Hades (Hay´deez)

In Greek mythology, the realm of the dead. In LXX, the word “Hades” is used to translate several Hebrew words, including “Sheol” (Gen 7:35). In the NT, written in Greek, the word “Hades” is also used to refer to the abode of the dead (Acts 2:27; Acts 2:31). A different word (“Gehenna”) is commonly used in the NT to designate the place where sinners will be punished after death (Matt 5:22). In one passage, however, Hades is presented as a place of torment (Luke 16:23).