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is evident
from several texts of Sacred Scripture.
St. Jerome deduces this specifically from a passage in the book of Numbers (Num. 16:31-33). Here
is described the fate of Dathan and Abiron who were precipitated into Hell, falling into a chasm
which opened under their very feet. At the same time a great flame burst from the earth and killed
two hundred and fifty men who were accomplices in their sin. Moreover, in many passages of Sacred
Scripture, the word "descend" is used in reference to Hell, indicating that Hell is situated in
the bowels of the earth.

Hell Is a Definite Place

This assertion is confirmed by a passage of St. Luke (16:22): "But the rich man also died and was
buried in hell." The sacred text employs the word "buried," because burials are made within the
earth. Moreover, the rich man himself describes Hell as a "place of torment " ( Lk. 16:28),
confirming the opinion that Hell is a determined and definite place. In another place it is
called a "lake"; "Thou hast saved me from those descending into the lake'' (Ps. 29:3); and
elsewhere, a pool: "And the devil who deceived them was cast into the pool of fire and brimstone."
(Apoc. 20:9). It is evident, therefore, that Hell is a determined place, and most probably
situated within the earth. But as to where, precisely, it is situated, whether at the very center
of the earth or nearer to the surface, cannot be determined from any revealed document. St. Thomas
also declared that