Harrowing of Hell
Christ's descent to free the righteous dead from the underworld.
The Harrowing of Hell, in Christian theology, refers to the period between the Crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection, during which Christ descended into the underworld and brought salvation to the souls held captive there since the beginning of the world. The concept is referenced in the Apostles' Creed and the Athanasian Creed, which state that he 'descended into the underworld,' though neither mentions the liberation of the dead. The term 'harrowing' comes from the Old English 'hergian' meaning 'to harry or despoil,' first appearing in the homilies of Ælfric of Eynsham around 1000 AD.
- Also known as
- Anastasis (Greek for 'resurrection')
- First clear appearance
- Gospel of Nicodemus (Acts of Pilate section)
- Commemorated in liturgy
- Holy Saturday
- Key New Testament passages
- 1 Peter 4:6, Ephesians 4:9, Matthew 12:40, Acts 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18–19
- Early theologians who taught it
- St Melito of Sardis, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Origen, Ambrose
- First Western art appearance
- Early 8th century
Lore & Background
The Harrowing of Hell is alluded to in several New Testament verses, including Matthew 12:40, which compares Jesus's time in the 'heart of the earth' to Jonah's three days in the sea monster, and 1 Peter 3:18–19, which states that Christ 'went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison.' The Catechism of the Catholic Church cites Ephesians 4:9, which says Christ 'descended into the lower parts of the earth,' as supporting this interpretation. The Gospel of Nicodemus, particularly the section called the Acts of Pilate, provides the first clear narrative of the event, featuring a dramatic dialogue between Hades and Prince Satan and the entry of the King of Glory.
Reader's Guide
The Harrowing of Hell holds significant theological importance as it addresses the fate of the righteous who died before Christ's resurrection. The doctrine was taught by early church theologians such as St Melito of Sardis, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Origen, and Ambrose, though Tertullian himself disagreed with the idea. In Eastern Orthodox tradition, the Harrowing of Hades is celebrated annually on Holy and Great Saturday during the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil, with liturgical colors changing from somber Lenten hues to white, symbolizing the broken gates of Hell. The subject appears prominently in Orthodox iconography as the Anastasis, considered a creation of Byzantine culture and first appearing in the West in the early 8th century. The term 'harrowing' itself, meaning to despoil, was first included in Ælfric of Eynsham's homilies around 1000 AD, and Middle English dramatic literature contains the fullest and most dramatic development of the subject.
Did You Know?
- The term 'harrowing' comes from the Old English 'hergian' meaning 'to harry or despoil,' first appearing in the homilies of Ælfric of Eynsham around 1000 AD.
- The Harrowing of Hell is commemorated in the liturgical calendar on Holy Saturday.
- The first clear appearance of the story is in the Gospel of Nicodemus, in the section called the Acts of Pilate.
- In Eastern Orthodox iconography, the Harrowing of Hades is known as the Anastasis, Greek for 'resurrection.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Harrowing of Hell in Christian theology?
It is the doctrine describing Christ's descent into the underworld between his Crucifixion and Resurrection to free the righteous souls held captive there since creation. The event is also known by its Greek name, the Anastasis, which simply means 'resurrection.'
Where does the Harrowing of Hell first appear as a full narrative?
The earliest clear written account is found in the Gospel of Nicodemus, specifically within its Acts of Pilate section. Earlier Church Fathers such as Melito of Sardis, Tertullian, and Origen had already taught the concept, and the Apostles' Creed references the descent, though neither creed spells out the liberation of the dead.
What does the word 'harrowing' actually mean in this context?
It derives from the Old English verb 'hergian,' meaning to harry or despoil, painting a picture of Christ raiding the underworld and stripping away its captives. The phrasing first surfaces in the homilies of Ælfric of Eynsham around the year 1000.
When is the Harrowing of Hell commemorated in the church calendar?
It is observed on Holy Saturday, the single day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This placement mirrors the theological claim that the descent took place during the interval between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.
Which New Testament passages are most often cited as scriptural support for the Harrowing?
The go-to verses include 1 Peter 4:6, Ephesians 4:9, Matthew 12:40, Acts 2:24, and 1 Peter 3:18–19. Readers typically interpret these as indicating that Christ proclaimed the gospel to the dead while he was in the realm of the underworld.
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