What is Sheol / Hades ?

Understanding Sheol and Hades results in deeper comprehension of many Bible teachings.
It is first good to establish that the Hebrew word Sheol, is the equivalent of the Greek, Hades.
We see that demonstrated by a comparison of Acts 2:27 (Hades - Greek) and Psalm 16:10 (Sheol - Hebrew).

The Greek word Hades (G-86) 
(https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g86) 
consists of a combination of two Greek words--
{From ἄλφα (G1) (as negative particle) and εἴδω(G1492)}.

The combination (G1-"not" + G1492-"perceiving"), means, to be conceptually blind... unable to perceive spiritual light *(Mark 4:12; Eph.4:18)*. Hades is the symbolic and spiritual consignment, of those in spiritual darkness (Eph.4:18;  2Cor. 4:3-4; John 12:35;  1John 1:6;  1Thess. 5:4)... not "the common grave of mankind", as we were deceived into believing by the "wormwood" of the "Watchtower", and other teachers who do not have the light of truth (Rev.8:10-11; Jer.23:15-16; James 3:1; Matt.12:36)(Mal.2:7; Rev.5:10;  1Pet. 2:9; Acts 26:18). 

True, those in the realm of Hades, are considered spiritually dead (Eph.2:1), which is of greater importance than being physically dead 

(John 6:63 NIV ; Matt.10:28>"Gehenna", not "Hades").

The "realm" of those who occupy this darkened condition, is symbolically depicted in the book of Revelation, as the abyss 

(Rev.9:1; Rev.11:7) and as the sea / deep (Rev.11:7; Rev.13:1; Isa.57:20; Jude 1:13).

Accordingly, Hades can be occupied by those who are conscious, but considered spiritually dead (Eph.2:1; Ephesians 2:5; Col.2:13). Christ was there after his death (Rom.10:7; Acts 2:31) in order to preach to it's occupants (1Pet.3:19-20; Jude 1:6; 2Pet.2:4)  (Isa.49:9) (Isaiah 42:7). 

It is a realm without the light of the knowledge of God, without which, we are in a spiritually dead condition (Isa.59:10; Hosea 4:6; Rom.2:19; 1:21; 1John2:11; 3:15).

Only those called out of that realm, gain understanding (1Pet.2:9; Col.1:13; John 1:4; 2Cor.3:16; Isa.60:2) through Christ. Those not granted, do not gain spiritual sight (Mark 4:11-12; Isa.6:9). They remain under the power of the spiritual realm, Hades (Ps.74:20).

When we ourselves have "light" concerning the meaning of Sheol/Hades/Abyss/Sea/Deep;
we then have an advantage, when it comes to grasping the meaning behind such verses, as Rev.13:1 , Revelation 11:7 and Revelation 9:1.
We then can "make our minds over", and remove former "Watchtower" misconceptions,
such as the doctrine which asserts that the Wild Beast arising from the sea (Isa.57:20; Rev.13:1 and Revelation 17:8) is coming forth from "a place of inactivity". No... that is not the Bible's meaning of the abyss.

Satan's "abyss" of deception (LINK), is quite active in the minds of men. It is the source of the false prophet's great deceptive power, and the birthplace/source, of the Wild Beast/locust-scorpion collective (Rev.8:10-11; Revelation 9:1,2,3; Joel 2:2) 

("fallen-star") (greatest-tribulation/army).

(LINK) (LINK)

Since Adam, we are all (including the Chosen) born under the realm of Hades, and the dominion of it's agents. (Isa.25:7; Eph.6:11-12)

 

Luke 6:39

Without the salvation granted by God, we would remain under that consignment of "darkness", confusion, "Babylon the Great", and death (John 3:18).
The power and realm of deception and death (Hades), is also symbolized as a covenant/"mother", of death 
(Isa.28:15; Rev.9:1; Revelation 17:5)
"She", has a husband (Heb.2:14; Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1).
All "her" children, are born spiritually blind and corrupted, and prisoners of death.
The power and realm of light and life, is also symbolized as a covenant/"mother", of life (Gal.4:26,24). 

"She", also has a husband (2Cor. 11:2; Rev.14:4-5; Rev.21:9-10; Rev.3:12; Rev.22:17).
Those born to her (Gal.4:19; Rev.12:1-2; John 3:3), are given spiritual enlightenment, and are her "seed" (Gen.3:15; Rev.12:17).
(Virgins / Harlots)
 
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