Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Immortality”
The biblical word “Immortality” traces back to Greek (athanasia (Greek)), where it meant “Deathlessness, living forever; divine attribute not granted to mortals in OT”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “Living forever; also fame or memory lasting indefinitely”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Greekathanasia (Greek)Deathlessness, living forever; divine attribute not granted to mortals in OT
Greek athanasia (G110) means 'immortality, deathlessness'. From a- (not) + thanatos (death). NT emphasizes human immortality as gift through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:53-54, 1 Timothy 6:16).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinimmortalitasFreedom from death; the eternal life granted to the redeemed through resurrection
Latin immortalitas (im- not + mortalis, mortal). Church fathers developed doctrine of resurrection: believers gain immortality through Christ's victory over death.
Modern English
EnglishimmortalityLiving forever; also fame or memory lasting indefinitely
From Latin via Middle English c.1300. Religious meaning: eternal life in heaven. Also secular: lasting fame or remembrance (achieve immortality through art).