“Then Jesus took the teenage girl and threw her into the fire. As he watched her scream in the flames, he said unto her, ‘Your parents warned you, but you did not listen!'” (Matthew 10:28, according to Calvinism)
Sounds too harsh? Sadly, this is exactly how many Christians today read Matthew 10:28:
“What Scripture tells us is that all of mankind are children of wrath. We are objects of the hatred of God by nature. We don’t deserve His love… God is not unjust to hate mankind because mankind is a hateful thing by nature. It ought to be hated.1“
(Calvinist Pastor Tim Conway on “I’ll Be Honest” YouTube channel, 80 million views)
This article will explore two verses frequently cited by proponents of the Augustinian-Calvinist doctrine of hellfire. The first verse, from the Old Testament, is Proverbs 1:7, which in English states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” The second verse, unrelated to the first, is from the New Testament, Luke 12:5, which is also referenced in Matthew 10:28: “Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Old Testament Fear
Have you ever ascended to the summit of the Eiffel Tower or stood at the prow of a boat amidst the vast ocean? Maybe you’ve perched on the edge of a mountain cliff or lain under a star-studded sky in the desert. If you have, you might remember the deep sense of awe, reverence, and sheer wonder that enveloped you. Undoubtedly, even the most courageous adventurer standing at the edge of an Olympic springboard would be hard-pressed to keep their heart from trembling. All of these feelings could be best described as YIR’AH.
While some English translations choose the English word “fear” to translate YIR’AH, other translations use “Awe,” “Respect,” and “Reverence.”
Moses was overcome with YIR’AH when he pleaded with God to witness His glory (Exodus 33). Similarly, the Israelites were steeped in YIR’AH when Moses descended from Mount Sinai with a shining face (Exodus 34).
In short, YIR’AH most often relates to experiencing something that surpasses one’s abilities and comprehension.
To the modern eye, the concept of “fearing God” may initially appear to imply being scared, terrified, or afraid of God, but this isn’t the biblical meaning. Being scared of someone doesn’t entail knowledge. Instead, YIR’AH of God encapsulates a sense of awe, respect, and reverence toward God’s majesty. You only want to study something—or someone—thoughtfully when you are in awe of them.
YIR’AH is an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty over all things, being all-powerful, etc. In the Old Testament, a Hebrew root with multiple meanings—Y-R-A—conveys different ideas depending on the context. YARE & YIR’AH are examples of Hebrew words derived from this root, meaning reverence, respect, or awe. In Genesis 22:12, it is used to describe Abraham’s respect and trust in God:
“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you YIR’AH God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
Genesis 22:12
Proverbs 1:7
In Proverbs 1:7, YIR’AH is used to describe wisdom and knowledge:
The fear of (YIRAT) the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7
In this Proverb, the contrast of knowledge is despising wisdom and instruction, while the contrast of YIR’AH is a foolish person. If YIR’AH were about being scared-terrified, then the opposite would not be a foolish person who despises wisdom but fearlessness. In this context, having YIR’AH —or being impressed with God—is the opposite of a fool: someone who rejects wisdom and instruction.
For illustration’s sake, imagine a master craftsman and an apprentice. The apprentice must approach the master with respect and a willingness to learn, recognizing the master’s expertise and authority. If the apprentice despises the master’s instruction, they are unlikely to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a craftsman themselves. YIR’AH, in this case, represents the apprentice’s awe and respect for the master, which is essential for true learning. In contrast, a fool is like an apprentice who rejects the master’s wisdom, thereby missing the opportunity to grow and develop.
Scared \ Terrified in the Bible
The Hebrew words in the Hebrew Scriptures that describe what we in modern language consider “fear” are EIMAH (terror) and PACHAD (scare). These are when you are afraid for your life, fearing someone will want to hurt you or kill you. However, the words used in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10 are different, meaning “awe” or “reverence.” In other words, wisdom begins with awe and respect for God, not with fearing he’ll kill you…
In the New Testament, when Paul delivered his sermon in the synagogue at Antioch, he addressed two distinct groups: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen” (Acts 13:16). “God-fearers” is a known phrase meant to describe Gentiles who demonstrated deep respect and reverence for the God of Israel. In the Book of Acts, “God-fearing Gentiles” (Acts 13:26) refers to Gentiles (non-Jews) who were attracted to Judaism and its teachings but had not fully converted to Judaism.
Paul didn’t refer in his sermon to people who were scared-terrified of the God of Israel. On the contrary, they were drawn to Him because they were in awe and respected Him. They admired the God of Israel’s power, justice, and goodness. Their “fear” was not one that repels but one that attracts and motivates obedience, encourages humility and fosters a more profound, respectful relationship with God.
New Testament Fear
(“Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell”)
Luke 12:5 (Matthew 10:28)
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” 4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell [Gehenna]. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:1-7
If you’ve been around the hell discussion long enough, you may have heard some advocates of the Augusinian-Calvinist hellfire explain that it’s not really God who will send you to hellfire or torture you forever but Satan and his demons or that God doesn’t cast anyone to hell because we send ourselves there. However, these same people also often cite Luke 12, contradictingly arguing for the necessity to fear God, who allegedly may throw you into the fire to consume your flesh forever for misdeeds. Luke 12:5, along with Matthew 10:28, has been a subject of intense debate among devout Christians. Some English Bible translations reflect that view well:
But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has the power to throw that person into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
NASB
Notice that “One,” “Him,” and “He” are capitalized, indicating the translator’s theological belief that these words speak of God. The NLV takes it a step further, explicitly using the word “God”:
But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.
NLV
However, many other translations have refrained from interpreting the verse, instead adhering to the original Greek text. For instance:
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
KJV
But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
ASV
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
NIV
The meaning of the Greek word τὸν (ton) means “to/he/the” (definite article). As you can see, some translations have decided to translate the word “τὸν” in Luke 12:5 as God, while most others have kept it neutral.
The word μετά (meta) in verse 5, often translated as “after,” can also be translated as “also” or “not only.” In that case, the audience is to fear X, who can destroy not only their body but also their soul.
Context
Understanding any verse in the Bible necessitates considering its context. Luke 12 is embedded within a broader dialogue where Jesus discusses matters of the heart. In this segment, the focus is on being wise (12:1) while not being fearful (12:4,7).
The verse in question is part of a passage where Jesus exhorts his followers not to fear their persecutors. Subsequently, Jesus reassures his disciples not to live in fear (12:6-7), emphasizing God’s care for them. It seems illogical and contradictory to suggest that Jesus, having devoted this teaching to the theme of not being afraid, would simultaneously instill cosmic fear in his young Jewish disciples. In verses 22-32, Jesus reiterates again his teaching not to fear, emphasizing God’s care for them.
Ignoring Luke 12’s context has led to confusing and contradictory statements, such as the one expressed by R.C. Sproul in his commentary: “On the one hand, we should fear Him. On the other hand, we should not fear.“
What if Jesus Did Speak of God?
For the sake of argument, let’s assume Jesus was speaking not of Satan or some human authority like a priest, judge, or Roman officials—as some theologians believe—but of God. How, then, can we understand Luke 12:1-7?
Luke 12 begins with Jesus’s warning against the “leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (12:1). Here, Jesus is warning against the sin of religious hypocrisy. Hypocrisy involves living a double life. On the outside, you exhibit a façade of righteousness and judge others according to religious standards you yourself don’t live up to, but behind closed doors, you are filled with evil. That’s why Jesus called the Pharisees “whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean” (Matthew 23:27).
In Judaism, shame is regarded as equally detrimental as death, if not more so (Bava Metzia 59a). Given that Gehenna-hell was an actual geographical location historically associated with shame and still repletes with repulsive waste incinerated in fire and worms-consuming remnants—also symbolizing profound shame—it can be construed as a cautionary tale that God might expose religious hypocrisy, potentially leading individuals to a life of shame.
Long story short, you may be able to fool people but not God, who can and will expose your hypocrisy if you fail to repent. And when He does, society may turn you into an outcast. This is precisely the warning Jesus gives in verse 2:
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
Luke 12:2-3
In summary, Luke 12 can be seen as a caution against the sin of hypocrisy, which has the potential to ruin one’s soul and lead to being an outcast. Sin’s influence extends beyond mere physical death; it can corrupt the soul.
At the national level, this was precisely Israel’s fate. The religious leaders of Israel failed to turn away from their hypocrisy, resulting in the devastation of Jerusalem and the temple, followed by exile. Consequently, numerous Jews faced poverty and homelessness, forced to forage for sustenance, enduring what could be described as a literal hell.
Destroy the Soul?
Matthew 10:28 echoes the message of Jesus found in Luke 12, almost verbatim, stating:
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy [apollumi] both soul and body in hell [Gehenna].
Matthew 10:28 (ESV)
Here, the Greek word for “destroy” is “apollumi,” which, according to Strong’s Concordance, means “to destroy, destroy utterly.” Suppose we follow a literal interpretation of this verse and interpret it as speaking of Hellfire. In that case, the implication is not that of eternal conscious torment but rather the complete cessation of existence—both physical and spiritual annihilation. This stands in contrast to the notion of Eternal Conscious Torment, which suggests ongoing, unending suffering.
Alternative Interpretations
Some scholars suggest that verse 5 refers not to God but to the reality of evil or the social consequences of one’s actions. This interpretation aligns with the broader moral and spiritual vigilance theme in Luke’s Gospel. Other scholars suggest that the verse speaks of Satan. For instance, N.T. Wright argues:
Some have seen “the one who can cast into Gehenna” as YHWH; but this is unrealistic. Jesus did not perceive Israel’s God as a kindly liberal godfather who would never hurt a fly, let alone send anyone to Gehenna. But again and again—not least in the very next verse of this paragraph—Israel’s God is portrayed as the creator and sustainer, one who can be lovingly trusted in all circumstances, not one who waits with a large stick to beat anyone who steps out of line. Rather, here we have a redefinition of the battle in terms of the identification of the real enemy. The one who can kill the body is the imagined enemy, Rome. Who, then, is the real enemy? Surely not Israel’s own God. The real enemy is the accuser, the satan.
N.T. Wright
Another possible interpretation suggests this verse speaks of people in authority, those who can both order the killing of your body, put your memory to shame or turn you into an outcast scavenging for leftovers in the Valley of Hinnom just to survive another day. Regardless of the interpretation you feel most comfortable with, it’s very unlikely that Jesus alluded to the Augustinian-Calvinist concept of Hellfire.
Fear and Trembling?
Another loved verse by fundamentalists is Philippians 2:12:
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Philippians 2:12, NIV
John Bertram Phillips, most noted for his The New Testament in Modern English, wrote:
I had for some time been worried about the expression “fear and trembling.” It did not seem likely to me that Paul in writing to the Philippians could have meant literally that they were to work out their salvation in a condition of anxiety and nervousness. We all know that fear destroys love and spoils relationships, and a great deal of the New Testament is taken up with getting rid of the old ideas of fear and substituting the new ideas of love and trust. I realized that the Greek word translated ‘fear’ can equally well mean ‘reverence’ or ‘awe’ or even ‘respect,’ but I was bothered about the ‘trembling.’ Surely the same Spirit who inspired Paul to write to Timothy that ‘God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind’ could not also have meant us to live our entire lives in a state of nervous terror. I came to the conclusion, a little reluctantly, that the expression ‘in fear and trembling’ had become a bit of a cliche’, even as it has in some circles today. As I went on translating I found that this must be the case. For when Paul wrote to the Corinthians and reported that Titus had been encouraged and refreshed by their reception of him, he then went on to say that the Corinthian Christians received him with ‘fear and trembling’! (2 Cor. 7:15) Now this makes nonsense, unless it is a purely conventional verbal form implying proper respect. For, little as we know of Titus, we cannot imagine any real Christian minister being encouraged and refreshed by a display of nervous anxiety.
This article was a copy-paste from my new book on hell: HELL: A Jewish Perspective on a Christian Doctrine
- [i] “God Hates the Sin and the Sinner – Tim Conway“, YouTube, Sep 18, 2018. ↩︎