MORTAL

As Used in the Scriptures

This definition is included here not so much because the meaning is strange, although some do seem to miss its significance. The major value of this presentation is its example of how the scriptures frequently include their own definition of the terms used. But, since that definition is not formatted like in a dictionary, we often miss it.

The American Heritage dictionary definition of mortal is: "Liable or subject to death."

Mortal in the New Testament is the translation of the Greek thnetos {thnay-tos'} (2349)

The meaning of the Greek is "liable to death"

Note that Benjamin gives his own definition: "am [no] more than a mortal man" is paralleled with, "subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind."

Using a similar parallel structure in 1 Corinthians 15:53 Paul gives us his definition of mortal:

For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal must put on immortality.

This is what I call a defining verse. This is a repetative expression, the same thing is said twice using different words. In this verse mortal and corruptible are equated. In addition, the difinition is made more explicit by the contrast of mortal with immortality and corruptible with incorruption. The opposite of mortal is incorrtable and immortal.

Alma provides a similar defining verse (Alma 11:45):

Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.