LDS) | Hell is temporary except for few | Emphasize degrees of reward | 2 Nephi 9:12 (BOM) + 1 Cor. 15:22 (KJV) – “in Christ shall all be made alive” |
| Seventh-day Adventist | No eternal torment; soul sleep | Wicked become ashes | Malachi 4:3 (KJV) – “the wicked… shall be ashes under the soles of your feet” |
Summary of Views & Interpretations
- Traditional Literalists (Catholic, Evangelical, Pentecostal, conservative Protestants and Baptists): Emphasize verses with “everlasting punishment”, using Greek “aionios” as “eternal” in the strongest sense.
- Annihilationists (Seventh-day Adventists, some Baptists, Jehovah’s Witnesses): Emphasize verses where death, destruction, and ashes are used; argue that “eternal” refers to permanent result, not ongoing torment.
- Universalists and Relational Interpreters (Eastern Orthodox, liberal Methodists): Interpret Hell metaphorically or temporally, emphasizing God’s mercy and relational justice.
- Translation Issues: Words like Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and Aionios are crucial. KJV aligns with eternalist readings, but Hebrew and Greek nuances open the door to alternative doctrines.
This complex doctrinal landscape is shaped by more than scripture alone—it is also forged through translation choices, theological frameworks, and tradition within each faith community.