Eternity
Category
Future, Judgment, & Kingdom
Biblical Definition
Unending duration and the everlasting order of God's being and final purposes, including eternal life and eternal judgment.
Origin(s)
Hebrew: עוֹלָם; Greek: αἰώνιος
Transliteration
ʿôlām; aiōnios
Literal meaning
remote time, forever; eternal, everlasting
Key Scripture(s)
Psalm 90:2; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46; John 17:3; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Revelation 22:5
Theological Significance
Eternity reminds the church that God's life and purposes are not bounded by the present age. Scripture places every human life under an everlasting horizon of communion with God or final judgment.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Eternity is not simply endless sameness or vague timelessness. In Scripture it names the enduring reality of God and the everlasting consequence of human destiny before Him.
Practical Application
Thinking on eternity brings sobriety, hope, and perseverance, teaching believers to value what lasts and to live in light of the age to come.