Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛhɛnə] (IPA) 
The word "gehenna" is used in some religious contexts to refer to a place of punishment or eternal damnation. The spelling can be tricky, as it includes both the hard "g" sound and the double "n" at the end. To break it down phonetically, "gehenna" is pronounced /ɡəˈhɛnə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "g" sound is like the one in "go", and the "h" is pronounced like "he". The double "n" creates a nasal sound at the end.
Gehenna is a term with both historical and religious significance. Derived from the Hebrew word "Gê Hinnōm," it carries different interpretations across various religious traditions, primarily Judaism and Christianity. Historically, Gehenna refers to a valley located near Jerusalem, known as the Hinnom Valley, mentioned in biblical texts. It held significant historical and cultural relevance for the ancient Israelites.
In religious contexts, Gehenna is often associated with a place of punishment or the afterlife. In Judaism, it is considered a location of purification, where souls are cleansed after death before entering their final destination. It is understood as a temporary state rather than an eternal realm of torment.
In Christianity, Gehenna is portrayed as a place of eternal punishment or hell. It is frequently depicted in teachings as a realm of fiery torment where the wicked or unrighteous souls suffer for their transgressions. This concept of Gehenna as hell is found in various Christian denominations and is mentioned in the New Testament.
In summary, Gehenna refers to both a geographical location near Jerusalem and a theological concept of punishment or cleansing after death. Its interpretation varies across religious traditions, representing either a temporary process of purification or a place of eternal torment.
The valley where the Jews burnt their children in the fire to Moloch: in Scrip., used as a type of hell.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "gehenna" has its etymological roots in the Hebrew language. In Hebrew, it is spelled as גֵּיהִנּוֹם (Gēhinnōm). The term originally referred to the "Valley of Hinnom", located just outside the ancient city of Jerusalem.
In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), Gehenna was a place associated with sacrifice, specifically child sacrifices offered to the Canaanite god Moloch. It later became a symbol of divine punishment and judgement. In Jewish tradition, Gehenna was seen as a place of purification and atonement.
The word Gehenna was then adopted into Greek as γέεννα (Geenna) in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Within Christian theology, Gehenna is interpreted as a metaphorical reference to hell or a place of eternal punishment.
