2 Nephi 15:14

[pam]

Reference Search: 2 Nephi 15:14

14 Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

Quotes for Discussion

“Hell hath enlarged herself”

Hades, the Greek, or Sheol, the Hebrew, these two significations mean a world of spirits. Hades, Sheol, paradise, spirits in prison, are all one: it is a world of spirits.

Joseph Smith, TPJS, 310

The term hell (Hebrew sheol) in this verse refers to the world of spirits. Hell opens her mouth wide enough to receive all who are pompous and wicked, as well as their pomp and glory; both the wicked and their evil traits will be cast down to hell. This “opened mouth” image that is connected to hell continues the symbolism of feasting (“strong drink,” “wine,” “feasts”) and famine (“famished,” “dried up with thirst”). The wicked open their mouths as they eat, drink, and are merry, while at the same time hell opens her mouth to swallow them. In the end, hell’s mouth, not the mouths of the wicked, will be filled.

Donald W. Parry, Jay A. Parry, and Tina M. Peterson, Understanding Isaiah [salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1998], 57

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” said the prophet Hosea (see Hosea 4:6). Let us not let it happen to us. First, let us do our homework, because action without the proper education can lead to fanaticism. But after we have done our homework, let us take action, because education without action can only lead to frustration and failure.

Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 301