Eternal Life
TextsWhat is the meaning of Eternal Life in the Bible?
The concept of eternal life is a theological term referring to an endless existence. In the Hebrew Bible, this specific phrasing appears only once in the book of Daniel.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Its rarity in the Old Testament highlights a shift in eschatological thought toward the New Testament era. This linguistic transition marks the development of afterlife doctrines in ancient Jewish and Christian literature.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Eternal Life functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Eternal Life in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Eternal Life clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Eternal Life." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/eternal-life/