Meaning: The quote you provided comes from the work of Lactantius, a Christian author and theologian who lived during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. The quote reflects a common theme in ancient philosophical and religious thought regarding the nature of the divine and the role of gender in relation to immortality and eternity.

Lactantius was known for his writings on Christian apologetics and theology, and his work often engaged with the philosophical ideas of his time. In the quote you provided, Lactantius seems to be pondering the nature of divinity and questioning the necessity of gender in relation to immortal and eternal beings.

The quote touches on the idea of immortality and eternity as attributes of the divine. In many ancient religious and philosophical traditions, gods and divine beings were often conceived as immortal and eternal, transcending the limitations of time and death that mortals experience. This idea of immortality is often associated with the divine perfection and unchanging nature of the gods.

The mention of "the other sex" in the quote points to the gendered nature of human existence and the traditional association of gender with reproduction and succession. In many ancient societies, the roles of men and women were often defined by their perceived reproductive functions, with men associated with the transmission of lineage and women with childbearing and nurturing.

Lactantius seems to be questioning the relevance of gender in the divine realm, where the need for succession and reproduction, typically associated with gender, would be unnecessary. The implication is that if the gods are immortal and eternal, the concept of gender, particularly in relation to reproduction and succession, may be irrelevant or superfluous.

This line of reasoning reflects a broader philosophical and theological debate about the nature of the divine and the attributes that are traditionally associated with human existence. It raises questions about the extent to which human concepts such as gender and reproduction can be applied to divine beings who exist outside the boundaries of mortal life.

In the context of Lactantius' Christian worldview, the quote may also be interpreted in light of theological considerations about the nature of God as portrayed in the Christian tradition. In Christian theology, God is often described as transcendent and eternal, existing beyond the constraints of time and the physical world. The idea of God's immortality and eternity is central to the Christian understanding of divine nature.

From a theological perspective, the quote may prompt reflection on the ways in which human conceptions of gender and reproduction are limited in their ability to fully capture the nature of the divine. It invites contemplation on the transcendent and ineffable qualities of the divine that surpass human understanding and conventional categories.

In conclusion, the quote by Lactantius raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of the divine, the role of gender, and the concept of immortality and eternity. It reflects a broader philosophical and theological discourse about the limitations of human categories when applied to the divine realm. Lactantius' contemplation on the relevance of gender in relation to immortal and eternal beings invites deeper reflection on the nature of divinity and the ways in which it transcends human conceptions.