Jesus Descended into Hell? A look at the Creeds and the Bible
1. Meaning of “Jesus Descended into Hell”
The creeds affirm that Jesus descended into hell, but this does not mean he entered the place of eternal torment. Instead, “hell” refers to the realm of the dead.
The Latin term inferos comes from a root meaning “low” or “under.”
In this context, it is best translated as “the dead” or “the underworld.”
The phrase fits naturally between burial and resurrection in the Apostles’ Creed.
In short, when Christians confess Jesus descended into hell, they are saying that he truly entered into death, body and soul, experiencing the full reality of human mortality.
2. Common Misunderstandings of the Descent
Over the centuries, two frequent mistakes have shaped how people misunderstand this phrase.
Redundancy
Some assume “he descended into hell” means only “he died.”
This is unlikely because the Creed already says “he died and was buried.”
To repeat the same point in such a short text would be unnecessary.
Dischronology
Others place the descent at the wrong moment in Christ’s work.
For example, some connect it to his crucifixion sufferings (a view Calvin held).
But the Creed locates the descent after burial and before resurrection.
Both errors miss the precision of the Creed. It is not redundant, and it is not out of order. The descent belongs to the time between death and resurrection.
3. Early Church and Historical Perspective
The early church broadly affirmed that Jesus descended to the dead. Writers such as Irenaeus and Augustine saw it as part of Christ’s full humanity and saving work.
Christ’s body remained in the grave.
Christ’s soul went to the realm of the dead.
Christ’s divinity stayed united to both body and soul.
Later thinkers, like John Calvin, reinterpreted the phrase in new ways, but this was seen as a departure from the earlier tradition. Modern theologians such as Matthew Emerson argue that the historical consensus still provides the clearest understanding: Christ truly entered the state of death and proclaimed victory there.
4. Biblical Witness to the Descent
Several passages in the Bible suggest that Jesus descended into hell in the sense of going to the dead:
1 Peter 3:19 – Christ “went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison.”
1 Peter 4:6 – “The gospel was preached even to those who are dead.”
Ephesians 4:9 – Christ “descended into the lower regions of the earth.”
Revelation 1:18 – Jesus declares, “I have the keys of death and Hades.”
While these passages are debated, together they support the belief that Jesus proclaimed victory over death and the powers of evil in the underworld.
5. Theological Significance of the Descent
The statement Jesus descended into hell highlights several truths about salvation:
Full humanity of Christ
Jesus experienced real death.
His body and soul were separated like every human being’s at death.
Proclamation of victory
He declared triumph over fallen angels, the unrighteous dead, and Old Testament saints.
This was not an offer of post-mortem salvation but an announcement: “I won.”
Completion of redemption
Nothing was left undone in Christ’s saving work.
He entered every stage of human existence, even death itself.
6. Pastoral Comfort in the Descent
Confessing that Jesus descended into hell is not only theological but deeply pastoral.
Solidarity: Christ has faced death fully, so believers do not face it alone.
Hope: Death has been entered, claimed, and conquered by the Savior.
Assurance: The keys of death and Hades are in Christ’s hands.
An illustration captures this truth: entering a dark cave is terrifying alone, but if someone goes first with a light, the fear is removed. Jesus has gone ahead, carrying the light of resurrection into death’s darkness.
Conclusion
The phrase Jesus descended into hell reminds believers that Christ did not avoid death but entered it fully. Historically rooted, biblically supported, and theologically rich, it proclaims his solidarity with humanity and his victory over the grave. For the church, it means there is no place—even death itself—where Christ has not gone before us.
Bible Verses about Jesus Descending to the Dead
“Being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison.” (1 Peter 3:18–19)
“For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.” (1 Peter 4:6)
“In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?” (Ephesians 4:9)
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.’” (Revelation 1:17–18)
“For David says concerning him, ‘You will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.’” (Acts 2:27)
“And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9)
“The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.” (1 Samuel 2:6)
“For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” (Psalm 86:13)
“But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.” (Psalm 49:15)
“Dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:28)
