Where Did Jesus Go When He Died?

The question of where Jesus went after his death but before his resurrection is a topic of much discussion and some confusion within Christianity. Many are familiar with the phrase from the Apostles’ Creed, “He descended into hell,” which contributes to this uncertainty. To understand this question properly, it’s crucial to examine what the Bible actually says about the realm of the dead and Jesus’ state after his crucifixion.

Understanding Sheol/Hades: The Realm of the Dead

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word sheol is used to describe the place of the dead. Similarly, the New Testament uses the Greek word hades. Both terms refer to the realm where souls go after death—a temporary holding place before the final resurrection and judgment. It’s important to distinguish sheol/hades from the final state of punishment, often referred to as the lake of fire or simply “hell” in common parlance. Revelation 20:11–15 clarifies this distinction, showing Hades as a place that will eventually be emptied and death and Hades themselves cast into the lake of fire, the true and permanent hell for the lost. Therefore, hades is not the final hell, but a temporary abode.

Biblically, Sheol/Hades is understood to have two distinct divisions: a place of blessedness and a place of torment. Both are within the general realm of the dead, but separated. Jesus himself references this realm in parables and teachings (Matthew 11:23, 16:18; Luke 10:15, 16:23). Acts 2:27-31 also mentions Hades in the context of Jesus. In Luke 16:22, the blessed side is referred to as “Abraham’s bosom” or “Abraham’s side,” and in Luke 23:43, Jesus calls it “paradise.” These two sides are separated by a “great chasm,” as described in Luke 16:26, preventing passage between them.

Jesus in Paradise, Not Hell of Torment

So, Where Did Jesus Go When He Died? According to Jesus’ own words and scriptural understanding, he went to the blessed side of Sheol/Hades, which is Paradise. When Jesus spoke to the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43, he said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” This directly indicates that Jesus’ destination after death was Paradise, not a place of punishment or torment. It’s crucial to note that Jesus’ body was laid in a tomb, but his spirit went to be with God in Paradise.

Some interpretations, particularly those influenced by certain translations of the Apostles’ Creed and verses like Psalm 16:10, have led to the idea that Jesus descended into the hell of torment. However, this understanding often stems from inconsistent translations of the words sheol and hades as simply “hell.”

Misinterpretations and the Apostles’ Creed

The phrase “He descended into hell” in the Apostles’ Creed has contributed to the confusion. Historically, “hell” in this context was often understood as the realm of the dead in general, not necessarily the place of fiery torment. Therefore, “descended into hell” can be interpreted as “descended into Hades” or “descended into Sheol,” aligning with the biblical understanding of Jesus going to the realm of the dead.

Similarly, Psalm 16:10, as translated in the King James Version, reads, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Here, the word “hell” is a translation of sheol. A more accurate translation in this context would be “the grave” or “Sheol,” as the verse is prophesying that Jesus’ soul would not remain in the realm of the dead, and his body would not decay, culminating in his resurrection.

Jesus’ Sacrifice Was Complete on the Cross

The notion that Jesus went to the suffering side of Sheol/Hades to undergo further punishment for sins is unbiblical. Jesus’ sacrifice and atonement for sin were fully accomplished through his suffering and death on the cross. It was on the cross that Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This act of imputation, where our sin was placed on Christ, was the ultimate sacrifice.

When Jesus declared “It is finished” (John 19:30) on the cross, he signified that his atoning work was complete. His suffering for sin ended at his death. His spirit then went to Paradise, the blessed side of Hades, to await his resurrection. He did not need to undergo further punishment in a hell of torment.

Conclusion: Paradise, Not Hell

In conclusion, when Jesus died, he went to Sheol/Hades, the realm of the dead. However, scriptural evidence and Jesus’ own words indicate that he went to the blessed division of this realm, known as Paradise or Abraham’s bosom. He did not descend into the hell of torment to suffer further punishment. His sacrifice for sin was completed on the cross, and he entered Paradise to await his glorious resurrection. Understanding the distinction between Sheol/Hades as the realm of the dead and the lake of fire as the final hell is key to answering the question, “Where did Jesus go when he died?” He went to Paradise, a place of blessedness in the presence of God.