Intermediate, State
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Intermediate, State in the Bible?
The intermediate state denotes the period between physical death and the final resurrection, during which the deceased exists in a disembodied condition. This concept appears in various forms within Jewish apocalyptic literature and New Testament writings, reflecting diverse beliefs about the afterlife.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the intermediate state clarifies how biblical authors understood the continuity of personal identity after death and informs interpretations of passages concerning judgment, paradise, and the ultimate restoration of creation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Intermediate, State in this passage?
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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.