### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **háidēs**, represented by `{{G86}}`, properly means **unseen** and refers to "Hades" or the place and state of departed souls. It appears **11 times** in **11 unique verses**, often translated as "hell" or "grave." This term describes the realm of the dead, a concept central to understanding biblical perspectives on life, death, and resurrection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G86}}` is used to describe several aspects of the afterlife and spiritual authority. It is depicted as a place with **gates** that will not prevail against the church [[Matthew 16:18]]. Christ declares that he holds the keys of **hell** and of death, signifying his authority over them [[Revelation 1:18]]. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, **hell** is a place of conscious **torment** [[Luke 16:23]]. It is also described as the state from which Christ's **soul** was not abandoned, a key part of the apostolic preaching on his **resurrection** ([[Acts 2:27]], [[Acts 2:31]]). Ultimately, both death and **hell** are shown to deliver up the dead for judgment before being cast into the lake of fire [[Revelation 20:13-14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G86}}`:
* `{{G2288}}` **thánatos** (death): This word for **death** is frequently paired with `{{G86}}`. Christ holds the keys to both [[Revelation 1:18]], they are personified as riders [[Revelation 6:8]], and they are ultimately destroyed together [[Revelation 20:14]].
* `{{G5590}}` **psychḗ** (soul): The immortal part of a person. Scripture states that Christ's **soul** was not left in **hell** `{{G86}}`, which was a fulfillment of prophecy regarding his resurrection [[Acts 2:27]].
* `{{G386}}` **anástasis** (resurrection): The concept of **resurrection** is directly tied to victory over `{{G86}}`. The apostle Peter connects the fact that Christ's soul was not left in **hell** to his **resurrection** from the dead [[Acts 2:31]].
* `{{G4439}}` **pýlē** (gate): A **gate** symbolizes power and access. The promise that the **gates** of **hell** `{{G86}}` will not prevail against the church establishes Christ's authority over this realm [[Matthew 16:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G86}}` is demonstrated in its role within God's redemptive plan.
* **The Realm of the Departed:** `{{G86}}` functions as the New Testament term for the state of the dead prior to the final judgment. It holds the souls of the departed, as seen in its deliverance of the **dead** [[Revelation 20:13]].
* **Christ's Authority:** Christ's victory over death is explicitly linked to his power over `{{G86}}`. His resurrection proves he was not held by it [[Acts 2:31]], and he possesses the "keys of hell" [[Revelation 1:18]], showing his absolute sovereignty.
* **Ultimate Destruction:** `{{G86}}` is not an eternal entity in itself. Its purpose is temporary, and its final end is to be cast into the lake of fire, an event described as "the second death" [[Revelation 20:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G86}}` is a critical term for understanding the biblical view of the afterlife. It is not simply a location but the state of being "unseen" after death. While it is consistently associated with death `{{G2288}}` and holds the souls of the departed, its power is shown to be finite. The scriptures present Christ as having complete authority over `{{G86}}`, with his resurrection being the ultimate proof, and foretell its final destruction in the consummation of all things.
TRV