GEHINNOM Meaning and
Definition
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Gehinnom is a term derived from Hebrew that refers to a place or state of punishment and purification in Jewish theology. It is often associated with the afterlife and is equivalent to concepts such as hell or purgatory in other religious traditions.
In Jewish belief, gehinnom is seen as a place of spiritual retribution where souls undergo a process of purification and atonement for their sins before reaching their final destination in the World to Come. The precise nature and duration of this punishment may vary within different interpretations of Judaism. Some view it as a temporary state of purification in which souls are cleansed and refined, while others regard it as a more permanent dwelling for wicked souls.
The concept of gehinnom has been influenced by both biblical and extra-biblical sources. Its origins can be traced back to the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), where the term Gehenna is mentioned as a valley near Jerusalem associated with idolatrous practices and punishment. Over time, it evolved into the concept of gehinnom as a place of post-death spiritual reckoning.
In contemporary Judaism, gehinnom is often understood metaphorically as a state of existential anguish or remorse experienced in this world rather than a literal afterlife destination. It represents a psychological or spiritual state in which one grapples with the consequences of their actions, seeking redemption and spiritual growth.
Overall, gehinnom is a complex and multifaceted concept in Jewish theology, representing both a physical location and a metaphorical state of punishment and spiritual purification.
Etymology of GEHINNOM
The word "gehinnom" is derived from the Hebrew term "Gē' Hinnōm", which means "Valley of Hinnom" or "Valley of the son of Hinnom". It refers to a valley located southwest of Jerusalem. In ancient times, this valley was associated with child sacrifice, specifically in the worship of the god Moloch. As a result, the term "gehinnom" came to represent a place of punishment or torment, both in Jewish and later Christian thought. It is often translated as "hell" in English, although the concept of gehinnom in Jewish tradition does not align entirely with the Christian understanding of hell.
