Lexical Summary
olam: Eternity, everlasting, forever, perpetual, ancient, world
Original Word:עוֹלָם
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:`owlam
Pronunciation:oh-LAHM
Phonetic Spelling:(o-lawm')
KJV: 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 (+ without end)
NASB:forever, everlasting, perpetual, ancient, old, ever, permanent
Word Origin:[fromH5956 (עָלַם - hidden)]
1. (properly) concealed, i.e. the vanishing point
2. (generally) time out of mind (past or future)
3. (practically) eternity
4. (frequentatively, adverbially, especially with prepositional prefix) always
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
always, ancient time, any more, continuance, eternal, for, everlasting, long time,
Or lolam {o-lawm'}; fromalam; 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 -- 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 (+ without end). Comparenetsach,ad.
see HEBREWalam
see HEBREWnetsach
see HEBREWad
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom an unused word
Definitionlong duration, antiquity, futurity
NASB Translationages (1), all successive (1), always (1), ancient (13), ancient times (3), continual (1), days of old (1), eternal (2), eternity (3), ever (10), Everlasting (2), everlasting (110), forever (136), forever and ever (1), forever* (70), forevermore* (1), lasting (1), long (2), long ago (3), long past (1), long time (3), never* (17), old (11), permanent (10), permanently (1), perpetual (29), perpetually (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
439 ; —
Genesis 9:12 405t.;
Genesis 3:22 19t.; 2Chronicles 33:7, read probably (for other explanations see note in Kit
Hpt); suffix
Ecclesiastes 12:5; plural
Isaiah 26:4 7t.,
Psalm 145:13 2t.; construct
Isaiah 45:17; —
ancient time:days of oldIsaiah 63:9,11;Amos 9:11;Micah 5:1;Micah 7:14;Malachi 3:4;Deuteronomy 32:7;Isaiah 44:7ancient people;Jeremiah 5:15;old waste placesIsaiah 58:12;Isaiah 61:4, compareEzekiel 26:20 b;ancient gatesPsalm 24:7;Psalm 24:9;Job 22:15;Jeremiah 6:16;Jeremiah 18:15;Proverbs 22:28;Proverbs 23:10;Ezekiel 36:2;from of oldIsaiah 64:3;Jeremiah 2:20;Joel 2:2, of the fathersJoshua 24:2, the prophetsJeremiah 28:8, the ancientGenesis 6:4; (Ezekiel 32:27 Co for ; but1 Samuel 27:8 read for We Dr HPS);long in themIsaiah 64:4 (text dubious).
the long deadPsalm 143:3;Lamentations 3:6; soEzekiel 26:20.
, : former actsIsaiah 46:9; as redeemerIsaiah 63:16; of lovePsalm 25:6, judgmentPsalm 119:52, dominionIsaiah 63:19; long silenceIsaiah 42:14;Isaiah 57:11; CheHpt Du Marti read for , compare I. []
Psalm 10:1.; his wisdom personifiedProverbs 8:23; his existencePsalm 93:2.
ancient hillsGenesis 49:26 (J),Habakkuk 3:6 ("" ),Deuteronomy 33:15 ("" ).
pluralPsalm 77:6years of ancient times;Isaiah 51:9;Ecclesiastes 1:10 =in olden times.
indefinitefuturity, with prepositionfor ever, always (sometimes =during the lifetime);slave for everDeuteronomy 15:17;1 Samuel 27:12;Job 40:28;serve for everExodus 21:6 (E),Leviticus 25:46;1 Samuel 1:22;Leviticus 25:32redemption at any time;Jeremiah 20:17ever pregnant (womb);Jeremiah 20:11 of persecutors of Jeremiah;Jeremiah 23:40;Psalm 73:12alway at ease; ()may the king live alway1 Kings 1:31;Nehemiah 2:3; comparePsalm 21:5;Psalm 61:8;so of the pious,Psalm 15:5;Proverbs 10:30, comparePsalm 30:7; other phrase:Psalm 37:27;Psalm 37:28;Psalm 41:13;Psalm 55:23;Psalm 61:8;Psalm 73:26;Psalm 121:8;Proverbs 10:25;Psalm 89:2I will sing for ever (as long as I live), comparePsalm 52:10;Psalm 115:18;Psalm 145:1;Psalm 145:2;Psalm 30:13;Psalm 44:9;Psalm 52:11;Psalm 79:13; other emotions and activities continuous through lifePsalm 5:12;Psalm 31:2 =Psalm 71:1;Psalm 75:10;Psalm 86:12;Psalm 119:44;Psalm 119:93;Psalm 119:98;Psalm 119:111;Psalm 119:112;Micah 4:5, compareMicah 2:9.
=continuous existence, (1) of things: the earth,Ecclesiastes 1:4; other phrase:Psalm 78:69;Psalm 104:5, heavens and contentsPsalm 148:6, ruined citiesIsaiah 25:2;Isaiah 32:14;Ezekiel 26:21;Ezekiel 27:36;Ezekiel 28:19, ruined landsJeremiah 18:16;Jeremiah 25:9,12;Jeremiah 49:13,33;Jeremiah 51:26,62;Ezekiel 35:9;Zephaniah 2:9;Isaiah 30:8for a witness for ever, in a book; (2) of nations:Isaiah 47:7 (Babylon loqu.), comparePsalm 81:16; Obadiah 10; of Judah Joel 4:20; (3) familiesPsalm 49:12;Isaiah 14:20; the dynasty of Saul1 Samuel 13:13; house of Eli1 Samuel 2:30; (4) national relations:continual enmityEzekiel 25:15;Ezekiel 35:5; of exclusion from ,Deuteronomy 23:4 =Nehemiah 13:1; various relationsIsaiah 32:17;Isaiah 34:10;perpetual reproachPsalm 78:66, of dynasty of David2 Samuel 3:28;2 Samuel 12:10;1 Kings 2:33, families1 Kings 2:33;2 Kings 5:27;Psalm 106:31;Jeremiah 35:6.
Genesis 21:33 (J);Isaiah 40:28;Deuteronomy 32:40;Daniel 12:7; of divine name,Exodus 3:15 (E), compare 2 Chronicles 33:7 (see above); blessing and praise of it2 Samuel 7:26 =1 Chronicles 17:24;Psalm 72:19;Psalm 135:13; of himselfPsalm 89:53; attributes,Jeremiah 31:3;1 Kings 10:9;Isaiah 54:8;Psalm 89:2;Psalm 138:8;1 Chronicles 26:34;1 Chronicles 26:41; 2Chronicles 5:13; 7:3,6; 20:21;Ezra 3:11;Psalm 100:5;Psalm 106:1;Psalm 107:1;Psalm 118:1;Psalm 118:2;Psalm 118:3;Psalm 118:4;Psalm 118:29;Psalm 136:1 25t.,Jeremiah 33:11;Psalm 104:31;Psalm 117:2;Psalm 146:6;Psalm 119:142;Psalm 33:11; reignExodus 15:18 (E),Psalm 10:16;Psalm 66:7;Psalm 92:9;Psalm 146:10;Jeremiah 10:10;Micah 4:7;Psalm 9:8;Psalm 29:10;Psalm 102:13;Lamentations 5:19; presence in Zion1 Chronicles 23:25;Isaiah 33:14;Isaiah 60:19,20;Ezekiel 37:28;Ezekiel 43:7,9; his salvationIsaiah 51:6,8;Deuteronomy 33:27everlasting arms;Ecclesiastes 3:14.
everlasting covenantGenesis 9:16;Genesis 17:7,13,19;Exodus 31:16;Leviticus 24:8;Numbers 18:19 (all P),2 Samuel 23:5;1 Chronicles 16:17 =Psalm 105:10;Isaiah 24:5;Isaiah 55:3;Isaiah 61:8;Jeremiah 32:40;Jeremiah 50:5;Ezekiel 16:60;Ezekiel 37:26; covenant with Noah,Genesis 9:12 (P); God remembers it1 Chronicles 16:15 =Psalm 105:8;Psalm 111:5; will not break it,Judges 2:1;Exodus 31:17 (P);Deuteronomy 28:46.
Isaiah 59:21;Psalm 119:89;Psalm 119:160;Psalm 119:144;Psalm 119:152;Exodus 29:28;Exodus 30:21 (E),Leviticus 6:11;Leviticus 6:15;Leviticus 7:34;Leviticus 10:15;Leviticus 24:9;Numbers 18:8,11,19 (P), alsoJeremiah 5:22 (of bounds of sea);Exodus 12:24 (J),Exodus 12:14;Exodus 12:17;Exodus 27:21;Exodus 28:43;Exodus 29:9;Leviticus 3:17;Leviticus 7:36;Leviticus 10:9;Leviticus 16:29;Leviticus 10:31;Leviticus 10:34;Leviticus 17:7;Leviticus 23:14;Leviticus 23:21;Leviticus 23:31;Leviticus 23:41;Leviticus 24:3;Leviticus 24:8;Numbers 10:8;Numbers 15:15;Numbers 18:23;Numbers 19:10,21 (P) (most of these in fact specifically Jewish and temporary); temple to bear God's name,1 Kings 9:3 2Chronicles 7:16;2 Kings 21:7; 2Chronicles 33:4; consecrated 2Chronicles 30:8; its ceremonies 2Chron 2:3; Levitical priesthood, ,1 Chronicles 15:2; Aaronic priesthood,1 Chronicles 23:13 (twice in verse).
,Isaiah 40:8; promised dynasty of David,2 Samuel 7:13,16 (twice in verse);2 Samuel 7:25 =1 Chronicles 17:12,14 (twice in verse);1 Chronicles 17:23,Psalm 18:51 =2 Samuel 22:51;1 Kings 2:33,45;1 Chronicles 22:10;Psalm 89:5;1 Kings 9:5;1 Chronicles 28:4,7; 2Chronicles 13:5;Psalm 89:29;Psalm 89:37;2 Samuel 7:29 (twice in verse) =1 Chronicles 17:27 (twice in verse); of holy land1 Chronicles 28:8,Genesis 17:8;Genesis 48:4;Leviticus 25:34 (P); givenExodus 32:13 (J) 2 Chronicles 20:7;Genesis 13:15, inheritedIsaiah 60:21;Psalm 37:18;Isaiah 34:17; dwelt inEzekiel 37:25; other blessings,Deuteronomy 5:26;Hosea 2:21;Deuteronomy 12:28;2 Samuel 7:24 =1 Chronicles 17:22;Psalm 133:3;Isaiah 35:10;Isaiah 51:11;Isaiah 61:7;Psalm 139:24;Isaiah 56:5;Isaiah 63:12;Isaiah 55:13;Isaiah 60:15; Jerusalem to abideJeremiah 17:25;Psalm 125:1, compareJeremiah 31:40;Psalm 48:9.
,1 Chronicles 29:18;Psalm 45:18;Psalm 85:6;Psalm 103:9;Psalm 145:21;Isaiah 57:16;Jeremiah 3:5,12;Lamentations 3:31;Joel 2:26,27;Psalm 28:9;Malachi 1:4.
Psalm 110:4; having divine thronePsalm 45:7; name enduresPsalm 72:17; establishedPsalm 89:38; God blesses himPsalm 45:3; of his reign,Isaiah 9:6.
=indefinite, unending future: liveGenesis 3:22 =Job 7:16;Zechariah 1:5the prophets, can they live for ever ? comparePsalm 49:9; with negativeneverEzra 9:12;Proverbs 27:24.
Jeremiah 51:39,57;Ecclesiastes 12:5;Daniel 12:2;Daniel 12:2; alsoDaniel 12:3;Jonah 2:7;Ecclesiastes 2:16;Ecclesiastes 9:6.
=age (duration)of the world:Ecclesiastes 3:11the age of the world he hath set, etc. (compare especially Late Hebrew; others ).
plural intensiveeverlastingness, eternity:Isaiah 45:17;Daniel 9:24;Isaiah 26:4 (RVmrock of ages);Psalm 145:13; alsoPsalm 61:5;Psalm 77:8;1 Kings 8:13 2Chronicles 6:2.
special phrase:from everlasting to everlasting, ofPsalm 90:2,Psalm 103:17; benedictions1 Chronicles 16:36 =Psalm 106:48;Nehemiah 9:5;1 Chronicles 29:10;Psalm 41:14; the land givenJeremiah 7:7;Jeremiah 25:5;from now and for everPsalm 115:18;Psalm 121:8 (i.e. as long as one lives); of people's hope in GodPsalm 131:3; dynasty of DavidIsaiah 9:6; of God's acts, words, etc.Micah 4:7;Isaiah 59:21;Psalm 125:2, comparePsalm 113:2; — see further I. p. 723.
see . see , II. .
, see , II. .
Topical Lexicon
Semantic Scope and Theological FreightAppearing some 438 times, עוֹלָם spans the full breadth of Israel’s vocabulary for duration, stretching from the remotest past through the unending future and, by extension, designating the created “world” or “age.” Its wide range embraces (1) eternity proper, (2) a time so long it fades from view, (3) enduring institutions, covenants, or memorials, and (4) the cosmic order itself. Context determines whether the emphasis lies on time, perpetuity, or spatial vastness.
Occurrences in the Pentateuch
1. Covenant Permanence
•Genesis 9:16 links the rainbow with “the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature.”
•Genesis 17:7–8 designates the Abrahamic covenant as “an everlasting covenant,” already hinting that God’s redemptive plan extends beyond one lineage to bless the nations.
2. Perpetual Statutes and Ordinances
The Passover (Exodus 12:14), Sabbath (Exodus 31:16), priestly garments (Exodus 28:43), and various offerings (Leviticus 16:34) are repeatedly called “a statute forever.” These rites functioned as visible sermons of unbroken fellowship and atonement, finding their ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12).
3. God’s Eternal Self-Existence
InDeuteronomy 33:27 Moses exults, “The eternal God is your dwelling place,” grounding Israel’s safety not in shifting politics but in the One whose being is without beginning or end.
Historical Books: Dynastic and Territorial Security
•2 Samuel 7:13–16 presents the Davidic dynasty as a “kingdom forever.” While individual kings failed, the promise culminates in Jesus Messiah, “and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:33).
•1 Chronicles 16:34—David’s hymn—“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever,” weaves עוֹלָם with hesed, underscoring covenant loyalty that outlasts human frailty.
Poetic and Wisdom Literature
1. Praise Rooted in Eternity
•Psalm 90:2: “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”
•Psalm 103:17: “But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD remains with those who fear Him.”
2. Human Transience vs. Divine Permanence
Ecclesiastes 3:11 notes that God “has set eternity in the hearts of men,” revealing an innate longing that temporal pursuits cannot satisfy.
3. Foundations of Creation
Proverbs 8:23 personifies Wisdom: “From everlasting I was established,” hinting at the pre-incarnate Logos (John 1:1).
Prophetic Writings
1. Salvation and Judgment
•Isaiah 45:17 promises, “Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation,” contrasting withIsaiah 47:7, where Babylon boasts of being “the queen forever,” soon proven false.
•Jeremiah 31:3 anchors restoration in “an everlasting love.”
•Daniel 12:2 introduces “everlasting life” and “everlasting contempt,” sharpening the twofold eschatological destiny.
2. Messianic Kingship
Micah 5:2 speaks of a ruler “whose origins are from of old, from ancient times,” anticipating the eternal Son born in Bethlehem.
3. New Covenant Horizon
Ezekiel 37:26 foretells “a covenant of peace… an everlasting covenant,” realized in the cross and sealed by the Spirit (Hebrews 13:20).
Attributes Applied to God
• Eternal Kingship: “The LORD is King forever and ever” (Psalm 10:16).
• Eternal Dominion: “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Psalm 145:13).
• Eternal Arms: “Underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
These texts ground worship, obedience, and hope in the immutable character of God.
Eternal Covenant and Ordinances
The recurrence of עוֹלָם with covenants, priesthood, and feasts underscores the forward-looking nature of Old Testament worship. Each “everlasting statute” prefigures realities consummated in Christ—an everlasting priest (Hebrews 7:24) and an everlasting covenant sealed with His blood (Hebrews 13:20). Thus, what was perpetual in type becomes perfect in fulfillment.
Anthropological and Ethical Dimensions
Because humans are created in God’s image yet inhabit a temporal frame, the tension between fleeting life and eternal significance permeates wisdom literature.Psalm 37:27 urges believers to “turn from evil and do good; so will you dwell forever,” linking moral conduct with enduring inheritance. Faithfulness today participates in God’s timeless purposes.
Eschatological Horizons
Prophets and Psalms carry the term forward to the ultimate renewal:
• “A new heavens and a new earth that will endure before Me” (Isaiah 66:22).
•Daniel 7:18: “The saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever—yes, forever and ever.”
These promises converge inRevelation 22:5, where “they will reign forever and ever,” the Greek equivalent matching the Hebrew concept.
Ministry and Devotional Application
1. Assurance of Salvation
The believer rests in an “eternal redemption” won by Christ (Hebrews 9:12). When doubts arise,Psalm 125:1 reminds, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.”
2. Motivation for Holiness
Knowing that deeds done in Christ carry eternal weight (2 Corinthians 4:17–18), the church pursues purity, stewardship, and proclamation.
3. Fuel for Worship
Songs that celebrate God’s everlasting love (Psalm 136) teach congregations to anchor praise not in circumstance but in His permanent covenant faithfulness.
4. Missional Perspective
The reality of “everlasting life” versus “everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2) drives evangelism. The church echoesIsaiah 45:22, “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth,” inviting all peoples into God’s eternal kingdom.
Conclusion
עוֹלָם threads Scripture together from Genesis to Revelation, witnessing to the God who transcends time yet enters history, establishing covenants that reach their telos in Christ and drawing His people into an everlasting inheritance. Its rich tapestry calls the faithful to present obedience, confident hope, and unfading worship in light of the One who is, who was, and who is to come—forever and ever.
Forms and Transliterations
הַֽ֭לְעוֹלָמִים הַלְעוֹלָ֖ם הַלְעוֹלָ֥ם הָ֣עוֹלָ֔ם הָ֤עוֹלָ֨ם ׀ הָֽעוֹלָ֑ם הָעֹלָ֑ם הָעֹלָם֙ הָעוֹלָ֑ם הָעוֹלָ֖ם הָעוֹלָ֗ם הָעוֹלָֽם׃ הלעולם הלעולמים העולם העולם׃ העלם וּ֝לְעוֹלָ֗ם וּֽמֵעוֹלָ֥ם וּמֵ֣עֹלָ֔ם וּמֵעוֹלָ֥ם ולעולם ומעולם ומעלם לְ֝עוֹלָ֗ם לְ֭עוֹלָ֗ם לְ֭עוֹלָם לְֽעוֹלָ֗ם לְע֫וֹלָ֥ם לְעֹֽלָמִ֔ים לְעֹלָ֑ם לְעֹלָ֔ם לְעֹלָ֖ם לְעֹלָ֣ם לְעֹלָ֥ם לְעֹלָֽם׃ לְעוֹלָ֑ם לְעוֹלָ֔ם לְעוֹלָ֖ם לְעוֹלָ֗ם לְעוֹלָ֣ם לְעוֹלָ֥ם לְעוֹלָֽם׃ לְעוֹלָם֙ לעולם לעולם׃ לעלם לעלם׃ לעלמים מֵ֭עוֹלָם מֵֽ֭הָעוֹלָם מֵֽעוֹלָ֔ם מֵֽעוֹלָ֖ם מֵֽעוֹלָ֣ם מֵֽעוֹלָם֙ מֵעוֹלָ֑ם מֵעוֹלָ֖ם מֵעוֹלָ֞ם מֵעוֹלָ֣ם מֵעוֹלָ֥ם ׀ מֵעוֹלָם֙ מהעולם מעולם ע֝וֹלָ֗ם ע֥וֹלְמֵי ע֭וֹלָם עֹֽלָמִ֑ים עוֹלָ֑ם עוֹלָ֔ם עוֹלָ֕ם עוֹלָ֖ם עוֹלָ֗ם עוֹלָ֛ם עוֹלָ֜ם עוֹלָ֣ם עוֹלָ֤ם ׀ עוֹלָ֥ם עוֹלָֽם׃ עוֹלָם֙ עוֹלָמ֔וֹ עוֹלָמִ֑ים עוֹלָמִֽים׃ עולם עולם׃ עולמו עולמי עולמים עולמים׃ עלמים ‘ō·lā·mîm ‘ō·w·lā·mîm ‘ō·w·lā·mōw ‘ō·w·lām ‘ō·wl·mê ‘ōlāmîm ‘ōwlām ‘ōwlāmîm ‘ōwlāmōw ‘ōwlmê hā‘ōlām hā‘ōwlām hā·‘ō·lām hā·‘ō·w·lām hal‘ōwlām hal‘ōwlāmîm hal·‘ō·w·lā·mîm hal·‘ō·w·lām haloLam Halolamim haoLam lə‘ōlām lə‘ōlāmîm lə‘ōwlām lə·‘ō·lā·mîm lə·‘ō·lām lə·‘ō·w·lām leoLam leolaMim Leolom mê‘ōwlām mê·‘ō·w·lām mê·hā·‘ō·w·lām mêhā‘ōwlām Mehaolom meoLam Meolom oLam olaMim olaMo olmei olom ū·lə·‘ō·w·lām ū·mê·‘ō·lām ū·mê·‘ō·w·lām ūlə‘ōwlām uleoLam ūmê‘ōlām ūmê‘ōwlām umeoLam
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