What does it mean when the Bible says the wicked will burn “forever?”
The word “forever” can have different meanings, depending on the subject and context in which it is used. It can often mean a never-ending, perpetual state; or it can be used to describe a definite period of time. Of course, it can also be used in hyperbolic language to express exaggeration. For instance: “It took forever to get home,” or, “The line of cars went on forever.”
There are instances in Scripture where we find the term “forever” used in connection with things that have already ended. The Bible clearly states that Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17), yet Jonah describes his experience in the fish as being “forever” (Jonah 2:6). Also, Samuel the prophet was dedicated to remain in service to the Lord and His temple “forever” (1 Samuel 1:22). However, we know that “forever” here means “as long as he lives” (1 Samuel 1:28).
Keeping this in mind, when we come across texts referring to the wicked burning forever, we must understand what it means in harmony with what the rest of Scripture teaches on the subject. Consider this passage in Revelation (emphasis supplied throughout):
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10
This text clearly states that the hellfire experience will be “forever,” but is this referring to something that literally never ends, or is it referring to a burning that will burn until it has served its purpose? By reading the verse before, we gather clear insight as to what “forever” means:
“… And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.” Revelation 20:9
This clearly indicates that the fire will burn the subjects up. In other words, it will consume the wicked until they are no more (Psalm 37:10, 20; Obadiah 1:16).
Therefore, the concept of “forever” within the context of hellfire refers to a definite period of time. The results of the burning will be forever, but the event itself will only go on until it has served its purpose.
This all makes sense when you compare what other passages say about the subject. John 3:16 clearly states that the opposite of “eternal life” is to “perish.” That means that the wicked will not be granted eternal life to continue living, but will ultimately cease to exit.
Consider also what the following texts say about the devil and the wicked in the aftermath of hellfire:
“You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; therefore, I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; you have become a horror, and shall be no more forever.” Ezekiel 28:18–19
“‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘that will leave them neither root nor branch…. You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 4:1, 3
The Lord, through Ezekiel, communicates that the ultimate punishment for Lucifer will be complete annihilation. He will literally be reduced to ashes, and the result of this will be “forever” (Ezekiel 28:19).
The same will happen with the wicked, who will meet the same fate. They are not granted eternal life to burn for ceaseless ages, but will ultimately be brought to ashes. Obadiah reminds us that they will be “as though they had not been” (Obadiah 1:16).
So in conclusion, the wicked themselves will not burn forever, but the results of their burning will indeed be forever.