How do we know that hell is not annihilation?

The concept of annihilation, where a soul ceases to exist, is contrary to biblical teaching. Scripture presents hell as an eternal state of conscious suffering and punishment for sin. Jesus emphasizes the eternal nature of hell in Mark 9:43-48, speaking of unquenchable fire and eternal torment. The parable in Luke 16:19-31 further illustrates this by showing the rich man in torment and aware of his condition after death, begging for relief that is unattainable. These passages, alongside the declaration in Revelation 20:10 about the eternal punishment of the devil and his followers, affirm that the punishment in hell is everlasting, illustrating God's unrelenting justice against unrepentant sin.