What does coeternity mean?
Coeternity names the state or relationship of existing eternally together. Its essential idea is shared eternity: two or more realities are conceived as having no beginning and no end and as enduring at the same time. In Christian theology, the term is especially associated with the Trinity, describing the eternal relation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not simply a synonym for any long or unending duration; the prefix co- specifically emphasizes coexistence or equality in eternity. Outside theology and philosophy, the word is uncommon, so readers may need its components, co- and eternity, to infer its meaning. Even so, it is useful when discussing a distinction that ordinary words handle poorly: whether life is merely endless or is shared eternally with another. The compact form captures that distinction, explaining its appeal in systematic theology and philosophical discussion.
nounThe state of existing eternally together with another or others; especially, in Christian theology, the eternal coexistence of the persons of the Trinity.
- The state of being eternal together with another or others, especially the eternal coexistence of the persons of the Trinity.
"The doctrine of the Trinity affirms the coeternity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
"The council defended the coeternity of the Son with the Father."
"Their discussion of coeternity moved from theological doctrine to broader questions about existence and time."
The plural is grammatically regular but rarely needed, since the word is normally used as an abstract singular.
"The seminar compared different theological accounts of coeternities."
Coeternity means not merely endless life, but eternity shared without beginning or end.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does coeternity come from?
Coeternity is an English compound formed from co-, meaning “together with,” and eternity. The prefix comes from Latin com-, while eternity derives through Old French from Latin aeternitas, based on aeternus, “eternal.” The related English adjective coeternal was established in theological usage by the seventeenth century, and coeternity developed alongside it to express the corresponding condition of being eternal together.
How coeternity is actually used
A formal term used chiefly in theology, philosophy, and metaphysics. It is uncommon in ordinary conversation and normally carries the implication of equality in eternity rather than merely unlimited duration.
Easily confused with coeternity
Coeternity means existing eternally together, whereas coethnicity means belonging to the same ethnic group.