The meaning of “עוֹלָם”
Understanding ʻôwlâm reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or עֹלָם ʻôlâm (o-lawm'); from עָלַם alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lastin...
עוֹלָם
or עֹלָם ʻôlâm (o-lawm'); from עָלַם alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare נֶצַח, עַד. - properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point - generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity - frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 17:7 | “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” Word: עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm) | |
| Judges 2:1 | “And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.” Word: עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm) | |
| 2 Chronicles 9:8 | “Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.” Word: עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm) | |
| Ecclesiastes 3:11 | “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” Word: עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm) | |
| Hosea 2:19 | “And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.” Word: עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm) |
Theological Word Study: Eternal
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Eternal, everlasting
The Hebrew olam (עוֹלָם) means eternal or everlasting—time stretching beyond human comprehension. God is the 'everlasting God' (Genesis 21:33), and His covenant love endures forever.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Eternal, everlasting
The Greek aiōnios (αἰώνιος) denotes eternal or everlasting—unending duration. Believers possess 'eternal life' (John 3:16) now and will dwell with God eternally, while the impenitent face 'eternal punishment' (Matthew 25:46).