Is the Valley of the Hinnom an Image of damnation?

Abstract

The Valley of the Hinnom in the Old Testament always referred to a place south of the city walls. After the sacrifices of children made to Molech, this area was cursed. The people began to throw garbage and dispose of the bodies of convicts there while unfading fire burnt them. Unpleasant and acrid smoke constantly hovered over this area. The teaching of Jesus of Nazareth changed the meaning of the term Gehenna. Jesus used it to bring people to the reality of damnation. He pointed to the need for one’s radical turning away from evil and sin in order to avoid this punishment. The valley of disgrace has become thus the image of eternal hell in Jesus’ preaching.

Keywords

• Gehenna
• γέεννα
• dolina
• ofiara z dzieci
• piekło
• wieczne potępienie