What is the difference between the terms ‘eternity’ and ‘eternities’?

Question

Gramps,

I was wondering if you could please explain to me the difference between the terms ‘eternity’ and ‘eternities’. The word ‘eternities’ seems to be used quite a lot in Mormon writings and I am confused to the actual meaning. Thanks.

Chelsea

Answer

Dear Chelsea,

The word, eternities, is not used once in the scriptures, and the word, eternity, is used only one time in the Old Testament. However, it is used seven times in the Joseph Smith translation of the Old Testament.

As you know, the word, eternity, is defined as endless time, or duration forever. The word has been frequently used in the plural by officials of the Mormon Church in their published talks and writings. It appears to me that the plural form of the word, eternity, is used for the effect of emphasis, not limiting the concept to the singular to give it the broadest interpretation possible.

Gramps