Definition of "Death"

These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.

Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.

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Cross-references Parent Topic a Related Topics b Links to Additional Materials c

• See also: The Concept of "Life / Living" and People Who Have Not Died.

See also: Death. (These pages will probably be merged.)

In the Bible, "death" refers to separation, not "ceasing to exist." Life is described as separating from (or leaving) the body; whether or not that life "ceases to exist" would depend on the nature of the organism that was dying. (Humans, because they bear the Image of God do not cease to exist.)

Furthermore, since death refers to separation, there are several types of death - such as, separation of body from soul, people from God, etc. This is why Adam and Eve could truly "die," yet still be alive.

Some of the concepts related to this definition may be part of the reason it was impossible for Jesus to remain dead. (See Acts 2. It would have also gone against prophecy, which is something like "history before it happens.")

Scripture Pages that Link to Here

Genesis 3:1-24

See also Genesis 2.

Here - the snake claims they will not die... Adam chose to eat the fruit that supposedly would make him be like God - and in one respect, it did (he now knew - experientially - good and evil). But now he would be faced with the reality of how unlike God he is, in that he would eventually return to the dust from which he was made. We call this "death" - though to be accurate, it is only one aspect of death.

Job 21:7-34

The blessed and the cursed, when they die: "They lie down alike in the dust. The worm covers them." (Job 21:26)

Job 42:12-17

When Job was doubly blessed, he did not receive twice the number of children. His original children, though physically dead, still existed, waiting for the future resurrection. When added to the number of children he received after his trials, the final total would be double what he originally had.

Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.