Hell vs. Purgatory: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
"Hell" is often conceptualized as a place of eternal suffering in various religious beliefs, while "Purgatory" is viewed, especially in Catholicism, as a temporary state where souls are purified for Heaven.
Key Differences
Hell and Purgatory, while both are concepts in religious theology, have distinctly divergent connotations and meanings. Hell is predominantly recognized as a place or state of perpetual torment and despair. In contrast, Purgatory generally denotes a place or state where souls undergo purification to achieve the sanctity necessary to enter Heaven.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
The concept of Hell widely involves eternal punishment, a permanent domain where damned souls undergo ceaseless suffering. Alternatively, Purgatory is, notably in Catholic belief, a transient phase in which souls are cleansed and prepared for Paradise, indicating a chance for redemption and eternal peace thereafter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Depictions of Hell often present a fiery, painful, and harrowing environment, where souls experience relentless anguish as retribution for their sins. Conversely, Purgatory is commonly depicted as a refining fire, where souls, while they may experience discomfort and pain, are essentially purged of sin and imperfection.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Interestingly, Hell is a consistent concept across various religious and mythological narratives, symbolizing ultimate despair and ethical consequence. Whereas Purgatory is not universally acknowledged across all denominations and faiths, with its most elaborate descriptions found within Catholic doctrine.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Hell serves as a moral warning, frequently deterring immoral conduct due to the fear of eternal punishment. Meanwhile, Purgatory might be perceived as an embodiment of mercy and a second chance, providing an opportunity for souls to cleanse themselves and attain heavenly peace.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Universality in Belief
Common in various religious beliefs
Predominantly recognized within Catholic theology
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Hell and Purgatory Definitions
Hell
A place envisioned as a domain of perpetual suffering.
Some believe sinners are consigned to Hell.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Purgatory
Any place or condition of temporary punishment or suffering.
The traffic jam was pure Purgatory.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Hell
Used to express annoyance or frustration.
What the Hell is going on here?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Purgatory
A purifying experience or ordeal.
The intense training was a Purgatory for them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Hell
Often Hell The place of eternal punishment for the wicked after death, often imagined as being presided over by Satan and his devils.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
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Purgatory
A state of awaiting final judgment and purification.
Souls in Purgatory await their passage to Heaven.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Purgatory
A means of obtaining something through purification or temporary suffering.
The internship was a Purgatory before the job.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Hell
The abode of the dead in any of various religious traditions, such as the Hebrew Sheol or the Greek Hades; the underworld.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Purgatory
Roman Catholic Church A state in which the souls of those who have died in grace must expiate their sins.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
A situation or place of evil, misery, discord, or destruction
"War is hell" (William Tecumseh Sherman).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Purgatory
A place or condition of suffering, expiation, or remorse
A purgatory of drug abuse.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
An extremely difficult experience; torment or anguish
Went through hell on the job.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
(Informal) One that causes trouble, agony, or annoyance
The boss is hell when a job is poorly done.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Purgatory
Any situation where suffering is endured, particularly as part of a process of redemption.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Purgatory
A state or place of purification after death; according to the Roman Catholic creed, a place, or a state believed to exist after death, in which the souls of persons are purified by expiating such offenses committed in this life as do not merit eternal damnation, or in which they fully satisfy the justice of God for sins that have been forgiven. After this purgation from the impurities of sin, the souls are believed to be received into heaven.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Purgatory
A temporary condition of torment or suffering;
A purgatory of drug abuse
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Purgatory
(theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
Used for intensive effect in idioms such as beat the hell out of (someone) for beat (someone) very badly.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Purgatory
In Catholic doctrine, a place or state of suffering where souls are purified.
She believed her husband was in Purgatory.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Hell
A place of torment where some or all sinners and evil spirits are believed to go after death.
May you rot in hell!
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
A place or situation of great suffering in life.
My new boss is making my job a hell.
I went through hell to get home today.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
(figuratively) An extremely hot place.
You don’t have a snowball's chance in hell.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
Used as an intensifier in phrases grammatically requiring a noun.
I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more.
What the hell is wrong with you?!
He says he’s going home early? Like hell he is.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
(obsolete) A place into which a tailor throws shreds, or a printer discards broken type.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
Something extremely painful or harmful (to)
That steep staircase is hell on my knees.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
Used to express discontent, unhappiness, or anger.
Oh, hell! I got another parking ticket.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
Used to introduce an intensified statement following an understated one; nay; not only that, but.
Do it, or, rest assured, there will be no more Middle Eastern crisis – hell, there will be no more Middle East!
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
The place of the dead, or of souls after death; the grave; - called in Hebrew sheol, and by the Greeks hades.
He descended into hell.
Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
The place or state of punishment for the wicked after death; the abode of evil spirits. Hence, any mental torment; anguish.
It is a knellThat summons thee to heaven or to hell.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
Any place of pain and turmoil;
The hell of battle
The inferno of the engine room
When you're alone Christmas is the pits
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
(Christianity) the abode of Satan and the forces of evil; where sinners suffer eternal punishment;
Hurl'd headlong...To bottomless perdition, there to dwell
A demon from the depths of the pit
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
(religion) the world of the dead;
He didn't want to go to hell when he died
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2022
Hell
A situation or place of chaos or destruction.
The battlefield was a living Hell.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Hell
A state or place of utter torment or darkness.
He described the prison as Hell.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Hell
Used to emphasize a point or statement.
There’s no way in Hell I'm doing that.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Define Purgatory?
Purgatory is perceived, especially in Catholicism, as a place where souls are purified before entering Heaven.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is Hell considered permanent?
Yes, Hell is typically considered a place of eternal suffering.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is Hell present in all religious beliefs?
No, concepts of Hell vary widely among different religions and denominations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is Hell always depicted as fiery?
While commonly depicted as fiery, interpretations of Hell can vary.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can Purgatory refer to non-religious suffering?
Yes, "Purgatory" can describe any situation involving suffering or ordeal.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Who believes in Purgatory?
Purgatory is primarily acknowledged within Catholicism, though not in all Christian denominations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
What is Hell?
Hell is commonly understood as a place of eternal torment and punishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can souls leave Purgatory?
Yes, in beliefs that recognize Purgatory, souls eventually ascend to Heaven after purification.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can Hell be used in casual language?
Yes, "Hell" is often used informally to express frustration or emphasis.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Does belief in Hell dictate behavior?
Some argue that belief in Hell can influence moral and ethical choices.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Does everyone go to Purgatory?
Not according to all beliefs; in Catholicism, only certain souls undergo purification in Purgatory.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Is Hell only a religious concept?
Primarily yes, though it has permeations in cultural and fictional narratives.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Is fear of Hell a moral deterrent?
Yes, often Hell is used as a warning against immoral behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can Purgatory be perceived positively?
In some views, Purgatory is a merciful second chance for purification.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can Purgatory refer to a place on Earth?
Metaphorically, yes; it can describe any difficult or transitional situation or place.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Is Hell depicted the same globally?
No, depictions and perceptions of Hell can vary across cultures and beliefs.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Is Purgatory mentioned in the Bible?
Purgatory, per se, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, and interpretations vary.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Is Purgatory a painful experience?
Beliefs vary, but it's often seen as an uncomfortable yet purifying process.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can anyone pray for souls in Purgatory?
In beliefs recognizing Purgatory, anyone can pray for the souls therein.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Are children taught about Hell?
Teaching about Hell to children varies widely among religious and personal beliefs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
