Heaven vs. Paradise
In Scripture, "Paradise" and "Heaven" largely overlap - Paradise describes the blessed dwelling place of the redeemed (used by Jesus for where the believing thief would go immediately at death), while "Heaven" is the broader term for God's dwelling and the eternal home of believers.
Point by Point
Heaven
Paradise
Word origin
'Heaven' (Greek ouranos) is the general term for the sky and God's abode.
'Paradise' (Greek paradeisos) comes from a Persian word for a walled garden or park - echoing Eden.
Immediate vs. final state
'Heaven' can describe the eternal, final state after resurrection (Revelation 21).
'Paradise' in Luke 23:43 describes where believers go immediately at death, awaiting resurrection.
Used interchangeably by Paul
Paul describes being 'caught up to the third heaven'.
In the very same passage, he also calls it being 'caught up into paradise' (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).
Scripture References
Today Thou Shalt Be With Me in Paradise
Luke 23:4343 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Jesus's promise to the repentant thief uses 'paradise' for immediate presence with Christ after death.
Caught Up to the Third Heaven
2 Corinthians 12:2-42 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Paul uses 'third heaven' and 'paradise' to describe the same vision, showing the terms overlap.
More Theology Comparisons
Explore more Bible comparisons, or ask a Bible question.