Get me my worm. The one that doesn't die, that is. Don't bother bubble-wrapping it, because clearly, it won't die.
Now until I have that worm, I'm going to be the consistent one, see, and figure that Christ was talking past a mere burning garbage dump. Otherwise, see, I'm going to figure you owe me one worm-that-does-not-die.
This is simple, really. If Hell is a burning garbage dump, because that was what you say is the literal translation, I'm going to be the proud owner of a literal worm-that-does-not die, which you will be sending me shortly.
Isa 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
"Carcasses" are dead bodies, not alive or eternally alive bodies. Now if you think that somehow we have "worms" and that they eternally alive, then Albert Barnes Notes on the bible says:
For their worm shall not die - This image is evidently taken from the condition of unburied bodies, and especially on a battlefield. The Hebrew word (úåìò tôlâ‛) properly refers to the worms which are generated in such corrupting bodies (see Exo_16:20; the notes at Isa_14:11). It is sometimes applied to the worm from which the crimson or deep scarlet color was obtained (the notes at Isa_1:18); but it more properly denotes that which is produced in putrid substances. This entire passage is applied by the Saviour to future punishment; and is the fearful image which he employs to denote the final suffering of the wicked in hell.
Christ meant that anything thrown into this valley (Gehenna) would completely burn up before the fire could burn itself out. This condition would best be described as "unquenchable".(See post #41) Evidently during the millennium this fire will be continuously burning also according to the reference in Isaiah 66:22-24. As you can see in this scripture the Lord is speaking of the end times.
The phrase "worm dies not" simply means that some bodies thrown into the valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) did not burn, becoming literally stuck on ledges without falling into the fire. [Ecclesiastes 3:20] In other words, two possible things could happen to these bodies. (1)Fall into the fire and burn up, or (2) get stuck on a ledge and be consumed by maggots (worms).
As I said in an earlier post, this valley, Gehenna, had been in use for centuries by the Israelites and its history was well known to the first century populace because it was still used as a garbage disposal area for the City of Jerusalem. Earlier it had a more sinister use.
If it is your belief that we are talking about immortal worms here.....keep waiting for FED EX. If you possess a Bible dictionary I would suggest you look up the word "Gehenna"....as that is the word translated "Hell" in this passage [Mark 9:43-48]. The confusion stems from the fact that Gehenna was, in a way like Hades (grave), a resting place for dead bodies....not an ever burning hell fire as mainstream Christianity would like you to believe.