Talk:Top Mistranslated Bible Terms

Why you think the "eternal" in Jude 7 refers to merely a finite duration?--Andy Schlafly (talk) 20:53, January 15, 2023 (EST)

Well, when the verse says that Sodom and Gomorrah burned with an "eternal fire," the word "eternal" can't be in reference to the fire's duration of burning, because the fire went out a long time ago. What's eternal is the effect of the fire, being the utter destruction of the two cities. Hopefully this clarifies my point a bit better? —LT ^{(Mark 8:36)} Monday, 22:01, January 15, 2023 (EST)

You make an excellent point. Perhaps the common translation is slightly off on this duration issue (ESV):

Jude 1:7 : "just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire."

--Andy Schlafly (talk) 23:36, January 15, 2023 (EST)

Thanks; from my impression, it's common for people to interpret all usages of "forever" and "eternal" in the Bible to mean an unending amount of time, even though some contexts refer to finite durations which may merely feel long. —LT ^{(Mark 8:36)} Monday, 23:39, January 15, 2023 (EST)

Good point again.--Andy Schlafly (talk) 23:59, January 15, 2023 (EST)