Understanding Tartarus in Biblical Context: Insights and Explanations

The term Tartarus in the Bible can be a topic of interest and confusion for many. Let’s explore its true meaning and significance based on biblical references and scholarly explanations.

The Place of Tartarus in the Bible

The term Tartarus appears only once in the Christian Greek Scriptures, specifically in the letter of 2 Peter 2:4. The verse states: “God did not hold back from punishing the angels that sinned but by throwing them into Tartarus delivered them to pits of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment.” The word Tartarus in this passage is derived from the Greek verb tar·ta·roo, which means to 'cast into Tartarus.'

It is essential to clarify that Tartarus in this biblical context does not refer to the Greek mythological Tartarus, which is an underground prison and place of darkness for the lesser gods. Instead, it signifies a lower spiritual state from which these angels were cast by God and subjected to.

Explanation by Jehovah’s Witnesses

From the perspective of the Research Guide of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Tartarus denotes the lowest condition of abasement for those rebellious angels. This earthly and spiritual dejection is a stage of their eventual eternal destruction along with their ruler, Satan the Devil.

It should be noted that Tartarus is not the same as the abyss spoken of in Revelation 20:1-3. This abyss is the place where Satan and his demons will be confined until the completion of the thousand-year reign of Christ, followed by their ultimate destruction in 'the second death.'

Biblical Usage: TARRY

Beyond its use in relation to Tartarus, the word 'tarry' in its various forms has multiple meanings and usages in the Bible. For instance:

Tarry (Stay)

The action of staying or remaining in a place. For example, Genesis 19:2 mentions, 'Tarry all night and wash your feet.' This indicates a request to stay overnight and rest.

To remain behind, as seen in Exodus 12:39. 'Do not eat anything leavened, because wherever you live, you shall eat unleavened bread for seven days. Do not tarry, soon but you shall go.'

To wait or expect, as it is implied in Exodus 19:16, 'The LORD said to Moses, On the day of the third month on that very day, you shall enter the land of Canaan. This implies waiting for the appointed day.

Further Information

For more detailed information and analysis on Tartarus, visit our website and search for 'Tartarus.' This will provide insights from biblical scholars and further biblical references that elucidate the meaning and significance of this term.

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