Does "zōēn aiōnion" mean eternal life?

[leafchomper100]

I'd like to get a Universalists view on the meaning of "zōēn aiōnion" if it is temporal or eternal in it's duration. Considering Jesus Christ himself is called eternal life.

1 John 5:11-12,20 : "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life…in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

1 John 1:2 : "the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—"

John identifies Jesus Christ as eternal life and the life is in Jesus. So, since this life is in Jesus and it is Jesus if it just age long life or a life that will come to an end, does that mean that Jesus will one day come to an end? If Jesus is eternal life then eternal life can have no end since Jesus is God and God has no end. If it does have an end than Jesus isn't God because Jesus himself is identified as eternal life.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Also in passages such as John 6:27 it is clear that John uses "zōēn aiōnion" to describe something that will never end.

"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life (zōēn aiōnion), which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

The Young's Literal Translation renders it as :

"work not for the food that is perishing, but for the food that is remaining to life age-during, which the Son of Man will give to you, for him did the Father seal -- even God.'"

It makes no sense because the contrast is between food that is perishing or that will not last forever with what will. Jesus is saying to not work for what is temporary and will waste away but work for what will last forever. It is nonsensical to say don't work for something that will not last forever instead work for something that will also not last forever and is also temporary. The eternal life that Jesus gives those who believe and follow him is eternal and never ending.

 

[One God and Father of All]

Jesus was raised from the dead “to die no more”. Faithful believers are to be like him in the likeness of his resurrection The nature which never dies is call the “Devine nature “ they are to be as the angels for “neither do they die”.

 

[Der Alte]

This a study I did of the word aionios a few years ago.
“αιωνιος/aionios” occurs 72x in the N.T.
“aionios” is translated world only 5 times in the N.T. [2%]
“aionios” is correctly translated “eternal” 42 times in the N.T.[52%]
“aionios” is correctly translated “everlasting” 25 times in the N.T.[34.7%]
Jesus used “aionios” twenty eight [28] times, [38.8% of total] Jesus never used “aionios” to refer something common, ordinary/mundane which was not/could not be “eternal.”
= = = = = = = = = =
In twenty four [24] of the following 26 verses “αιων/aion//αιωνιος/aionios are defined/described as eternal, everlasting, eternity etc, by paralleling or juxtaposition with other adjectives or descriptive phrases.
= = = = = = = = = =
…..Some people mistakenly claim that “αιων/aion//αιωνιος/aionios never means eternity/eternal” because a few times they refer to things which are not eternal e.g. “world.”
However, neither word is ever defined/described, by adjectives or descriptive phrases, as meaning a period less than eternal, as in the following NT verses.
…..Jesus used “aionios” twenty eight [28] times. Jesus never used “aionios” to refer to anything common, ordinary or mundane that was not/could not be eternal.
…..In the following ten verses Jesus defines/describes “aionios” as “eternal.” Luke 1:33, John 6:58, John 10:28, John 3:15, John 3:16, John 5:24, John 3:36, John 4:14, John 6:27, John 8:51

[1] Luke 1:33
(33) And he shall reign [basileusei Vb.] over the house of Jacob for ever; [αιωνας/aionas] and of his kingdom [basileias, Nn.] there shall be no end.[telos]​

In this verse the reign/basileusei, the verb form of the word, is "aionas" and of the kingdom/basileias, the noun form of the same word, "there shall be no end.” “Aionas” by definition means eternal, no end.

[2] John 6:58
(58) This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.[aionios]​

In this verse Jesus juxtaposes “live aionios” with “death.” If “live aionios” is only a finite age, a finite period life cuding vovally opposing the government in power is not opposite “death.” Thus “aionios” by definition means “eternal.”

[3] John 10:28
(28) I give them eternal [aionios] life, and they shall never [aion] perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.​

In this verse Jesus parallels “aionios” and “aion” with “[not] snatch them out of my hand”, and “never perish.” If “aion/aionios” means “age(s), a finite age,” that is not the opposite of “[not] snatch them out of my hand’/never perish” “Aionios life” by definition means “eternal life.”

[4]John 3:15
(15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal [aionion] life.
[5] John 3:16
(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting [aionion] life.​

In these two verses Jesus parallels “aionion” with “should not perish,” twice. By definition “aionion life” means eternal or everlasting life.

[6]John 5:24
(24) Verily, verily, [Amen, Amen] I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting [aionios] life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.​

In this verse Jesus parallels “aionios” with “shall not come into condemnation” and “passed from death unto life.” “Aionios” does not mean “a finite age,” by definition it means “eternal,” unless Jesus lets His followers come into condemnation and pass into death.

[7]John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting [aionios] life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.​

In this verse Jesus juxtaposed aionios life with “shall not see life.” If aionios means an indefinite age that is not opposite “shall not see life” By definition aionios means eternal.

[8]John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never [ου μη/ou mé] thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting [aionios] life.​

In this verse Jesus paralleled aionios with “shall [ου μη/ou mé][fn] never thirst.” If aionios means an indefinite age that is not opposite “shall never thirst.” By definition aionios means eternal. See footnote [fn] on “ou mé” below.

[9]John 6:27
(27) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting [aionios] life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.​

In this verse Jesus contrasted “aionios meat” with “meat that perishes.” If aionios means an indefinite age that is not opposite “meat that perishes.” By definition aionios means eternal.

[10]John 8:51
(51) Very truly [amen amen] I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never [ou mé eis ton aiona][fn] see death."​

In this verse Jesus juxtaposes “unto aion” with “never see death.” By definition “aion” means eternity.

[Character Limit. Continued next post]

 

[Der Alte]

[Previous post continued]

Paul used the word “aionios” eighteen [18] times. It is correctly translated “eternal/everlasting” 16 times and world only 2 times. In the following 12 verses Paul, Peter and John define/describe “aionios” as eternal.

[11]Romans 5:21
(21) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal [aionios] life by Jesus Christ our Lord.​

In this verse Paul juxtaposes “aionios life” with death. “A finite age life” is not opposite death. “Aionios life” by definition means ‘eternal life.”

[12]Ephesians 3:21
(21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever [tou aionios] and ever! [ton aionion] Amen.​

In this verse Paul parallels “tou aionios ton aionion” with “throughout all generations.” "Age(s)," a finite period, cannot refer to "all generations." By definition “tou aionios ton aionion” means forever and ever.

[13]Romans 1:20
(20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal [aidios] power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[14]Romans 16:26
(26) But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting [aionios] God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:​

In Rom 1:20, above, Paul refers to God’s power and Godhead as “aidios.” Scholars unanimously agree “aidios” unquestionably means eternal, everlasting, unending etc. In Rom 16:26, Paul, the same writer, in the same writing, refers to God as “aionios.” Paul has used “aionios” synonymous with “aidios.” In this verse, by definition, “aionios” means eternal, everlasting etc.

[15]2 Corinthians 4:17-18
(17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal [aionios] weight of glory;
(18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal;[proskairos] but the things which are not seen are eternal [aionios]​

In this passage Paul juxtaposes “aionios” with “for a moment,” vs. 4, and “temporal,” vs. 5. “Age(s)” an indeterminate finite period, it is not the opposite of “for a moment”/”temporal/temporary” “eternal” is. “Aionios” by definition means “eternal.”

[16]2 Corinthians 5:1
(1) For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal [aionios] in the heavens.​

In this verse Paul juxtaposes “aionios house” with “earthly house which is destroyed.” God is not going to replace our destroyed earthly house with a house which only lasts a little longer and will be destroyed at the end of an indeterminate age. The aionios house is not destroyed, the opposite of “is destroyed.” Thus, “aionios” by definition means “eternal.”

[17]1 Timothy 6:16
(16) Who only hath immortality, [aphthartos] dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting [aionios]​

In this verse Paul paralleled “aionios” with “immortality.” If “aionios” is only a finite age, God cannot be “immortal” and exist only for a finite age at the same time. Thus “aionios” by definition means “eternal.”

[18]Galatians 6:8
(8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; [fthora] but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [aionios]​

In this verse Paul juxtaposes “aionios” with “corruption.” “Fleshly” people reap “corruption” but spiritual people reap “life aionios,” i.e. “not corruption.” “Age(s), a finite period, is not opposite of “corruption.” Thus “aionios life” by definition means “eternal/everlasting life.”

[19]Romans 2:7
(7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, [apftharsia] he will give eternal [aionios] life.​

In this verse Paul parallels “aionios life” with “immortality.” If “aionios” is only a finite period, believers do not seek for “a finite age,” and “immortality” at the same time. But they can seek for “eternal life” and “immortality” at the same time. Thus by definition “aionios life” means “eternal life.”

[20]1 Timothy 1:17.
(17) Now unto the King eternal, [aion] immortal, [aphthartos] invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever [aion] and ever [aionios]. Amen.​

In this verse Paul parallels “aion” and “aionios” with “immortal.” “Aion”/”aionios” cannot mean “age(s),” a finite age and immortal at the same time. Thus “aion”/”aionios” by definition means “eternal.”

[21]Romans 5:21
(21) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal [aionios] life by Jesus Christ our Lord.​

In this verse Paul juxtaposes “aionios life” with death. “A finite ‘age’ life” is not opposite death. “Aionios life” by definition means ‘eternal life.”

[22]Ephesians 3:21
(21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever [tou aionios] and ever! [ton aionion] Amen.​

In this verse Paul parallels “tou aionios/ton aionion” with “throughout all generations.” "Age(s)" a finite period cannot refer to "all generations." By definition “tou aionios ton aionion” means forever and ever.

[23]Hebrews 7:24 but because Jesus lives forever [aion] he has an unchangeable [aparabatos] priesthood.​

In this verse “aion” is parallel with “unchangeable.” If “aion” means “age(s),” Jesus cannot continue for only a “finite age” and simultaneously be “unchangeable.” Thus “aion” by definition means “eternal.”

[24]1 Peter 1:23
(23) For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, [aphthartos] through the living and enduring word of God. …
1 Peter 1:25
(25) but the word of the Lord endures forever.[aion] " And this is the word that was preached to you.​

In verse 23 Peter parallels “word of God” with “imperishable.” The same writer, Peter, in the same writing 1 Peter, in verse 25 writes the word of God “endures eis ton aiona/unto eternity. ” The word of God is not a finite age long but imperishable. Thus by definition “aion” means “eternity”

[25]1 Peter 5:10
(10) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal [aionion] glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, [oligon] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.​

In this verse Peter contrasted “aionios” with “little while” Jesus does not give His followers a finite period of glory then they eventually die. Thus “aionios” , by definition, means “eternal.”

[26]Revelation 14:11
(11) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever:[eis aionas aionon] and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.​

In this verse “aionas aionon torment” is paralleled with “no rest day or night.” If “aionas, aionon” means “a finite age” at some time they would rest, “Aionas, aionon” by definition means “forever and forever.”
A final point about “aionios,” which is an adjective. “aionios” cannot be translated as “age” because age is a noun.
= = = = = = =
Footnotes ου μη/ou mé
●The double negative [ου μη] signifies in nowise, by no means. Θεωρήσῃ[theōrésé], denoting steady, protracted vision, is purposely used, because the promise contemplates the entire course of the believer's life in Christ. It is not, shall not die forever, but shall live eternally.[Vincent word studies]
● ④οὐ marker of reinforced negation, in combination w. μή, οὐ μή has the effect of strengthening the negation (Kühner-G. II 221–23; Schwyzer II 317; Mlt. 187–92 [a thorough treatment of NT usage]; B-D-F §365; RLudwig: D. prophet. Wort 31 ’37, 272–79; JLee, NovT 27, ’85, 18–23; B-D-F §365.—Pla., Hdt. et al. [Kühner-G. loc. cit.]; SIG 1042, 16; POxy 119, 5, 14f; 903, 16; PGM 5, 279; 13, 321; LXX; TestAbr A 8 p. 85, 11 [Stone p. 46]; JosAs 20:3; GrBar 1:7; ApcEsdr 2:7; Just., D. 141, 2). οὐ μή is the most decisive way of negativing something in the future.
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000)A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian Literature.(3rd Ed). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
● The combinations with οὐ μή also be noticed as, ουδεν οὐ μή (Lu. 10:19); οὐ μή se σε άνο ουδ ου σε εγκαταιπο (Heb. 13:5); ουκετι οὐ μή (Rev. 18:14). There is no denying the power of this accumulation of negatives. Cf. the English hymn "I'll never, no never, no never forsake."
Grammar Of The Greek New Testament In The Light Of Historical Research
By A. T. Robertson, M.A., D.D., Ll.D., Litt.D. p.116

 

[One God and Father of All]

In Hebrew it is a noun. the word is olam which is translated by the Greek aion.
The O.T. Is always the best dictionary for the N.T. It’s no wonder it was quoted so many times.

 

[Mr. M]

I'd like to get a Universalists view on the meaning of "zōēn aiōnion" if it is temporal or eternal in it's duration. Considering Jesus Christ himself is called eternal life.

1 John 5:11-12,20 : "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life…in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

1 John 1:2 : "the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—"

John identifies Jesus Christ as eternal life and the life is in Jesus. So, since this life is in Jesus and it is Jesus if it just age long life or a life that will come to an end, does that mean that Jesus will one day come to an end? If Jesus is eternal life then eternal life can have no end since Jesus is God and God has no end. If it does have an end than Jesus isn't God because Jesus himself is identified as eternal life.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Also in passages such as John 6:27 it is clear that John uses "zōēn aiōnion" to describe something that will never end.

"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life (zōēn aiōnion), which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

The Young's Literal Translation renders it as :

"work not for the food that is perishing, but for the food that is remaining to life age-during, which the Son of Man will give to you, for him did the Father seal -- even God.'"

It makes no sense because the contrast is between food that is perishing or that will not last forever with what will. Jesus is saying to not work for what is temporary and will waste away but work for what will last forever. It is nonsensical to say don't work for something that will not last forever instead work for something that will also not last forever and is also temporary. The eternal life that Jesus gives those who believe and follow him is eternal and never ending.

I find this to be the fulfillment of Psalm 133, in Christ.

 

[Nicholas Vara]

I would only say its not a heretical few "universalist" making the claim that we got this wrong.

zōēn aiōnion

N.T Wright retranslates John 3:16 ​

He is hardly a person who affirms apocatastasis. I would offer that the question in the OP has been framed wrong.

See below if you do not wish to read the entire essay.

Other clues have been obscured by sloppy translations, such as the popular John 3:16, which says God so loved the world he gave his only son so that people could have “eternal life.”

Wright offers a translation that radically recasts the message and shows how the passage would have been heard in the first century. To hear it today is to experience the shock of the new: God gave his son “so that everyone who believes in him should not be lost but should share in the life of God's new age.”

“And so it's not a Platonic, timeless eternity, which is what we were all taught,” Wright said. “It is very definitely that there will come a time when God will utterly transform this world — that will be the age to come.”

Respectfully

 

[One God and Father of All]

I would only say its not a heretical few "universalist" making the claim that we got this wrong.

zōēn aiōnion​

​

N.T Wright retranslates John 3:16​

He is hardly a person who affirms apocatastasis. I would offer that the question in the OP has been framed wrong.

See below if you do not wish to read the entire essay.


Respectfully

What doe Wright means by “It is very definitely that there will come a time when God will utterly transform this world — that will be the age to come.”
?

 

[Nicholas Vara]

What doe Wright means by “It is very definitely that there will come a time when God will utterly transform this world — that will be the age to come.”
?

N.T Wright Kingdom of God Today

You would have to ask him, but he has written extensively on the subject.

 

[com7fy8]

And while ones are busy with if a word means "for eternity", are they giving attention to what it is to be holy? After all, without holiness

"no one will see the Lord,"

we have in Hebrews 12:14.

And if we have the Lord's holiness, this holiness is eternal, so we share this with Jesus for eternity.

Holiness has to do with how God's character is, versus how humans are. And God's character includes how God's love is . . . so better than human loves.

Therefore, arguing what a word means is not going to get someone together with God for eternity. But in God's love already we are sharing in his holiness of this love and sharing personally with Him now . . . in the life of His love which is eternal, now - - - "in our hearts" >

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us " (Romans 5:5)

 

[Butch5]

I'd like to get a Universalists view on the meaning of "zōēn aiōnion" if it is temporal or eternal in it's duration. Considering Jesus Christ himself is called eternal life.

1 John 5:11-12,20 : "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life…in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

1 John 1:2 : "the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—"

John identifies Jesus Christ as eternal life and the life is in Jesus. So, since this life is in Jesus and it is Jesus if it just age long life or a life that will come to an end, does that mean that Jesus will one day come to an end? If Jesus is eternal life then eternal life can have no end since Jesus is God and God has no end. If it does have an end than Jesus isn't God because Jesus himself is identified as eternal life.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Also in passages such as John 6:27 it is clear that John uses "zōēn aiōnion" to describe something that will never end.

"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life (zōēn aiōnion), which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

The Young's Literal Translation renders it as :

"work not for the food that is perishing, but for the food that is remaining to life age-during, which the Son of Man will give to you, for him did the Father seal -- even God.'"

It makes no sense because the contrast is between food that is perishing or that will not last forever with what will. Jesus is saying to not work for what is temporary and will waste away but work for what will last forever. It is nonsensical to say don't work for something that will not last forever instead work for something that will also not last forever and is also temporary. The eternal life that Jesus gives those who believe and follow him is eternal and never ending.

Actually, it's better translated age enduring life.

 

[Der Alte]

In Hebrew it is a noun. the word is olam which is translated by the Greek aion.
The O.T. Is always the best dictionary for the N.T. It’s no wonder it was quoted so many times.

I'm retired X3 and have a lot of free time. I also did a study of Olam in the old testamaent, which nobody wants to see. Olam in the O.T. is also defined as eternal. See e.g.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
(14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:[עולם] nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
whatever God does, it shall be for ever:[עולם] nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: That pretty much describes "eternal."

 

[Der Alte]

Actually, it's better translated age enduring life.

The Greek word aionios is an adjective. enduring is an adjective and age is a noun. Is there not a single adjective in English to translate the Greek adjective aionios?

 

[One God and Father of All]

I'm retired X3 and have a lot of free time. I also did a study of Olam in the old testamaent, which nobody wants to see. Olam in the O.T. is also defined as eternal. See e.g.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
(14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:[עולם] nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
whatoever God does, it shall be for ever:[עולם] nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: That pretty much describes "eternal."

If I were to say, “wow, that job took forever” what would that mean?

 

[One God and Father of All]

I'm retired X3 and have a lot of free time. I also did a study of Olam in the old testamaent, which nobody wants to see. Olam in the O.T. is also defined as eternal. See e.g.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
(14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:[עולם] nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
whatever God does, it shall be for ever:[עולם] nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: That pretty much describes "eternal."

What is an unquenchable fire?

is it a fire you let burn until it burns itself out?

Or is it a fire that continues to burn even though there’s nothing left to burn?

 

[Der Alte]

If I were to say, “wow, that job took forever” what would that mean?

Is that supposed to be a reply to my post? Yes, words are often used hyperbolically as you just did in your post. BUT in the vs. I quoted we know that the writer of Eccleiastes is not using hyperbole when he said "olam" because he defined it as "nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it:"

 

[Der Alte]

What is an unquenchable fire?

is it a fire you let burn until it burns itself out?

Or is it a fire that continues to burn even though there’s nothing left to burn?

I was talking about the Hebrew word "olam"

 

[One God and Father of All]

I'm retired X3 and have a lot of free time. I also did a study of Olam in the old testamaent, which nobody wants to see. Olam in the O.T. is also defined as eternal. See e.g.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
(14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:[עולם] nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
whatever God does, it shall be for ever:[עולם] nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: That pretty much describes "eternal."

What ever God does has a purpose. His purpose has a beginning and an end.

 

[One God and Father of All]

I was talking about the Hebrew word "olam"

Yes, but the idea is the same. Something that last forever has a beginning and an end. Just like something that is said to be unquenchable has a beginning and an end.

 

[One God and Father of All]

Is that supposed to be a reply to my post? Yes, words are often used hyperbolically as you just did in your post. BUT in the vs. I quoted we know that the writer of Eccleiastes is not using hyperbole when he said "olam" because he defined it as "nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it:"

If I were to say Jesus’ reign over the earth is to be forever, It means his reign is to last 1,000 years.