Sheol

Shee´ohl

A biblical term for the netherworld. In some sources, particularly poetic and prophetic ones (Deut 32:22; Amos 9:2), the reference is simply to the deep depths of the earth. More commonly, Sheol is the underworld where departed spirits go (Prov 9:18). Some of the biblical texts preserve a distinct metaphorical flavor, where Sheol is personified as a power that can destroy the living (Isa 5:14).