For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Jane Christensen
Good question. I see it mentioned in Proverbs 1:12. It is not in the Strongs concordance nor in the Webster Dictionary. So what does it actually mean?
Pam Johnson
No....Sheol is a place and Satan is a spiritual being. Satan and the fallen angels with him (demons) are the reason Sheol was created. Sheol is the lake of fire also known as hell. There are 7 things thrown into hell at the end of time just before believers (Christ followers/obeyers) get the new heaven and the new earth as described in the book of Revelation chapters 21 and 22. These 7 things are Satan (the Devil), demons (fallen angels), all those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life (those who rejected God and his ways),
the Antichrist and his false prophet, and death and Hades are also thrown into the lake of fire which is the second death. If Hades is thrown into Hell then Hades and Hell are two different places. Hell is also known as Gehenna but Hades is a holding place for those who will go to Hell eventually at the end when God judges both the great and the small (see Revelation 20:11-15). We find Hades in the Bible in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. The Bible translation I have says hell but that is misinterpreted. This parable is Jesus telling us that those who await final judgment are in torment already and are separated from the love of God. And Jesus again tells us in Revelation chapter 20 that Hades is one of the 7 things that are thrown into the lake of fire (the final destination of things/people/angels) that will not spend eternity in God's presence. What's the alternate of Hades? Jesus said to the man on the cross dying with him."Today you will be with me in paradise." And we know that Jesus is in heaven and seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.