When they hear the term “eternity,” many people think of what comes after dying. Eternity is linked with “beyond”. Eternal, according to tradition, is also an attribute associated with God’s nature and activity. Eternity is endless and God is endless, so the two belong together. Surprisingly, then, the Bible sketches a far more differentiated picture. An introduction.

In the following video, there is an introduction to the term “eternity” and reference is made to the original terms. In the Old Testament (in the Tenach), the term “olam” is predominantly coined, while the same idea is rendered by the word “aion” in the Greek New Testament. These terms never had the idea of endlessness, but rather speak of a new or specific time with certain characteristics. It’s more about quality than quantity.

More links with articles on the term “eternity” can be found in the right column.