Are sinners going to be eternally tormented?

The word translated here as “forever” does not always mean “without end.” The New King James Bible uses this term 400 times, often in connection with things that have already ended. (The King James divides the word with a space—“for ever.”)

For instance, in Exodus 21:1–6, a Hebrew servant could choose to serve his master “forever,” but it obviously means only as long as he lived. Hannah took her son Samuel to God’s tabernacle to remain and serve Him there “forever” (1 Samuel 1:22), but she plainly defined that time by saying “as long as he lives” (verse 28).

The term “forever” is clearly defined in Psalm 48:14: “For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death.” Jonah was said to be in the great fish “forever” (Jonah 2:6), yet we know it was only for three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17). Christ is also called “a priest forever” in Hebrews 5:6; yet after sin is blotted out, Christ’s work as a priest will end.

According to these examples, the wicked will suffer as long as they continue to live in the fire. Then, “When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever” (Psalm 92:7). And, “May sinners be consumed from the earth, and the wicked be no more” (Psalm 104:35).

One of the clearest statements in Scripture on what happens to the wicked is found in Malachi. “ ‘The day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘That will leave them neither root nor branch’ ” (Malachi 4:1). The prophet goes on to say they will be “ashes under the soles of your feet.” The final results of sin, eternal destruction, will last forever.

Key Bible Texts

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: (Revelation 14:10 KJV)