Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Perichoresis (mutual indwelling)

The three persons completely interpenetrate and dwell in one another without merging.

Greek perichoresis, 'going around'; Latin circumincession. Used by pseudo-Cyril and John of Damascus.

John 14:10–11 ('I am in the Father and the Father is in me'); John 17:21.

Developed to explain how the persons are distinct yet one — each is 'in' the others, sharing one life and one activity.

Grounds the unity of God's action: the persons never act separately or in competition. Also applied by analogy to the two natures of Christ.

Broadly shared.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.