Bible Dictionary
Hinnom
Hinnom was the valley south and west of Jerusalem where idolatrous child sacrifice was practiced. Because of its defilement and association with judgment, its name became Gehenna, a figure for the place of final punishment.
Biblical Usage
Hinnom first appears as a boundary in Joshua. Children were burned there to Molech and Baal, and Josiah polluted the site to end these practices. Because of its defilement and association with the fire of Molech, Gehenna became a figure for the place of eternal torment in the teaching of Jesus.
Scripture References