Correct. Sheol is the Hebrew word used in these passages.

For more information on the use of this word in the Old Testament, click on "More Info on Sheol" below.

What does this Hebrew word "Sheol" mean?

According to Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, the word Sheol (Hebrew word #7585) is defined as follows: she'owl, pronounced sheh-ole'; or sheol, pronounced sheh-ole'; from #7592; Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates.

Note: The Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language. In some places in the Old Testament, Sheol is also referred to or translated as death, the grave, the pit, hell, hades, etc.

When we die, our physical bodies waste away to dust or ash...however the spiritual part of us (our soul and/or spirit) go to Sheol for a period of time awaiting the judgment day of God (see Lesson 1).  For those who die and are not in a right relationship with God, this place of death is often pictured like a prison with gates holding them until the day of judgment.

What does the Hebrew word "Abaddon" mean?

Another similar word in the Hebrew is the word "Abaddon" (pronounced ab-ad-done') an abstract word meaning destruction, a perishing. Abaddon is used in the following Old Testament scriptures:

Job 26:6 -- "Naked is Sheol before Him And Abaddon has no covering. (NAS)

Job 28:22 -- "Abaddon and death say, 'With our ears we have heard a report of it.'" (NAS)

Job 31:12 -- "For it would be fire that consumes to Abaddon, and would uproot all my increase. (NAS)

Psalm 88:11 -- Will Thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave, Thy faithfulness in Abaddon? (NAS)

Proverbs 15:11 -- Sheol and Abaddon {lie open} before the LORD, how much more the hearts of men! (NAS)

Proverbs 27:20 -- Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied. (NAS)

Revelation 9:11 -- They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon. (NAS)

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