What is…
brimstone
Hebrew: גָּפְרִית—transliteration: gophrith
Greek: θεῖον —transliteration: theion
Meaning: burning stone or stone that burns
Origin of the word “brimstone”: It comes from the Old English “brynstan,” from “brin” (stem of brinnen “to burn”), plus “stan” (stone).
It is commonly accepted that brimstone is sulphur which is commonly found on the brims (rims) of volcanos. This flammable mineral is found in quantities on the shores of the Dead Sea and to the south nearby.
The cities of the plain were destroyed by a rain of fire and brimstone (Genesis 19:24-25). A great deal of sulphur is today found in the area where Sodom was located, south of the Dead Sea.
In Isaiah 34:9 allusion is made to the destruction of these cities.
This word figuratively denotes destruction or punishment (Job 18:15; Isaiah 30:33; 34:9; Psalm 11:6; Ezek. 38:22).
Hell
Brimstone (sulphur) and fire are mentioned in connection with excruciating torment (Rev. 14:10) and the lake of fire which burns with brimstone (19:20; 20:10).
More information
- Is there any evidence for the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction by fire and brimstone (sulfur)?
- HELL: Fact or Fiction—Is it an actual place? Answer
- Why was Hell made? Answer
- Is there anyone in Hell today? Answer
- Will there literally be a burning fire in Hell? Answer
- What should you be willing to do to stay out of Hell? Answer
- How can a God of love send anybody to Hell? Answer
- What if I don’t believe in Hell? Answer
- THE GOOD NEWS—How to be saved from Hell. Answer