The Unquenchable Flame of Divine Judgment
The symbolic significance of the eternal flame in hell lies not in its physical burning but in its representation of the inevitable and unceasing divine punishment for sin. This flame serves as a symbol that the torments of sinners never cease, precisely because punishment—as the embodiment of justice and condemnation—is eternal. Here, the flame symbolizes a constant sense of loss and separation from true life, as well as the inexorable severity of the final judgment.Thus, according to religious beliefs, this flame cannot be extinguished, for its “eternity” underscores the finality and inevitability of God’s decree. As stated in one of the sources:"The eternity of the torments awaiting sinners at the Last Judgment, [...] Obviously, the words 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched' (Mark 9:44) should not be taken literally. The 'worm' embodies the ever-tormenting, reproachful conscience, while the 'fire' testifies to the great severity of the torments." (source: link txt)This means that the eternal flame is not an ordinary physical fire that can be subdued by extinguishing means—it represents the nature of the torments, which are continually renewed and intensified in accordance with the sinner's inner state. In another source, it is stated:"As already mentioned, these are two principles that are eternally destructive and, together, incapable of being overcome: for if the fire truly destroyed, it would not burn without end. In truth, nothing living burns in this fire... Likewise, the worm in hell does not die... Both the worm and the fire in hell are nothing more and nothing less than symbols of undying death." (source: link txt)Thus, the eternal flame symbolizes not a physical blaze that can be quelled, but an everlasting state of cessation and punishment established as the final and indispensable element of divine judgment. Its unquenchability expresses the continuous operation of God’s justice, within which the state of punishment itself cannot be altered or temporarily suspended.Supporting quotes:"the eternity of the torments awaiting sinners at the Last Judgment, [...] 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched'" (source: link txt)"As already mentioned, these are two principles that are eternally destructive and, together, incapable of being overcome: for if the fire truly destroyed, it would not burn without end... Both the worm and the fire in hell are nothing more and nothing less than symbols of undying death." (source: link txt)