I have Jewish friends that tell me that the concepts of heaven and hell as an other-worldly place are not a part of their religion. Better, they say, to think in terms of being near to or far away from YHWH. This seems consistent with a Jewish emphasis on what is going on and will go on in the here and now, and perhaps then. How does this construct affect the argument over the original or even the modern meaning of the word hell, in any language?

I have a Catholic theology professor who thinks the Jews did and do have a concept of at least heaven. Go figure.

I caution both commentators that it is dangerous to make sweeping statements about what most people mean when they use this or that word. I think on any basis your own personal sample will be too small to make such sweeping probability claims.

I note that both commentators appear to believe that there is consequence for sin, and that it is something that is not pleasant to experience.

What meaning "should" we assign to the word in light of a post-modern rejection of the supernatural?

Finally, thanks to both for offering a bird’s eye view of the battle that has been raging for centuries by, between and among biblical interpreters. Very instructive from a didactic point of view.