The phrase “descended to the underworld” (descendià³ a los infiernos) appears in the Apostles’ Creed, one of the oldest Christian declarations of faith. It refers to the belief that after His crucifixion, Jesus descended into the realm of the dead before rising again on the third day.
This concept has sparked theological discussions for centuries. What does it truly mean? Did Jesus literally go to hell? What was the purpose of His descent? How does it affect Christian beliefs today?
In this topic, we will explore the biblical, theological, and historical perspectives of this phrase, as well as its significance for modern believers.
The Biblical Basis of the Descent
Although the phrase itself is not found in Scripture, several passages suggest that Jesus went to the realm of the dead:
- Ephesians 4:9 – “Now this, ‘He ascended’-what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?”
- 1 Peter 3:18-19 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison.”
- Acts 2:31 – “He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.”
These verses suggest that Jesus went to Hades (the realm of the dead) after His crucifixion. However, it is important to clarify that Hades and Hell (Gehenna) are not the same place.
Understanding Hades, Sheol, and Hell
To fully grasp what it means for Jesus to have descended into the underworld, we need to distinguish between different terms used in the Bible:
1. Sheol (Old Testament)
- In Hebrew theology, Sheol was the place of the dead.
- It was not necessarily a place of punishment, but rather a shadowy existence where both the righteous and the wicked went.
- Psalm 16:10 – “For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”
2. Hades (New Testament Greek)
- The Greek equivalent of Sheol.
- Seen as the underworld where the dead awaited judgment.
- Jesus refers to it in Luke 16:22-23 in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, which describes Hades as having two sections:
- A place of torment (for the wicked).
- A place of comfort (Abraham’s Bosom, for the righteous).
3. Gehenna (Hell)
- The place of final judgment and eternal punishment.
- Different from Hades or Sheol, Gehenna is where the wicked are condemned forever after judgment.
- Matthew 10:28 – “Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).”
Did Jesus Go to Hell?
One of the most debated questions is whether Jesus actually went to Hell (Gehenna) or just to Hades (Sheol). Based on biblical interpretation:
- Jesus did not go to Gehenna (Hell), because Hell is the final place of punishment, not a temporary realm.
- Instead, He descended to Hades, specifically to Abraham’s Bosom, where the righteous dead were waiting.
This aligns with Luke 23:43, where Jesus tells the thief on the cross:
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
This implies that Jesus went to the realm of the righteous dead, not to a place of suffering.
Why Did Jesus Descend to the Underworld?
Theologically, Jesus’ descent had a specific purpose:
1. To Fulfill Scripture and Defeat Death
By descending to the underworld, Jesus fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah’s victory over death.
- Psalm 68:18 – “You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive.”
- Hosea 13:14 – “I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from death.”
Jesus’ descent signifies that He conquered the power of death, preparing for His resurrection.
2. To Proclaim Victory Over Evil
1 Peter 3:19 suggests that Jesus proclaimed His victory to the spirits in prison. This has been interpreted in two ways:
- He declared His triumph over fallen angels (Genesis 6:1-4, Jude 6).
- He confirmed His victory to the souls of the dead, showing that salvation had been completed.
3. To Free the Righteous Souls
Many believe that before Jesus’ resurrection, the righteous dead (Abraham, Moses, David) were waiting in the underworld. Jesus’ descent freed these souls, bringing them into the full presence of God.
This is linked to Ephesians 4:8:
“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”
This suggests that Jesus took the righteous dead to Heaven after His resurrection.
What Does This Mean for Christians Today?
1. Jesus Has Authority Over Death
By descending to the underworld and rising again, Jesus proved that He has power over death. This gives believers confidence in eternal life:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” – John 11:25
2. We No Longer Fear the Grave
Because Jesus conquered death, believers have hope that they will not be abandoned in the grave. Instead, they will be with Christ after death.
3. The Final Judgment is Certain
While the righteous will be with God, the wicked will face judgment. This serves as a reminder to repent and follow Christ while there is still time.
4. Jesus is the Only Way to Salvation
Jesus’ descent and resurrection demonstrate that salvation comes only through Him. He alone can rescue souls from sin and death:
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
The phrase “descended to the underworld” refers to Jesus’ journey to Hades (Sheol), not Hell (Gehenna). His descent was a victorious mission-to proclaim His triumph, fulfill prophecy, and open the way to eternal life for believers.
This truth brings hope, confidence, and assurance that Jesus has power over death, and through Him, we have the promise of resurrection and eternal life.