Eternal vs. Sempiternal — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 14, 2024
Eternal implies infinite duration, without beginning or end, while sempiternal means everlasting but having a beginning in time.
Difference Between Eternal and Sempiternal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eternal is often used to describe something that exists outside of time, without any starting or ending point. Sempiternal, on the other hand, specifically implies an unending existence that begins at a certain point in time. Both terms deal with the concept of unending duration, but their nuances differ significantly in terms of temporal origin.
In theological contexts, the term eternal is frequently associated with divine qualities or the afterlife, suggesting an existence that is timeless. Sempiternal, whereas, might be used to describe the enduring nature of the soul, which, according to some beliefs, begins at birth or creation but then lasts forever.
Philosophical discussions often employ the concept of eternity to debate the nature of the universe or time itself, suggesting a realm or state that completely transcends temporal boundaries. Sempiternal, on the other hand, is used to discuss concepts that will continue indefinitely but are acknowledged to have started at some point.
In literature, eternal love or beauty suggests an ideal, transcendent quality that defies temporal limitations. Sempiternal love or beauty, whereas, emphasizes the everlasting nature after the inception of these qualities.
When discussing nature, eternal might describe elements like space or energy, perceived as boundless and without origin. Sempiternal, on the other hand, could be apt for phenomena like mountains or rivers, which, although formed at a discernible time, are expected to endure indefinitely.
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Origin
No beginning or end
Has a beginning, no end
Usage in Theology
Associated with divine, timeless qualities
Often describes everlasting souls
Philosophical Usage
Transcends time completely
Continues indefinitely, acknowledges start
Literary Usage
Ideal, transcendent quality
Everlasting nature after inception
Example in Nature
Space, energy (boundless)
Mountains, rivers (formed, then enduring)
Compare with Definitions
Eternal
Infinite in duration; not subject to time.
Many religions believe the soul is eternal.
Sempiternal
Persistent and enduring.
His sempiternal optimism kept the team motivated.
Eternal
Used to emphasize great duration.
The wait felt eternal.
Sempiternal
Existing forever after commencement.
Her passion for justice was sempiternal.
Eternal
Existing without beginning or end.
Time is often perceived as eternal in philosophical discussions.
Sempiternal
Continuing indefinitely into the future.
The sempiternal expanse of the desert seemed unending.
Eternal
Unchanging and perpetual.
The eternal beauty of the stars captivates astronomers.
Sempiternal
Everlasting, though having a beginning.
Their friendship, though young, felt sempiternal.
Eternal
Constant and ceaseless.
She hoped for their eternal happiness.
Sempiternal
Used to describe things not eternal but enduring.
The sempiternal glow of the city lights at night.
Eternal
Being without beginning or end
Belief in an eternal creator.
Sempiternal
(philosophy) Everlasting, that is, having infinite temporal duration (as opposed to eternal: outside time and thus lacking temporal duration altogether).
Eternal
Continuing without interruption; perpetual
Earned my eternal gratitude.
Sempiternal
Enduring forever; eternal.
Eternal
Seemingly endless; interminable
Eternal waiting at the airport.
Sempiternal
Everlasting, eternal.
Eternal
Something timeless, uninterrupted, or endless
"Shall we speak of universals and eternals?" (Cynthia Ozick).
Sempiternal
Of neverending duration; everlasting; endless; having beginning, but no end.
Eternal
Eternal God. Used with the.
Sempiternal
Without beginning or end; eternal.
Eternal
Lasting forever; unending.
Sempiternal
Having no known beginning and presumably no end;
The dateless rise and fall of the tides
Time is endless
Sempiternal truth
Eternal
(philosophy) existing outside time; as opposed to sempiternal, existing within time but everlastingly
Eternal
(hyperbolic) Constant; perpetual; ceaseless; ever-present.
Eternal
(dated) Exceedingly great or bad; used as an intensifier.
Some eternal villain
Eternal
One who lives forever; an immortal.
Eternal
Without beginning or end of existence; always existing.
The eternal God is thy refuge.
To know wether there were any real being, whose duration has been eternal.
Eternal
Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal.
That they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Eternal
Continued without intermission; perpetual; ceaseless; constant.
And fires eternal in thy temple shine.
Eternal
Existing at all times without change; immutable.
Hobbes believed the eternal truths which he opposed.
What are the eternal objects of poetry among all nations, and at all times?
Eternal
Exceedingly great or bad; - used as a strong intensive.
Eternal
One of the appellations of God.
Law whereby the Eternal himself doth work.
Eternal
That which is endless and immortal.
Eternal
Continuing forever or indefinitely;
The ageless themes of love and revenge
Eternal truths
Life everlasting
Hell's perpetual fires
The unending bliss of heaven
Eternal
Lasting for an indefinitely long period of time
Eternal
Tiresomely long; seemingly without end;
Endless debates
An endless conversation
The wait seemed eternal
Eternal quarreling
An interminable sermon
Common Curiosities
Can something be both eternal and sempiternal?
No, because eternal excludes any notion of beginning, whereas sempiternal specifically includes it.
What does eternal mean in a religious context?
In religious contexts, eternal often describes God or the divine, signifying existence without beginning or end.
How is sempiternal different from eternal?
Sempiternal refers to something that lasts forever but has a definite beginning, unlike eternal, which implies no beginning or end.
What is an example of a sempiternal object?
A sempiternal object might be a family heirloom that continues to be passed down through generations, enduring yet having a known start.
What is an example of the use of "eternal" in literature?
In literature, "eternal" is often used to describe concepts like eternal love or eternal beauty, suggesting qualities that surpass temporal existence.
In what philosophical context might "eternal" be discussed?
In philosophy, "eternal" is often discussed in the context of time itself, considering whether aspects of existence, like the universe, are infinite and thus eternal.
What practical implications does the understanding of "sempiternal" have?
Understanding something as sempiternal can influence long-term planning and perspectives, emphasizing the ongoing impact or durability of an action or entity from its point of origin onwards.
How might the concept of eternity be comforting in a personal or spiritual sense?
The concept of eternity can offer comfort by providing a sense of permanence and continuity beyond one's life, often bringing peace in beliefs about the afterlife or the enduring impact of one's actions.
Is the concept of eternity applicable to human experiences?
Eternity is a philosophical and often abstract concept, generally beyond human experiences which are bound by time.
How does the concept of "eternal" influence religious beliefs?
The concept of "eternal" significantly influences religious beliefs by providing a framework for understanding the infinite nature of deities or the afterlife, which is perceived as existing beyond the confines of earthly time.
Why might someone describe a natural feature as sempiternal?
Someone might describe a natural feature like a mountain or a river as sempiternal because it has a discernible beginning in geological history but is expected to last indefinitely.
How do theologians typically use the term "sempiternal"?
Theologians use "sempiternal" to describe attributes or existences that endure forever once they begin, such as the soul which is believed to be created at a point in time and then lasts eternally.
What distinguishes "eternal" from "immortal" in common usage?
"Eternal" typically refers to an absence of both
Can history be described as sempiternal?
History cannot be described as sempiternal because it not only has a clear beginning but is also considered to have an end; history is finite and documented.
Is there a scientific application of the term "eternal"?
Scientifically, "eternal" might be used metaphorically to describe physical constants or laws of nature which are considered invariant and enduring throughout the observable universe.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
