Hell in the Bible is described as a place where the fire is not quenched. Hell is referred to as or likened to Gahenna. Gahenna in the old testament times was the city dump where Israel dumped there garbage. The garbage became so large they then started to burn it. This place then, always had a fire burning, constantly and consistently as all the trash from the city was sent to the dump to be burned. So when Christ refers to Hell as Gahenna he is drawing up the same comparison that in Hell the occupants will be burned up but never consumed being an eternal torment. This is where the torment comes from. For anyone that knows agony, can you imagine a continual agony that never ceases. Christ gave an example of this in Luke 16:19-31.
Also notice that the comparison is to that of a garbage dump. This a place where things are thrown out and forgotten. This is how Christ is referring to souls that are lost in Hell. Literally they have become worth no more than garbage. Hell is the final permanent resting place of the wicked, the ungodly, and for those who choose to follow sin. Hell is permanent and forever. When God created man he created his soul for eternity. We are permanent! God made us that way. So, there needs to be a place to put those souls who are not in fellowship with God. Hell is that place. God cannot stand sin. All throughout the Bible, consistently God asks us to turn away from sin. God is so pure, so holy, that sin cannot be in his presence. Those who have fellowship with God will have eternal life. Those who do not and are still in sin will be sent to Hell. God is just and he gives us all the chance to choose our own destiny. There are no teachings in the Bible which show that Hell is temporary. Throughout the ages Hell is permanent and forevermore. So if we are in sin we cannot be in the company of god, for God cannot be in the company of sin. Since our Soul is permanent, what is God to do with those Souls who turn from him and his way? He has chosen to put them in the garbage, Hell.
