The Gates of Hell understood using Bible Dictionaries

Gates of Hell understood using dictionaries

This post continues my study into the meaning of the phrase “gates of hell” in Matthew 16:18. Previously, I used commentaries to understand the meaning. Here I use bible dictionaries. I chose these specific resources because I was able to find them online using www.crosswalk.com and www.biblegateway.com, or I had them on my bookshelf already.

Smith's Bible Dictionary-did not include a reference to the Gates of Hell

Eerdman's
“The gate is a frequent metaphor for power, as in the …. 'gates of hell.'”

Nave's Topical Bible
Gates refers figuratively in Matthew 16:18 to the powers of hell

Hayford's Bible Handbook
“Jesus in saying that His church would prevail over the “gates of hades” indicates that ….Jesus' purpose in building His church is to break the evil hold on these arenas of life which hell perpetrates to human confusion and destruction.”

Easton's Bible Dictionary
“"The gates of hell" (RSV, "gates of Hades") Matthew 16:18 , are generally interpreted as meaning the power of Satan, but probably they may mean the power of death, denoting that the Church of Christ shall never die. “

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology
“When Jesus promises that the "gates of Hades" will never overcome the church ( Matt 16:18 ), this phrase parallels Old Testament expressions tied to evil's power and persecution ( Psalm 9:13 ; 107:17-20 ). Jesus' reference to the future in Matthew 16:18 concurs with Revelation's vision of Satan's final attack on God's people (19:19; 20:7-9). Jesus has promised that he will conquer Hades so that it will not defeat the church. Indeed, his resurrection establishes that this evil empire is already broken. Christ now holds the keys, the authority over death and Hades ( Rev 1:18 )!”

Torrey's New Topical Textbook Bible Concordance Online
the phrase “gates of hell” from Matthew 16:18 is illustrative of Satan's power


The other resources that I will explore in the future include:

1) Different English translations of the Bible
2) Strong's
3) An interlinear bible
4) Writings and/or sermons from history regarding this passage, especially from the Church Fathers if they can be found.