Where Do You Really Go After You Die?

Where do you go when you die? Straight to heaven? Do you just sleep? Or does something else happen?

The Bible introduces a word many may not know: Sheol.

What Is Sheol?

Sheol is the Hebrew term used throughout the Old Testament to describe the place of the dead. It’s not hell as we think of it today, and it’s not heaven either.

It’s more like a shadowy, silent realm beneath the earth—a temporary holding place for all who die, both good and bad.

Here’s what Scripture reveals about Sheol:

It’s beneath the earth - “The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them... and they went down alive into Sheol.” — Numbers 16:30–33

Everyone goes there—righteous and wicked alike - “I will go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” — Genesis 37:35

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in Sheol... there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” — Ecclesiastes 9:10

It’s a place of waiting—not necessarily punishment - “If only you would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until your anger has passed.” — Job 14:13

God is fully present and sovereign over it - “If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.” — Psalm 139:8

It’s not the end—resurrection is coming - “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” — Daniel 12:2

So what’s the takeaway?

Sheol simply means “the grave” or “the place of the dead.” It was understood as a temporary place where all souls waited. But that’s not the end of the story.

As Scripture unfolds, we see a clearer picture: Jesus introduces terms like Hades and Paradise (Luke 16:19–31), and tells the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Eventually, Sheol gives way to resurrection, judgment, and the eternal destinations of Heaven or Hell (Revelation 20:13–15).

And here’s an interesting take-away; Proverbs 15:11 says, - “The Lord knows what is happening in the world of the dead, so He surely knows the thoughts of the living.”

If God sees everything in the hidden realm of the dead, then there is nothing in you or around you that He doesn’t already know. What does that mean to you and me?

Well, we should live with reverence, because the One who sees Sheol also sees your heart. Your pain. You future. Your death. And - you life after death.

GOD, you are God and we are not. You are the judge of our life. You see us now, in death and you see our eternity. Wow. Thank you for Jesus Christ who gives us access to you, and eternity in heaven and on the new earth. It’s all just so amazing. Thank you. IJNIP amen ♥️