Understanding Modern Catholic Translations and Why It Matters

Q: Why doesn’t the word “Hell” appear in modern Catholic Bibles like the NABRE?

You’re not imagining it. In the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE), the word “Hell” rarely — if ever — appears. This has caused confusion among faithful Catholics who are used to older translations like the Douay-Rheims or hearing homilies about Hell as a real place of punishment.

So what changed?

It’s not the doctrine — it’s the translation. Scholars decided to preserve the original words used in the Bible:

Original Term	Language	Meaning
Sheol	Hebrew	The grave / abode of the dead (neutral)
Hades	Greek	The Greek underworld (similar to Sheol)
Gehenna	Greek	A place of fiery judgment — used by Jesus

These words are now translated more literally instead of using “Hell” as a catch-all. But that doesn’t mean the Church denies the existence of Hell.

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Q: So is there still a Hell?

Yes. The Catholic Church absolutely affirms Hell as:

“The state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed.”
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1033

It is not just a metaphor or ancient idea. It’s the final, eternal consequence of dying in unrepented mortal sin.

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Q: Why would translators avoid the word “Hell” if it’s real?

Because over the centuries, the word “Hell” took on very specific imagery and connotations — often shaped more by culture than Scripture. By using original words like “Gehenna,” translators aim to:

• Reflect the nuance in the biblical text
• Avoid oversimplification
• Encourage deeper catechesis and understanding

But here’s the problem:

Most lay Catholics have no idea what “Gehenna” means.

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Q: Does this cause confusion?

Absolutely. When the word “Hell” disappears, many assume the Church is backing off from the doctrine. This confusion is compounded by:

• Homilies that never mention judgment or sin
• Liturgy and hymns stripped of sacrifice or spiritual warfare
• A growing trend toward universalism (the idea that everyone goes to Heaven)

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Q: So what does the Church teach about the afterlife?

Traditionally, Catholicism affirms:

1. Heaven – Eternal union with God for those who die in His friendship.
2. Purgatory – Temporary purification for those on their way to Heaven.
3. Hell – Eternal separation from God for those who freely reject Him.
   

Before Christ’s resurrection, even the righteous dead went to Sheol — a holding place, not Heaven. That’s why we say in the Apostles’ Creed:

“He descended into Hell” — meaning the abode of the dead, not the damned.

After His resurrection, Heaven was opened — and now judgment is final.

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Q: Why does it matter if we talk about Hell?

Because without Hell, morality becomes optional.

• If there’s no eternal consequence, why repent?
• If everyone goes to Heaven, why choose holiness?
• If God never judges, why did Christ die?

“Do not fear those who kill the body… fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” — Matthew 10:28

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Q: What’s behind the move away from talking about Hell?

Let’s be honest:

• “Hell” makes people uncomfortable.
• Modern theology often trades truth for sentiment.
• Cultural pressure values inclusivity over conversion.

But:

Real love warns.

God is love — and because He loves us, He warns us. Jesus spoke of Hell more than anyone else in Scripture. Not to scare us pointlessly — but to wake us up.

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✅ Layperson Summary:

• Is Hell in the Bible? Yes, but often under original terms like “Gehenna.”
• Does the Church still teach Hell? Yes, as an eternal state of self-exclusion from God.
• Is it just a metaphor? No. It’s a real and final consequence.
• Why avoid it? Some translators aim for accuracy, but clarity suffers.
• Why it matters: Without Hell, we lose the urgency of repentance and the meaning of salvation.

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What You Can Do:

• Read Scripture with traditional commentary (e.g., the Catena Aurea)
• Use catechisms and older missals to understand Church teaching
• Teach your children and friends the full truth — not a softened version
• Speak up in your parish — charitably but firmly — when the doctrine is blurred

Because the God who is Love… is also the God who warns.