of Hebrew origin (גַּיְא and הִנֹּם); valley of (the son of) Hinnom; ge-henna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment:--hell.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **géenna**, represented by `{{G1067}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to the valley of Hinnom. It appears **12 times** in **12 unique verses** in the Bible. Figuratively, it is used as a name for the place or state of everlasting punishment, commonly translated as **hell**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1067}}` is used to convey the severity of divine judgment. Jesus warns to fear God, who is **able** `{{G1410}}` to **destroy** `{{G622}}` both **soul** `{{G5590}}` and **body** `{{G4983}}` in **hell** [[Matthew 10:28]]. The term is presented as the final consequence for sin, with Jesus stating that it is **better** `{{G2570}}` to cut off an offending hand or foot than for the **whole** `{{G3650}}` **body** `{{G4983}}` to be cast into **hell** ([[Matthew 5:30]], [[Mark 9:45]]). It is also described as the source of defilement, as the **tongue** `{{G1100}}` is a fire that is "set on fire of **hell**" [[James 3:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of géenna:
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** (fire): This word is frequently paired with **géenna**, as in "**hell** fire" ([[Matthew 5:22]], [[Matthew 18:9]], [[Mark 9:47]]), emphasizing the destructive nature of this place of punishment.
* `{{G906}}` **bállō** (to throw): This verb is consistently used to describe the fate of the unrighteous, who are to be **cast** `{{G906}}` into **hell** ([[Matthew 5:29]], [[Mark 9:47]]). This highlights the forcible and judgmental action involved.
* `{{G622}}` **apóllymi** (to destroy fully): This defines the ultimate outcome for those in **hell**, where God has the ability to **destroy** `{{G622}}` both soul and body [[Matthew 10:28]].
* `{{G762}}` **asbestos** (unquenchable): This term describes the perpetual nature of the fire associated with **hell**, "the **fire** that **never shall be quenched**" `{{G762}}`, indicating an unending state ([[Mark 9:43]], [[Mark 9:45]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1067}}` is a stark warning of final judgment.
* **A Place of Final Destruction:** Géenna is presented as the ultimate end for the unrighteous, where God exercises his **power** `{{G1849}}` to **destroy** `{{G622}}` a person completely, both **soul** `{{G5590}}` and **body** `{{G4983}}` ([[Matthew 10:28]], [[Luke 12:5]]).
* **The Consequence of Sin:** Scripture warns that certain actions and attitudes place a person in **danger** `{{G1777}}` of **hell** fire [[Matthew 5:22]]. Jesus challenges the **scribes** `{{G1122}}` and **Pharisees** `{{G5330}}`, calling them a **generation** `{{G1081}}` of **vipers** `{{G2191}}` and asking how they can escape its damnation [[Matthew 23:33]].
* **Perpetual Punishment:** The imagery of unquenchable **fire** `{{G762}}` associated with **hell** signifies a permanent and irreversible state of punishment, from which there is no escape [[Mark 9:43-45]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1067}}` transforms a literal place, the valley of Hinnom, into a powerful symbol of eternal judgment. It represents the final and complete punishment for sin, a place of destruction characterized by unquenchable **fire**. The word **géenna** serves as one of the most sobering warnings in the Bible regarding the consequences of unrighteousness and the reality of divine judgment.
TRV