Sheol

[shee-ohl]

noun (in Hebrew theology)

the abode of the dead or of departed spirits.
(lowercase) hell.

Origin of Sheol

First recorded in 1590–1600, Sheol is from the Hebrew word shəʾōl

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for sheol

Historical Examples of sheol

To die neglected by one's family was fatal to one's well-being in Sheol.
The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria
Morris Jastrow
Yahwe's blessings are meted out in this world, but not in Sheol.
The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria
Morris Jastrow
Life in Sheol was a continuation, in a measure, of the earthly existence.
The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria
Morris Jastrow
In the later portions of the Old Testament, the use of Sheol is also avoided.
The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria
Morris Jastrow
He who goes to Sheol in sorrow is pursued by sorrow after death.
The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria
Morris Jastrow

British Dictionary definitions for sheol

Sheol

noun Old Testament

the abode of the dead
(often not capital) hell

Word Origin for Sheol

C16: from Hebrew shĕ'ōl

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for sheol

Sheol

1590s, from Hebrew, literally "the underworld, Hades," of unknown origin. Used in R.V. in place of Hell in many passages.