What does it mean to perish according to the Bible?

In the context of the Bible, to perish signifies more than mere physical death; it encapsulates the notion of eternal separation from God as a result of sin. John 3:16 emphasizes that those who believe in Jesus will not perish, which implies that those who reject Him remain under condemnation. This state of perishing entails the reality of not only facing death but also enduring a second death, where the soul experiences eternal torment and separation from God, thus highlighting the serious consequences of turning away from His offer of salvation.