Why is scripture so fuzzy about heaven and hell?

[Jesus is YHWH]

An eternal heaven doesn't imply an eternal hell. The moral universe isn't a zero sum game where every good has to have an opposing bad.

except the same exact word for both places is used numerous times- everlasting/eternal

 

[Hmm]

except the same exact word for both places is used numerous times- everlasting/eternal

But not in the original language. I don't personally have the expertise, but I understand "eternal punishment" is a mistranslation of the original Greek.

The meaning is that,.after death, the righteous go into an age of life, and the unrighteous go into an age of correction. The difference between them is, once a person attains "life", it is described as incorruptible and lasting. The same words are not used for the age of punishment.

But there will be an age after that. The righteous will transition into the next age still alive, but the unrighteous will transition in the next age from punishment to life.

As you can see it's complex and no wonder that most English translators simply used the phrase "eternal punishment". I've only learnt this recently and I am horrified that I previously built much of my faith on lazy mistranslations like this.

 

[Jesus is YHWH]

But not in the original language. I don't personally have the expertise, but I understand "eternal punishment" is a mistranslation of the original Greek.

The meaning is that,.after death, the righteous go into an age of life, and the unrighteous go into an age of correction. The difference between them is, once a person attains "life", it is described as incorruptible and lasting. The same words are not used for the age of punishment.

But there will be an age after that. The righteous will transition into the next age still alive, but the unrighteous will transition in the next age from punishment to life.

As you can see it's complex and no wonder that most English translators simply used the phrase "eternal punishment". I've only learnt this recently and I am horrified that I previously built much of my faith on lazy mistranslations like this.

Actually the same word in Greek is used for both .

 

[Cockcrow]

You raise too many points to deal with in one post so I'll just address this first one.

The story of Lazarus and the Rich Man is parable and not meant to be taken literally. It's a fictional story that Jesus used to make a theological point and the story's internal world should not be read as corresponding point by point with how we will experience the next life.

It's also not about hell as you understand hell to be. It explicitly says that it is about as Hades and this is the place where the dead temporarily reside while they await the Resurrection and the Day of Judgement.

The Bible also says that Hades will be overthrown and destroyed at that time. So whatever this parable is saying about our future experience of this Hades, the Bible makes it very clear that this is only ever a temporary situation that is.ultimately replaced with something better and more glorious.

No parable of Jesus mentions a persons name directly, the Rich man and Lazarus is not a parable. you keep trying to say that Hades isn't Hell, yes it is Hell, the Lake of Fire is also Hell and it is eternal torment (Revelation 20:10) " And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

 

[Jamdoc]

Thing to consider, annihilationism isn't even really a punishment. There are some situations I'd prefer to be annihilated over, so it can't be the level of punishment that Jesus talked about if I mean, it's what Atheists expect to happen to them anyway, and they're comfortable with it.

 

[Hmm]

No parable of Jesus mentions a persons name directly, the Rich man and Lazarus is not a parable.

The name was used not to indicate it's not a parable but because of it's meaning. Lazarus is a Greek variant of Eleazar which means "God is my help." The fact that the beggar was given a name but the rich man didn’t may mean that the Jesus would have found the name of the poor man, but not the rich man, written in the Book of Life.

 

[DavidPT]

Thing to consider, annihilationism isn't even really a punishment. There are some situations I'd prefer to be annihilated over, so it can't be the level of punishment that Jesus talked about if I mean, it's what Atheists expect to happen to them anyway, and they're comfortable with it.

That might be like saying if someone committed murder in this age, and that the only two options in their case are life in prison or death, only life is prison would be punishment, death wouldn't be.

You might argue, well there is an after life, though. Except if the murderer is maybe an atheist, an atheist wouldn't even be factoring that in, and might even prefer life in prison over that of being dead. Which might mean this atheist views death as the greater punishment, even though death to him or her likely means they never exist ever again.

 

[DavidPT]

No parable of Jesus mentions a persons name directly, the Rich man and Lazarus is not a parable. you keep trying to say that Hades isn't Hell, yes it is Hell, the Lake of Fire is also Hell and it is eternal torment (Revelation 20:10) " And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

IMO, it is a parable, and shows that ppl will be in hell bodily and suffering bodily, but not upon death, but after they have been bodily resurrected and then cast into the LOF. No one descends to hell bodily upon death. There is no such thing as souls that have fingers and tongues. That is describing body parts that only physical bodies possess.

 

[Cockcrow]

IMO, it is a parable, and shows that ppl will be in hell bodily and suffering bodily, but not upon death, but after they have been bodily resurrected and then cast into the LOF. No one descends to hell bodily upon death. There is no such thing as souls that have fingers and tongues. That is describing body parts that only physical bodies possess.

the Rich man begged Abraham for a drop of water to cool his tongue as he was tormented in the flames, he very clearly had some kind of spirit body that was conscious and able to feel pain in Hell, and it isn't a parable.

 

[DavidPT]

the Rich man begged Abraham for a drop of water to cool his tongue as he was tormented in the flames, he very clearly had some kind of spirit body that was conscious and able to feel pain in Hell, and it isn't a parable.

Try interpreting that parable in light of the following, for example.

Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

Where have we heard about weeping and gnashing of teeth before?

Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


All of these things are still future.

 

[Cockcrow]

Try interpreting that parable in light of the following, for example.

Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

Where have we heard about weeping and gnashing of teeth before?

Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


All of these things are still future.

there are two Hells "and death and hell were cast into the Lake of fire" Revelation 20:14. so yes the Lake of fire is in the future, the wicked are in Hell right now. hell = current hell, lake of fire = future hell both are hell, and both are everlasting conscious torment.

 

[Jamdoc]

That might be like saying if someone committed murder in this age, and that the only two options in their case are life in prison or death, only life is prison would be punishment, death wouldn't be.

You might argue, well there is an after life, though. Except if the murderer is maybe an atheist, an atheist wouldn't even be factoring that in, and might even prefer life in prison over that of being dead. Which might mean this atheist views death as the greater punishment, even though death to him or her likely means they never exist ever again.

Depends on where the life imprisonment is
if it's in a place where they torture you daily
you'd probably spring for the death penalty.

Admittedly. I've seen ISIS videos.
What I can tell you, is that the prisoners being walked out for execution.. seem resigned, and it's always been a thing where people have wondered "why don't they try to run, or fight back? Why do they cooperate with people who are going to shoot them in the back of the head?"
The reason is because they choose being shot and dying before they even feel it, to spending more time being tortured daily by their captors. Obviously if they have faith (and many ISIS victims were Christian), Death was certainly preferable to being tortured if you're in Christ (and while other prisoners looked resigned.. one video I'd seen where the ISIS executors show a crucifix that was in the wallet of their prisoners as evidence for why they're being executed... those two men looked positively fearless). But even if it was an Atheist, I think they'd choose being shot in the back of the head, and ceasing to exist, rather than their existence being beaten and starved every single day.

I don't often put stock into near death experiences, most often times its to sell a book.. but in the cases of someone having an NDE and in that NDE they go to hell rather than heaven? They change their life most of the time.. because knowing there's a place where they will be tortured EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY FOREVER, makes them look for any option other than that. I'll bet people who've had those experiences wish they could go back to believing in Annihilationism or Universalism.

 

[Hmm]

except the same exact word for both places is used numerous times- everlasting/eternal

The same word aionios could be used in different context but that doesn't mean it has the same meaning. Same in English, no? Is a large elephant the same size as a large mouse?

Compare the aionios God of Romans.16:26. Does this mean the same duration of time as the aionios of Romans 16:25 during which a revelation was kept secret (v.25) but is "now revealed" (v.26)? The first use means eternal and the second use means a finite time, no?

So your claim that aionios life must be of the same duration as aionios punishment as in Matthew 25:46 is merely your assumption and, as I've just shown, that assumption can be wrong.

 

[DavidPT]

there are two Hells "and death and hell were cast into the Lake of fire" Revelation 20:14. so yes the Lake of fire is in the future, the wicked are in Hell right now. hell = current hell, lake of fire = future hell both are hell, and both are everlasting conscious torment.

What I tend to think, unsaved souls go to hell upon death and it might be similar to one being held in a city or county jail while awaiting judging and sentencing, which then might lead to them being sent to prison, a stricter form of punishment. What the parable in Luke 16 is depicting is not what anyone can yet be experiencing unless one wants to insist souls consist of fingers and a tongue. Or that when one dies they bodily descend to hell. Which then makes one wonder, if they bodily descend to hell, why is their body still here? Obviously, their soul is not still here, yet their body is. And that parable depicts them being tormented in their body, being the point.

 

[Der Alte]

But not in the original language. I don't personally have the expertise, but I understand "eternal punishment" is a mistranslation of the original Greek. * * *

You have been grievously misinformed. αἰώνιος/aionios pronounced eye-oh-nee-ohs the Greek word translated "eternal/everlasting/forever" does in fact mean "eternal" etc. I have some knowledge in this area. I studied both Greek and Hebrew at the graduate level more than 3 decades ago, but don't listen to me what did Jesus Himself say about "aionios."
“αἰώνιος/aionios” occurs 107x in the N.T.
“aionios” is translated world only 40 times in the N.T.[37%]
“aionios” is correctly translated eternal 42 times in the N.T.[39%]
“aionios” is correctly translated everlasting 25 times in the N.T.[23%]
Jesus used “aionios” twenty eight [28] times, 26% of the total, Jesus never used “aionios” to refer something common, ordinary or mundane which was not/could not be “eternal.”
= = = = = = = = = =
Juxtapose means, the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side often to compare or contrast.
In twenty four [24] of the following verses αἰώνιος/aionios is defined/described as eternal, everlasting, eternity etc, by paralleling or juxtaposition with other adjectives or descriptive phrases.
= = = = = = = = = =
…..Some people claim that “aionios” never means eternity/eternal/everlasting because it sometimes refer to something which is not eternal, e.g. “world,””age.” etc.
However, “aionios” is never defined/described, by adjectives or descriptive phrases, as meaning a period of time less than eternal, in the New Testament, as in the following 24 verses.
…..Jesus used “aionios” twenty eight [28] times. He never used “aionios” to refer to anything common, ordinary or mundane that was not or could not be eternal.
…..In the following ten [10] verses Jesus defines/describes “aionios” as “eternal/for ever/everlasting.”

[1] Luke 1:33
(33) And he shall reign [basileusei][Vb] over the house of Jacob for ever; [εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας/lit. unto the eternity [aionas [PlMas] and of his kingdom [basileias][Nn] there shall be no end.[telos] ​

In this verse the reign/basileusei, which is the verb form of the word, is "aionas" and of the kingdom/basileias, the noun form of the same word, "there shall be no end.” “Aionas” by definition here definitely means eternity.

[2] John 6:58
(58) This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. [εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα/aiona[lit. unto eternity]​

In this verse Jesus juxtaposes “live forever” with “death.” If “live aiona” is only a finite period, a finite period is not opposite “death.” Thus “aiona” by definition here means “eternity.”

[3] John 10:28
(28) I give them eternal [αιωνιον/aionion] life, and they shall never
[εἰς τον αἰῶνα/eis ton aiona][lit. unto the eternity] perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ​

In this verse Jesus parallels “aiona” with “[not] snatch them out of my hand.” If “aionios” means “age(s), a finite period,” that is not the opposite of “[not] snatch them out of my hand’” “Aionios life” by definition here means “eternal life.”

[4]John 3:15
(15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal [aionion] life.
[5] John 3:16
(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting [aionion] life. ​

In these two verses Jesus parallels “aionion” with “should not perish,” twice! Believers could eventually perish in a finite period, thus by definition “aionion life” here means eternal or everlasting life.

[6]John 5:24
(24) Verily, verily, [Amen, Amen]I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting [aionios] life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.​

In this verse Jesus parallels “aionios” with “shall not come into condemnation” and “passed from death unto life.” “Aionios” does not mean “a finite period,” by definition here it means “eternal,” unless Jesus lets His followers come into condemnation and pass into death.

[7]John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting [aionios] life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.​

In this verse Jesus juxtaposed aionios life with “shall not see life.” If aionios means an indefinite age that is not opposite “shall not see life” By definition aionios means eternal.

[8]John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never [ου μη/ou mé] thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting [aionios] life.​

In this verse Jesus paralleled aionios with “shall [ου μη/ou mé][fn] never thirst.” If aionios means an indefinite age that is not opposite “shall never thirst.” By definition aionios means eternal. See footnote [fn] on “ou mé” below.

[9]John 6:27
(27) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting [aionios] life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.​

In this verse Jesus contrasted “aionios meat” with “meat that perishes” If aionios means an indefinite age that is not opposite “meat that perishes.” By definition aionios means eternal.

[10]John 8:51
(51) Very truly [amen amen] I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never [ou mé eis ton aiona][fn] see death."​

In this verse Jesus juxtaposes “unto aion” with “never see death.” By definition “aion” means eternity.


[Character limit. Continued next post]

 

[Der Alte]

[Previous post continued]

Paul used the word “aionios” eleven [11] times. In the following 12 verses Paul defines “aionios” as eternal.

[11]Romans 5:21
(21) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal [aionios] life by Jesus Christ our Lord.​

In this verse Paul juxtaposes “aionios life” with death. “A finite period life” is not opposite death. “Aionios life” by definition here means ‘eternal life.”

[12]Ephesians 3:21
(21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever [tou aionios] and ever! [ton aionion] Amen.​

In this verse Paul parallels “tou aionios ton aionion” with “throughout all generations.” "Age(s)" a finite period cannot refer to "all generations." By definition “tou aionios ton aionion” means forever and ever.

[13]Romans 1:20
(20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal [aidios] power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[14]Romans 16:26
(26) But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting [aionios] God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:​

In Rom 1:20 Paul refers to God’s power and Godhead as “aidios.” Scholars agree “aidios” unquestionably means eternal, everlasting, unending etc. In Rom 16:26, Paul, the same writer, in the same writing, refers to God as “aionios.” Paul has used “aidios” synonymous with “aionios.” Thus in this verse by definition “aionios” means eternal, everlasting.

[15]2 Corinthians 4:17-18
(17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal [aionios] weight of glory;
(18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal;[proskairos] but the things which are not seen are eternal [aionios]​

In this passage Paul juxtaposes “aionios” with “for a moment,” vs. 4, and “temporal,” vs. 5. “Age(s)” an indeterminate finite period, it is not the opposite of “for a moment”/”temporal/temporary” “eternal” is. “Aionios” by definition here means “eternal.”

[16]2 Corinthians 5:1
(1) For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal [aionios] in the heavens.​

In this verse Paul juxtaposes “aionios house” with “earthly house which is destroyed.” Is God going to replace our destroyed earthly house with a house which only lasts a little longer and will be destroyed at the end of an age? The aionios house is not destroyed, the opposite of “is destroyed.” Thus, “aionios” by definition here means “eternal.”

[17]1 Timothy 6:16
(16) Who only hath immortality, [aphthartos] dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting [aionios] ​

In this verse Paul paralleled “aionios” with “immortality.” If “aionios” is only a finite period, God cannot be “immortal” and only exist for a finite period at the same time. Thus “aionios” by definition means “eternal.”

[18]Galatians 6:8
(8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; [fthora] but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [aionios] ​

In this verse Paul juxtaposes “aionios” with “corruption.” “Fleshly” people reap “corruption” but spiritual people reap “life aionios,” i.e. “not corruption.” “Age(s), a finite period, is not opposite of “corruption.” Thus “aionios life” by definition here means “eternal/everlasting life.”

[19]Romans 2:7
(7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, [apftharsia] he will give eternal [aionios] life. ​

In this verse Paul parallels “aionios” with “immortality.” If “aionios” is only a finite period, believers do not seek for “a finite period,” and “immortality” at the same time. But they can seek for “eternal life” and “immortality” at the same time. Thus by definition “aionios life” here means “eternal life.”

[20]1 Timothy 1:17.
(17) Now unto the King eternal, [aion] immortal, [aphthartos] invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever [aion] and ever [aionios]. Amen. ​

In this verse Paul parallels “aion” with “immortal.” “Aion” cannot mean “age(s),” a finite period and immortal at the same time. Thus “aion” by definition here means “eternal.”

[21]Romans 5:21
(21) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal [aionios] life by Jesus Christ our Lord. ​

In this verse Paul juxtaposes “aionios life” with death. “A finite period life” is not opposite death. “Aionios life” by definition here means ‘eternal life.”

[22]Ephesians 3:21
(21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever [tou aionios] and ever! [ton aionion] Amen. ​

In this verse Paul parallels “tou aionios ton aionion” with “throughout all generations.” "Age(s)" a finite period cannot refer to "all generations." By definition “tou aionios ton aionion” means forever and ever.

[23]Hebrews 7:24 but because Jesus lives forever [aion] he has an unchangeable [aparabatos] priesthood.​

In this verse “aion” is parallel with “unchangeable.” If “aion” means “age(s),” Jesus cannot continue for only a “finite period” and simultaneously be “unchangeable.” Thus “aion” by definition here means “eternal.”

[24]1 Peter 1:23
(23) For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, [aphthartos] through the living and enduring word of God. …
1 Peter 1:25
(25) but the word of the Lord endures forever.[aion] " And this is the word that was preached to you.​

In verse 23 Peter parallels “word of God” with “imperishable.” The same writer, Peter, in the same writing 1 Peter, in verse 25 writes the word of God “endures eis ton aiona/lit. unto eternity. ” The word of God is not a finite age long but imperishable. Thus by definition “aion” here means “eternity”

[25]1 Peter 5:10
(10) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal [aionion] glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, [oligon] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ​

In this verse Peter contrasted “aionios” with “little while” Jesus does not give His followers a finite period of glory then they eventually die. Thus “aionios” here, by definition, means “eternal.”

[26]Revelation 14:11
(11) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever:[eis aionas aionon] [lit: unto the eternity of eternities] and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.​

In this verse “aionas aionon torment” is paralleled with “no rest day or night.” If “unto the aionas, aionon” means “a finite period” at some time they would rest, “Aionas, aionon” by definition here means “forever and forever.”
= = = = = = =
Footnotes ου μη/ou mé
●The double negative [ου μη] signifies in nowise, by no means. Θεωρήσῃ[theōrésé], denoting steady, protracted vision, is purposely used, because the promise contemplates the entire course of the believer's life in Christ. It is not, shall not die forever, but shall live eternally.[Vincent word studies]
● ④οὐ marker of reinforced negation, in combination w. μή, οὐ μή has the effect of strengthening the negation (Kühner-G. II 221–23; Schwyzer II 317; Mlt. 187–92 [a thorough treatment of NT usage]; B-D-F §365; RLudwig: D. prophet. Wort 31 ’37, 272–79; JLee, NovT 27, ’85, 18–23; B-D-F §365.—Pla., Hdt. et al. [Kühner-G. loc. cit.]; SIG 1042, 16; POxy 119, 5, 14f; 903, 16; PGM 5, 279; 13, 321; LXX; TestAbr A 8 p. 85, 11 [Stone p. 46]; JosAs 20:3; GrBar 1:7; ApcEsdr 2:7; Just., D. 141, 2). οὐ μή is the most decisive way of negativing something in the future.
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000)A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian Literature.(3rd Ed). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
● The combinations with οὐ μή also be noticed as, ουδεν οὐ μή (Lu. 10:19); οὐ μή se σε άνο ουδ ου σε εγκαταιπο (Heb. 13:5); ουκετι οὐ μή (Rev. 18:14). There is no denying the power of this accumulation of negatives. Cf. the English hymn "I'll never, no never, no never forsake."
Grammar Of The Greek New Testament In The Light Of Historical Research
By A. T. Robertson, M.A., D.D., Ll.D., Litt.D. p.1165.

 

[Saint Steven]

Mark 9:42-48
42 "And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where

"'their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.'

Verse forty-nine, the next verse in the passage you quoted, is something to ponder. (clear or fuzzy?)

Mark 9:49 NIV
Everyone will be salted with fire.

 

[Saint Steven]

If eternal punishment is not true and real then neither is heaven and eternal bliss for believers. Scripture talks about both of them fairly equally.

Here's something to consider.

Aionios mistranslated as "eternal" and "everlasting" in Matthew 25:46.

All these verses below use the same NT Greek word, "aionios", the Greek word mistranslated as "eternal" and "everlasting" in Matthew 25:46. See bold below. This shows that "aionios" cannot mean eternal or everlasting.

Matthew 13:22
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 2:8
None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Ephesians 2:2
in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

Galatians 1:4-5 KJV
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Galatians 1:4-5 KJV
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Compare: Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; Luke 20:35; Ephesians 1:21

Luke 18:29-30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Aionios, the Greek word mistranslated as "eternal" and "everlasting" in the Bible (eternal hell?)

 

[Der Alte]

The same word aionios could be used in different context but that doesn't mean it has the same meaning. Same in English, no? Is a large elephant the same size as a large mouse?
Compare the aionios God of Romans.16:26. Does this mean the same duration of time as the aionios of Romans 16:25 during which a revelation was kept secret (v.25) but is "now revealed" (v.26)? The first use means eternal and the second use means a finite time, no?
So your claim that aionios life must be of the same duration as aionios punishment as in Matthew 25:46 is merely your assumption and, as I've just shown, that assumption can be wrong.

This is the standard uninformed internet explanation. I am not aware of any other Greek word in the entire N.T. that is claimed to have 3-4 different diverse meanings. But those lacking knowledge have no problem saying that "aionios" "actually means age," "world" but never "eternal."
An old adage about interpreting scripture "if the plain sense makes good sense it is nonsense to seek any other sense."
There is a biblical explanation. Herod was not literally a fox when Jesus called him that. Jesus was using "fox" figuratively.
James and John were not literally "sons of thunder" when Jesus named them that. Jesus was using "sons of thunder" figuratively.
Simon was not literally a stone when Jesus named him "Petros" i.e. "stone." Jesus was using "Petro" figuratively.
Here is one of my go to vss. when discussing "aionios."
Greek has been the language of the Eastern Greek Orthodox church from its inception, 2000 years +/- ago. Who better than the team of native Greek speaking scholars who translated the Eastern Greek Orthodox Bible [EOB] know the meaning of the Greek words in the NT?

EOB Matthew:25:46 When he will answer them, saying: ‘Amen, I tell you: as much as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 These [ones on the left] will go away into eternal [αἰώνιος/aionios] punishment, [κόλασις/kolasis] but the righteous into eternal [αἰώνιος/aionios] life.”[1]
1 Cleenewerck, 1. (Ed.). (2011). The Eastern/Greek Orthodox Bible: New Testament (Mt 25:45-46). Laurent A. Cleenewerck. ​

The New Testament ( The Eastern-Greek Orthodox Bible) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
…..The Greek word “kolasis” occurs only twice in the N.T., Matt 25:46 and the second occurrence is 1 John 4:18.

EOB 1 John 4:18 here is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear is connected with punishment.[ κόλασις/kolasis] But the one who fears is not yet perfect in love.​

Note the native Greek speaking Eastern Orthodox Greek scholars who translated the EOB translated “aionios” as “eternal.”
The Greek word translated “punishment” in Matt 25:46 is “kolasis.” Some folks claim “kolasis” really means “prune” or “correction” but according to the EOB Greek scholars it means “punishment” there is no correction the one with “kolasis” is not made perfect.

 

[Hmm]

Here's something to consider.

Aionios mistranslated as "eternal" and "everlasting" in Matthew 25:46.

All these verses below use the same NT Greek word, "aionios", the Greek word mistranslated as "eternal" and "everlasting" in Matthew 25:46. See bold below. This shows that "aionios" cannot mean eternal or everlasting.

Matthew 13:22
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 2:8
None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Ephesians 2:2
in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

Galatians 1:4-5 KJV
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Galatians 1:4-5 KJV
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Compare: Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; Luke 20:35; Ephesians 1:21

Luke 18:29-30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Aionios, the Greek word mistranslated as "eternal" and "everlasting" in the Bible (eternal hell?)

I remember the slight shock I felt when I first learnt that when Jesus said "aionias kolasis" this is translated as "eternal punishment" in most English Bibles but actually means something more like "pruning/correction lasting for an age", where "age" is a finite duration of time because the correction process has to end for the correction to be achieved.

It's natural for lay people, like myself, to assume that Bible translators would get things right and I always thought all the references to "eternal punishment" in all the popular Bibles I'd seen posed quite a challenge to a universalist interpretation. But when I learnt that it's simply a mistranlation, it all fell together, and I've since learnt that there are many Bible translations that translate these "infernalist" verses correctly.

These kind of errors, even though widely accepted in academia, continue to be kept in the more popular versions and the publishers are unlikely to change this any time soon because, as we see here, eternal torment (for others) commands a fierce loyalty and there'd be a significant drop in sales. It would be nice to think that the Bible is unaffected by these things but I guess it's not too surprising to learn that it isn't.