What does immanence mean?
Immanence names the presence of God, the divine, or an ultimate principle within the world and universe. In theology, it is commonly considered alongside transcendence: while divine transcendence stresses that God is distinct from and not limited by creation, divine immanence stresses that God is present in and involved with creation. The concept is especially important in discussions of panentheism, which understands the divine as present in all things without necessarily identifying God wholly with them. Outside religious and philosophical writing, the word is uncommon, and its close relative immanent is more likely to be encountered. Immanence should not be confused with immensity, which refers to greatness of size or scale. The term is useful in philosophy because it makes a precise distinction between a principle that exists wholly apart from the world and one that is present within it.
nounIn theology, the doctrine or state that God is present throughout the world and universe. It is often discussed in contrast to divine transcendence, which emphasizes God's distinction from creation.
- The presence of God or a divine being within the world or universe, especially in theology.
- The state or condition of being inherently present or remaining within something.
- The philosophical position that ultimate reality or the divine is manifested in and inseparable from the natural world.
"The theologian explored the relationship between divine immanence and transcendence."
"The concept of divine immanence holds that God is present in every part of creation."
"For the philosopher, moral awareness is an instance of immanence, an ultimate principle present in human conduct."
Plural usage is uncommon, although the form is regular.
"The scholars compared several theological accounts of divine immanence."
To say that God is immanent is to say that God is present here—not somewhere beyond the universe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does immanence come from?
Immanence derives from Latin immanere, meaning “to remain in” or “to stay within,” formed from the prefix im- and manere, “to remain or stay.” English usage developed in theological and philosophical writing in the early 17th century. Its relatives include the adjective immanent and the related theological term immanentism, while words such as permanent, remain, and remnant share the Latin root manere.
Related word forms
How immanence is actually used
The word is specialized and relatively uncommon outside theology, philosophy, and religious studies. In theological usage, it is primarily the counterpart of transcendence rather than a general synonym for ordinary presence.
Easily confused with immanence
Immanency is an uncommon noun meaning the state of being present or remaining within something, whereas immanence is the established theological term for God's presence in the world.
Immanence concerns the presence of God or another principle within the world, while immensity means vastness in size or magnitude.