Brimstone is a common word used in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. When we often think of the word “brimstone,” we think of the fire and brimstone pastors of the past. In other words, brimstone does not normally entail a positive meaning. In this article, we are going to be discussing what brimstone signifies in the Bible.
Defining Brimstone
The Easton Bible Dictionary defines brimstone as “an inflammable mineral substance found in quantities on the shores of the Dead Sea. The cities of the plain were destroyed by a rain of fire and brimstone (Genesis 19:24; Genesis 19:25). 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; Psalms 11:6; Ezekiel 38:22). It is used to express the idea of excruciating torment in Revelation 14:10; 19:20; 20:10.”
From this definition, we can see that brimstone signifies two major things in the Bible —punishment and destruction.
The Easton Bible Dictionary tells us from the passages of Genesis 19:24-25 the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by brimstone.
Genesis 19:24-25 records, “Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground” (NKJV).
God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of the horrific sin of the inhabitants of these cities. Sodom and Gomorrah were ungodly cities that engaged in mass sin and, most importantly, were unrepentant (Genesis 19:4-5).
From this connection of brimstone to the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, we can ascertain that brimstone in the Bible signifies “destruction or punishment.” As stated, brimstone is never associated with anything positive, but rather, it is associated with punishment.
Isaiah 34:9 mentions brimstone as the prophet states, “Its streams shall be turned into pitch, And its dust into brimstone; Its land shall become burning pitch” (NKJV). Yet again, in this passage of Scripture, brimstone is connected to destruction and punishment.
Another passage of Scripture that speaks of brimstone is Psalm 11:6, “Upon the wicked He will rain coals; Fire and brimstone and a burning wind Shall be the portion of their cup” (NKJV).
A read over this verse of Psalm 11:6 quickly connects the word “brimstone” to destruction and punishment. As the psalmist writes, God will rain coals down onto the wicked as well as fire, brimstone, and burning wind will be the portion of the wicked.
Ezekiel 38:22 tells us more about what brimstone signifies in the Bible, “And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone” (NKJV).
On one hand, Ezekiel 38:22 refers back to fire and brimstone as recorded in Genesis 19:24-25 with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah being punished and destroyed for their wicked sins. On the other hand, there is future prophecy with the passage of Ezekiel 38:22.
Ezekiel 38:22 is looking forward to the Battle of Armageddon, which will take place during the end of the seven-year tribulation.
The prophet Ezekiel was foretelling what is going to happen at the Battle of Armageddon when Christ destroys the beast, the antichrist, and the false prophet, to which they will be thrown into a lake of fire burning with brimstone (Revelation 19:20).
Yet again, Ezekiel 38:22 denotes punishment and destruction with the word “brimstone.”
The New Testament
In addition to the Old Testament’s record of the word “brimstone,” the New Testament also mentions brimstone. Brimstone is mentioned in the Book of Revelation with the same connection to destruction and punishment.
Revelation 14:10 says, “He himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” (NKJV).
In this passage of Revelation, the “he” referred to anyone who worships the beast or receives the mark of the beast (Revelation 14:9). In other words, the beast, the antichrist, and anyone who worships them will be tormented with fire and brimstone for all eternity in the lake of fire.
Revelation 19:20 records, “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone” (NKJV).
Once again, in this passage of Scripture, brimstone signifies punishment and destruction. Revelation 19:20 tells us that the beast, the false prophet, and the antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire, which contains brimstone.
Similar to Revelation 14:10, this passage of Revelation 19:20 tells us the fate of the wicked is connected to the lake of fire that is burning with brimstone. Brimstone signifies punishment and destruction in the Bible, which will ultimately be fulfilled at the lake of fire.
Since we know where unbelievers will be after death, we need to do all we can to help them know Christ and to make Him known. While it can be intimidating and scary to even mention Jesus’ name in front of unbelievers, as Christians, we need to be bold and proclaim the gospel.
We need to follow Paul’s example when he says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). We should not be ashamed of the gospel, but rather proclaim it to all people.
What Does This Mean?
Therefore, brimstone signifies destruction and punishment, as shown throughout many passages of the Bible.
Due to us being informed about the future destruction and punishment that will befall unbelievers, we need to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ by telling them how Jesus died for their sins, was buried, and rose again (John 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
It is impossible for us to make anyone accept Christ, yet we can tell them the gospel and demonstrate Christ in our actions. In addition to telling the lost the gospel and demonstrating Christ’s love in our actions, we can also pray for the unbelievers in our lives.
Often, we overlook the power of prayer, yet it is one of our greatest weapons in our spiritual walk. Always try to remind yourself that the fate of all unbelievers will be the lake of fire, which should motivate all of us to take action.
Thus, brimstone, as told to us in the Bible, signifies destruction and punishment, which will befall all individuals who never place faith in Christ.
For further reading:
Was Jesus Referring to Hell When He Said the ‘Outer Darkness’?
What Is the Difference Between Hades and Hell?
What Is the Meaning of Gehenna in the Bible?
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