Does hell have levels, each with a different degree of punishment?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not explicitly describe levels of hell, but it consistently warns of eternal punishment for the wicked and eternal life for the righteous (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 7:13-14). While Revelation 20:11-15 may suggest that judgment is based on our deeds, the emphasis is on avoiding hell rather than debating its degrees of torment. Jesus frequently warned of hell’s severity, as seen in Luke 16:19-31, where the rich man experienced agony and begged for relief. The idea of different levels of hell was popularized by Dante’s Divine Comedy , but it is not an explicitly biblical doctrine. The Bible does, however, indicate that some will face greater consequences than others in hell (Matthew 11:22, 11:24; Luke 10; Luke 12:47-48). Instead of speculating on hell’s structure, we should focus on accepting Christ’s salvation and sharing the gospel so others may escape eternal separation from God (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Potential levels of hell are not recorded in the Old Testament. Rather, the Old Testament consistently presents a contrast between the blessed side of eternity and the side of punishment. The righteous are promised rest and peace in God's presence (Psalm 16:10-11; Daniel 12:2-3), while the wicked face judgment and separation from Him (Isaiah 66:24; Psalm 9:17).
• This division is seen in Sheol, the realm of the dead, where the faithful anticipate God's redemption, and the unfaithful experience distress (Job 21:30; Proverbs 15:24). Though the concept of eternal destinations is more fully revealed in the New Testament, the Old Testament affirms that God's justice ensures both reward and punishment beyond this life.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• While it is not enjoyable to discuss the afterlife of unbelievers, Jesus was clear that many would spend the afterlife apart from Him. Matthew 7:13-14 notes, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Notice that Jesus emphasized following Him to avoid hell, not to seek a lower punishment in hell.
• Luke 16:19-31 notes the punishment of hell will be severe for all who endure it. In Luke 16:24, a certain rich man begged for a drop of water on his tongue to quench his agony. Furthermore, he begged God to send someone to warn his family about the agony of hell so they would not receive the same punishment (Luke 16:28).
• Revelation 20:11-15 is the primary passage to support the possibility of levels in hell . There, people are judged according to what they had done as "recorded in the books" (Revelation 20:12). While this may indicate that the "lake of fire" is made up of varying degrees of torment, the Bible emphasizes avoiding eternal separation from God as He desires that no one would perish (John 3:16) but that we would have eternal life.
• Scripture focuses on avoiding hell and helping others to avoid it rather than on possible degrees or levels of hell . God went to great lengths to provide salvation for us through Jesus, including subjecting His own son to a painful crucifixion. He did this to provide an opportunity for us to experience eternity with Him. We are called to receive Him (John 1:12) as well as to tell others about the love of Christ so that they, too, can enjoy heaven with Him (Matthew 28:18-20).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Bible does not explicitly tell us whether there are different "levels" of hell. Rather, the idea that hell includes different levels was first popularized in the Divine Comedy written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and 1321. In it, Roman poet Virgil guides Dante through the nine circles of hell. The circles are concentric, representing a gradual increase in wickedness, and culminating at the center of the earth, where Satan is held in bondage. Each circle's sinners are punished in a fashion befitting their crimes. Each sinner is afflicted for all of eternity by the chief sin he committed. According to Dante, the circles range from the first circle, where dwell the unbaptized and virtuous pagans, to the very center of hell reserved for those who have committed the ultimate sin—treachery against God.

We often focus on the details of hell, but the Bible’s primary concern is that we do not end up there. Whether or not hell has different levels, it is a place of suffering and separation from God—a fate Jesus repeatedly warned against. Instead of speculating on degrees of punishment, we should focus on the certainty of God’s justice and His offer of salvation. God does not desire that anyone perish (2 Peter 3:9), and He has made a way for us to be with Him through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). We should respond with gratitude for our salvation and urgency in sharing the gospel so others may escape judgment and receive eternal life.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not explicitly describe levels of hell, though it warns of eternal punishment for the wicked.
• The Bible’s focus is on avoiding hell through salvation in Christ.
• The idea of different levels of hell comes from Dante’s Divine Comedy, not Scripture.(see my previous comments with scriptural references – for some reason, Docs isn’t allowing me to “comment” on this.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that the Bible emphasizes avoiding hell rather than describing whether or not it has levels affect your understanding of what God wants us to know?
• How does Jesus’ warnings about hell challenge how you view eternity?
• How does God's desire that no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9) impact your view of His character and the way you share your faith?

ENGAGE

• Why do you think the Bible focuses on salvation rather than on the structure of hell?
• How does the idea of eternal separation from God impact the urgency of sharing the gospel with others?
• What are some ways we can help people understand the seriousness of sin and eternity without relying on extra-biblical ideas?