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Dictionary of Theological Terms

15. Immanence, immanent

Immanence means "remaining in." God is not only transcendent (other than us) but he can also be immanent - with us. The word comes from Latin roots, but by a happy coincidence it is similar to the Hebrew Immanuel, which means "God with us." 

There are two similar words that are sometimes confused with immanent:

  1. Eminent means "outstanding." For example, he was an eminent football player.
  2. Imminent (with an i) means "about to happen." For example, Is Christ's return imminent?