Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

MARK 9:46KJV
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Mark 9:46 (KJV)

What does Mark 9:46 mean?

Mark 9:46 describes a place of ongoing suffering, using the images of a worm that does not die and a fire that is never put out. The verse warns of a punishment that does not end, emphasizing the seriousness of the consequences being discussed.

In Mark 9, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, warning them about the dangers of sin and the importance of avoiding actions that lead to spiritual ruin. The language here draws from vivid Old Testament imagery to stress how severe and lasting this punishment is. Jesus uses these strong words to urge His listeners to take sin seriously and to consider the lasting results of their choices.

The Greek behind Mark 9:46

  • "σκώληξ" (skōlēx, "worm"): This Greek word refers to a maggot or worm, often used in ancient times to describe decay or corruption. Here, it highlights the idea of something that continually consumes and is never finished.
  • "πῦρ" (pyr, "fire"): This word for fire often points to destruction or purification. In this context, it emphasizes a fire that is never quenched, suggesting ongoing judgment.
  • "οὐ" (ou, "not"): The repeated use of this word in "does not die" and "is not quenched" stresses the unending nature of both the worm and the fire. The Greek structure makes it clear that this is not temporary but continual.

Why Mark 9:46 matters

  • Mark 9:46 clears up that Jesus is not describing a temporary punishment, but one that is ongoing and serious, using strong imagery to make the point unmistakable.
  • The verse connects directly to Jesus’ warnings in the surrounding verses about the cost of sin and the urgent need to avoid it, even if it means making difficult sacrifices.
  • This verse echoes language from Isaiah 66:24, showing how Jesus draws on familiar Jewish scripture to communicate the gravity of His warning to His listeners.

Where else these words appear

“worm” Greek G4663 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
  • Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

“is” Greek G4570 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
  • Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
  • Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

“dieth” Greek G5053 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
  • Matthew 22:25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
  • Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

“fire” Greek G4442 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
  • Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;