TEM'PORAL, adjective [Latin temporalis, from tempus, time.]

1. Pertaining to this life or this world or the body only; secular; as temporal concerns; temporal affairs. In this sense, it is opposed to spiritual. Let not temporal affairs or employments divert the mind from spiritual concerns, which are far more important.

In this sense also it is opposed to ecclesiastical; as temporal power, that is, secular, civil or political power; temporal courts, those which take cognizance of civil suits. temporal jurisdiction is that which regards civil and political affairs.

2. Measured or limited by time, or by this life or this state of things; having limited existence; opposed to eternal.

The things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18.

3. In grammar, relating to a tense; as a temporal augment.

4. Pertaining to the temple or temples of the head; as the temporal bone; a temporal artery or vein; temporal muscle.