Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: She'al is a term found within the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "Sheol" in English. It is a significant concept in biblical theology, representing the abode of the dead. The understanding of She'al has evolved over time, reflecting the development of Israelite beliefs about the afterlife. Etymology and Usage: The Hebrew word "She'al" (שְׁאוֹל) appears numerous times in the Old Testament. It is derived from a root that may mean "to ask" or "to inquire," possibly reflecting the mysterious and unknown nature of the afterlife. In the Berean Standard Bible, She'al is typically rendered as "Sheol." Biblical References: She'al is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. It is often depicted as a shadowy place where the dead reside, regardless of their moral standing during life. For instance, in Genesis 37:35, Jacob mourns for his son Joseph, saying, "I will go down to Sheol to my son, mourning." This indicates a belief in a common destination for all the deceased. In the poetic and wisdom literature, She'al is frequently referenced. Job 7:9 states, "As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come up." This verse highlights the finality and inescapability of She'al. Similarly, Psalm 16:10 expresses a hope for deliverance from She'al: "For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay." Theological Significance: She'al is often understood as a place of waiting or rest, distinct from the later Christian concept of hell. It is not necessarily a place of punishment but rather a neutral abode for all the dead. This is evident in Ecclesiastes 9:10, which states, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." The concept of She'al reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of death and the afterlife, which was less developed than later Jewish and Christian eschatology. Over time, Jewish thought began to incorporate ideas of resurrection and judgment, which are more fully developed in the New Testament. Contrast with New Testament Teachings: In the New Testament, the understanding of the afterlife becomes more defined, with clearer distinctions between heaven and hell. The Greek term "Hades" is often used in the Septuagint to translate She'al, but the New Testament introduces concepts of eternal life and eternal punishment, as seen in passages like Matthew 25:46: "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Conclusion: While She'al is a foundational concept in the Old Testament, representing the abode of the dead, it is important to recognize its role as a precursor to more developed theological ideas about the afterlife in later biblical texts. The evolution from She'al to the New Testament teachings on heaven and hell reflects the progression of divine revelation and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity. Concordance She'al (1 Occurrence)Ezra 10:29 Thesaurus She'al (1 Occurrence)She'al. Sheal, She'al. Shealtiel . Multi-Version Concordance She'al (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:29 And of the sons of Bani: Meshullam ... /s/she'al.htm - 6k She-al'ti-el (10 Occurrences) Sheal (1 Occurrence) Shealtiel (12 Occurrences) Shean (5 Occurrences) Sheal'tiel (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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