Those who believe in universal salvation say that hell is not eternal, but rather age-long. But how long is age-long? The argument is that the Greek word aionios often translated as eternal, should be translated as age-long or age-during. Such as in
Matthew 25:46.
But what I'm seeing in
Matthew 25:46 is:
αἰώνιον (aiōnion)
166: agelong, eternal - from
aión.
Definition: agelong, eternal
Usage: age-long, and therefore:
practically eternal, unending; partaking of the character of that which lasts for an age, as contrasted with that which is brief and fleeting.
So going by that, while aionios may not mean eternal, it seems to be so close to eternal, it might as well be.
What do UR proponents have to say about that?
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into (everlasting G-166) punishment:
but the righteous into life (eternal G -166)
Following are the Definitions for both uses of the word G-166 Everlasting, Eternal
Strong's Concordance
Everlasting
G-166
αἰώνιος
aiōnios
ahee-o'-nee-os
From G165; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well): - eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began).
G-165
αἰών
aiōn
ahee-ohn'
From the same as G104; properly an age; by extension perpetuity (also past); by implication the world; specifically (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future): - age, course, eternal, (for) ever (-more), [n-]ever, (beginning of the, while the) world (began, without end). Compare G5550.
G-104
ἀεί
aei
ah-eye'
From an obsolete primary noun (apparently meaning continued duration); “ever”; by qualification regularly; by implication earnestly: - always, ever.
G-5550
χρόνος
chronos
khron'-os
Of uncertain derivation; a space of time (in genitive case, and thus properly distinguished from G2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from G165, which denotes a particular period) or interval; by extension an individual opportunity; by implication delay: - + years old, season, space, (X often-) time (-s), (a) while.
G-2540
καιρός
kairos
kahee-ros'
Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, that is, set or proper time: - X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. Compare G5550.
What I see which disturbs me the most about these definitions and the belief of those who would say that Hell is of a short duration and not for (EVER) is.
If what they say is in fact true, that would mean that, a persons time in Heaven with God is also of a short duration.
Therefore you cannot have people living with God in Heaven Forever, and the people in Hell not being there Forever also.
So then, when we compare the verse in Matt. with those found in the rest of the NT where the word EVERLASTING is used, we find that every one is G-166 except (1) which is G-126
Jud 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in (everlasting G-126) chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
G126
ἀΐ́διος
aidios
ah-id'-ee-os
From G104; everduring (forward and backward, or foward only): - eternal, everlasting.
We then find when we compare the verse in Matt. with those found in the rest of the NT where the word ETERNAL is used, every one is G-166
except (2) which are G-165
Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
1Ti 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
My understanding then in light of all the other verses with these two words would be, there assessment of the Definitions found in Matt. 25:46 are categorically wrong.
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.