The term *tartaroo* (G5020) appears only in II Peter 2:4 as a verb, meaning to cast down with the connotation of imprisonment or restraint. Unlike the noun *Tartarus* from Greek mythology, which is absent in Scripture, *tartaroo* describes God casting down the angels who sinned, confining them to earth as their prison. This usage applies exclusively to sinning angels, not to human beings, and contributes nothing to any doctrine of hell as a destination for people. The concept connects with the abyss, or bottomless pit, mentioned in Revelation 11:7, 17:8, and 20:1, indicating restraint for these fallen beings. This confinement reflects God's judgment, ensuring that all evil, whether human or spiritual, faces complete eradication through His perfect justice.

Playlist:

playlist Go to the tartaroo (#G5020) (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

Eternal Torment?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The term *tartaroo* (G5020) relates to the imprisonment and torment of fallen angels, as seen in the broader context of divine judgment and punishment. In connection with the Lake of Fire described in Revelation 20:10, where the Devil is cast to be tormented forever and ever, there is an implication of severe punishment for spiritual beings. While the Beast and False Prophet, being mortal, are consumed by the flames upon being cast into the Lake of Fire, the torment of spirit beings like the Devil and possibly his demons may endure for a longer, though still indeterminate, period before they expire. The use of *aiôn* in Scripture suggests the duration of their suffering remains vague, potentially indicating torment during imprisonment in the abyss or an unyielding thoroughness in God's punishment. This reflects the absolute justice of God, ensuring that all evil, whether human or spiritual, faces complete eradication through His perfect judgment.

Disproving Hell

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The term *tartaroo* (G5020) appears in the Bible as a verb, found only in II Peter 2:4. Unlike its noun form *Tartarus*, which is not used in Scripture, *tartaroo* means to cast down, carrying the connotation of imprisonment or restraint. In the verse, it describes God casting down the angels who sinned, not to a place called Tartarus as understood in Greek mythology, but to earth, which serves as their prison or place of restraint. This usage has no connection to human beings or any doctrine of hell, as it pertains solely to sinning angels and their confinement. Therefore, *tartaroo* does not contribute to the concept of hell as a destination for people, focusing instead on the restraint of demonic entities on earth. Additionally, a related concept appears in Revelation 11:7, 17:8, and 20:1, where the term *abyss* or bottomless pit is used as a synonymous idea to the restraint implied by *tartaroo*, though the specific word *Tartarus* itself is absent.

God's Wrath and Hell

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In II Peter 2:4, the term *tartaroo* (G5020) is used uniquely in the New Testament as a verb phrase translated as "cast down to hell." This word, derived from the noun *tartarus*, signifies a place or condition of restraint, akin to a prison where freedom is curtailed. It specifically refers to the action taken by God against the angels who sinned, casting them into a state of confinement. This usage of *tartaroo* applies exclusively to these sinful angels and not to humans. The concept connects with the idea of the abyss or bottomless pit mentioned in Revelation 11:7, 17:8, and 20:1, indicating a place of restraint for these fallen beings as part of God's judgment.

Satan (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Greek term tartaroo appears in II Peter 2:4, where it is rendered "hell" in English versions. The passage states that God did not spare the angels who sinned but cast them down to tartaroo and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved for judgment. The word denotes a place of restraint, a prison-like confinement. The material explains that this restraint occurred after the angels left their proper domain and mounted an unsuccessful attack against God, resulting in their being cast from heaven to the earth. The earth itself therefore functions as the place of confinement, the silo or storage bin in which the demons are held. Chains of darkness intensify the imagery of limitation, indicating that their former liberty has been curtailed because they face impending judgment. The material connects this confinement directly to the ongoing reality that believers share the earth with these restrained yet still active beings, underscoring both the seriousness of their rebellion and the protective boundaries God maintains until the appointed judgment.