11. Hell. she’ol. The derivation of this word is uncertain. Some think it may come from a root meaning “to ask,” others, from a word which means “to be hollow,” still others refrain from positive statement as to its etymology. In the she’ol is translated “grave” 31 times, “hell” 31 times, and “pit” 6 times. An examination of the various verses in which she’ol appears shows that she’ol was used as a figurative expression denoting the place where men go at death (Gen. 37:35; 1 Sam. 2:6; Job 7:9; 14:13; Ps. 49:14, 15). From a strictly literal point of view she’ol may be equated with “grave,” but Bible writers employing the figure described she’ol as a place where the dead sleep together (see on 2 Sam. 12:23), though not in a state of consciousness, unless figuratively (see Eze. 32:21). She’ol is described as having bars (Job 17:16), and gates (Isa. 38:10). It is said to be deep, in contrast with heaven, which is high (Deut. 32:22; Job 11:8; Ps. 86:13; 139:8). She’ol is nowhere described as a place of punishment after death. That concept was later attached to gehenna (Mark 9:43-48), not to hades, the Greek word that properly translates she’ol, with one exception (Luke 16:23).
Destruction. ’abaddon, from the root ’abad, to “to stray,” “to perish.” On ’abbadon as a place of destruction see on Job 26:6.
The meaning of this passage seems clear. God knows the characters and has the record of the acts of those who have perished; how much more can He discern the hearts and minds of living men (see Ps. 33:13-15; 90:8; 139:1-16; Heb. 4:12, 13).