Questions:
Would you please give me the true definitions of the words “eternal” and “everlasting,” and explain what bearing the term “everlasting” has upon the future fate of the ungodly?
Answers:
In Matthew 25:41 and 46, the words translated “everlasting” and “eternal” come from the same Greek word, aiōnios. This word is derived from aiōn, which may refer to an age, a period of time, or, according to its context, eternity. Aiōnios may therefore describe something age-lasting, perpetual, everlasting, or eternal.
The length of time intended must be determined by the nature of the person or thing to which the word is applied and by the surrounding context. When it describes God, who is inherently immortal, it means without end. When it is applied to something temporary—such as a man’s lifetime, a covenant ordinance, or the Levitical priesthood—it continues only as long as the person, institution, or appointed order exists.
The corresponding Hebrew word is olam. It is also translated in the KJV as “everlasting,” “perpetual,” and “for ever.” Its duration must likewise be understood from its context. Examples may be found in Genesis 17:7, 8, 13, 19; Exodus 40:15; Numbers 25:13; and Deuteronomy 33:27.
Matthew 25:46 says:
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
The same Greek adjective describes both the punishment of the wicked and the life of the righteous. Both results are everlasting. However, the text says “everlasting punishment,” not everlasting punishing. The question is therefore not merely how long the act of punishment continues, but how long its result remains.
The righteous receive eternal life—a life that will never end in death. The wicked receive the opposite: death from which there will be no restoration. Their punishment is everlasting because its consequence is complete, final, and irreversible.
Paul describes this punishment plainly:
“Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.”
—2 Thessalonians 1:9
The punishment is called “everlasting destruction.” The wicked are not eternally being destroyed while never reaching destruction. They are destroyed, and that destruction lasts forever.
The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates this principle. Jude says:
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
—Jude 7
Those cities are not still burning today. The fire was eternal in its divine origin and irreversible effect. It accomplished the destruction for which it was sent. Peter explains the result:
“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”
—2 Peter 2:6
The same principle may be seen in such biblical expressions as “eternal judgment” and “eternal redemption.” God is not forever performing the act of judging or redeeming. Rather, the judgment is final, and the redemption has everlasting results.
Therefore, the salvation of the righteous is eternal life that will never terminate in death. The punishment of the wicked is eternal death that will never again give way to life. The two destinies are equally permanent, but they are not the same kind of existence. One is everlasting life; the other is everlasting destruction.
We have addressed this subject more fully in other posts. Readers who desire a deeper study should search our website for articles concerning eternal punishment, everlasting fire, the second death, and the final fate of the wicked. Please take the time to read those studies and examine the complete biblical evidence for yourself.
