What does “firmament” mean?
The Hebrew word translated firmament is raqiaʿ (רָקִיעַ). It conveys the idea of something spread out, stretched out, or an expanse.
In Genesis 1, God separates:
Waters below the firmament — the seas and waters on Earth
Waters above the firmament
The firmament itself, in which the heavenly lights are placed
Genesis 1:14–17 says that God placed the sun, moon, and stars “in the firmament of heaven.”
So when the Bible speaks of the firmament, it is describing the heavens/sky above the earth, rather than necessarily teaching that there is a literal solid dome over us.
But doesn’t “firmament” sound like a solid structure?
Yes—and this is where there is an important distinction.
The KJV’s word “firmament” comes from the Latin firmamentum, which can give the impression of something firm or solid. The Hebrew raqiaʿ, however, can also mean an expanse or something that has been spread out.
Consequently, modern translations often translate Genesis 1:6 as:
“Let there be an expanse between the waters…”
rather than “firmament.”
Hell of the just the theological concept of the temporary abode of the righteous who died before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, also known as the limbus patrum (limbo of the fathers) or Abraham’s bosom.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lEZq9a1ZpE&t=52),
(https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07207a.htm),
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrowing_of_Hell)
Makes total sense to me. However, literal translators see the earth as some kind of disc with an ocean above and below. All space travel is fake.