Eternal

ETERNAL, ETERNITY. The word translated "eternity" is in Hebrew olam, which means "hidden;" in Greek, aion, which has primary reference to a period as "a lifetime." The difference between them consists in the fact that olam usually means the world in time, although the only place where it is so rendered in our version is Eccl 3:11. But Ps 90:1 is literally "from world to world," Ps 145:13, "kingdom of all worlds," Deut 33:27; "the arms of the world" (English Version, "everlasting arms"). The underlying thought in these passages is that of immense time movements exhibiting God's great work. The Hebrew and Greek words both had plurals, which proves that they did not in themselves denote absolute endlessness. They are likewise applied to finite things. Gen 17:8; Isa 49:26; Ex 12:14. When they are applied to God and spiritual things they indicate the endless succession of ages, which is the popular and necessary conception of eternity. The idea of absolute eternity is impressed in the Bible by language which implies finality. It is this which renders Matt 25:46 so impressive. The verse sets forth the last act of the great drama of human life, and the rewards and penalties are awarded irreversibly. Here the curtain falls.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. One of the appellations of God. Law whereby the Eternal himself doth work. Hooker.

2. That which is endless and immortal. Young.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

1. Without beginning or end of existence; always existing. The eternal God is thy refuge. Deut. xxxiii. 27. To know wether there were any real being, whose duration has been eternal. Locke.

2. Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal. That they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Tim. ii. 10.

3. Continued without intermission; perpetual; ceaseless; constant. And fires eternal in thy temple shine. Dryden.

4. Existing at all times without change; immutable. Hobbes believed the eternal truths which he opposed. Dryden. What are the eternal objects of poetry among all nations, and at all times M. Arnold.

5. Exceedingly great or bad; -- used as a strong intensive. "Some eternal villain." The Eternal City, an appellation of Rome.

Synonyms: Everlasting; endless; infinite; ceaseless; perpetual; interminable. See Everlasting.