King James Version

What Does Mark 9:48 Mean?

Mark 9:48 in the King James Version says “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. — study this verse from Mark chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Mark 9:48 · KJV


Context

46

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

47

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: offend: or, cause thee to offend

48

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

49

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

50

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Quoting Isaiah 66:24, Jesus describes hell with imagery of unquenchable fire and undying worm—perpetual, irreversible judgment. 'Their worm' (Greek skōlēx) refers to maggots consuming corpses, symbol of decay and disgust. That it 'dieth not' indicates eternal duration—no relief, no end. 'The fire is not quenched' (to pyr ou sbennutai) emphasizes permanence of punishment. Context (9:43-47) teaches it's better to enter life maimed than go to hell whole—hyperbole stressing hell's seriousness. Reformed theology affirms eternal conscious punishment against annihilationism. Hell isn't remedial but retributive—just punishment for sin against infinite God requires infinite duration. The horror of these images should drive people to Christ and motivate evangelism. Jesus, the most loving person who ever lived, taught hell more than anyone in Scripture, demonstrating it's not vindictiveness but reality. Love warns of danger.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gehenna (translated 'hell') refers to Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem where refuse burned continuously. In Old Testament times, apostate Israelites practiced child sacrifice there (2 Kings 23:10), making it symbol of judgment. By Jesus' time, it represented final punishment. Isaiah 66:24's original context depicts defeated enemies' corpses being consumed—ultimate disgrace and defeat. Jesus applies this to eternal state, not earthly humiliation. First-century Jews debated afterlife; Pharisees affirmed resurrection and judgment, Sadducees denied it. Jesus' teaching sided with Pharisees but intensified the stakes, making His audience face eternal consequences. This wasn't hypothetical theology but urgent warning to flee coming wrath.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' teaching on hell affect your urgency in evangelism and personal holiness?
  2. Does belief in eternal punishment seem incompatible with God's love, or the necessary outworking of His holiness and justice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ὅπου1 of 11

Where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

2 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σκώληξ3 of 11

worm

G4663

a grub, maggot or earth-worm

αὐτῶν4 of 11

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐ5 of 11

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τελευτᾷ6 of 11

dieth

G5053

to finish life (by implication, of g0979), i.e., expire (demise)

καὶ7 of 11

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ8 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πῦρ9 of 11

the fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

οὐ10 of 11

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

σβέννυται11 of 11

is

G4570

to extinguish (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 9:48 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 9:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study