Lexical Summary olam: Eternity, everlasting, forever, perpetual, ancient, world Original Word: עוֹלָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance always, ancient time, any more, continuance, eternal, for, everlasting, long time, Or lolam {o-lawm'}; from alam; 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). Compare netsach, ad. see HEBREW alam see HEBREW netsach see HEBREW ad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition long duration, antiquity, futurity NASB Translation ages (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 עוֺלָם439 noun masculine long duration, antiquity, futurity; — ׳ע Genesis 9:12 405t.; עֹלָם Genesis 3:22 19t.; עֵילוֺם2Chronicles 33:7, read probably עוֺלָם (for other explanations see note in KitHpt); suffix עֹלָמוֺ Ecclesiastes 12:5; plural עוֺלָמִים Isaiah 26:4 7t., עֹלָמִים Psalm 145:13 2t.; construct עוֺלְמֵי Isaiah 45:17; — 1 of past time: a. ancient time: ׳יְמֵי ע days of old Isaiah 63:9,11; Amos 9:11; Micah 5:1; Micah 7:14; Malachi 3:4; ׳יְמוֺת ע Deuteronomy 32:7; ׳עַם ע Isaiah 44:7 ancient people; ׳גּוֺי מֵע Jeremiah 5:15; ׳חָרְבוֺת ע old waste places Isaiah 58:12; Isaiah 61:4, compare Ezekiel 26:20 b; ׳מִּתְחֵי ע ancient gates Psalm 24:7; Psalm 24:9; ׳ארח ע Job 22:15; ׳נתבות ע Jeremiah 6:16; ׳שְׁבִילֵי ע Jeremiah 18:15; ׳גבול ע Proverbs 22:28; Proverbs 23:10; ׳במות ע Ezekiel 36:2; ׳מִן (מֵ)ע from of old Isaiah 64:3; Jeremiah 2:20; Joel 2:2, of the fathers Joshua 24:2, the prophets Jeremiah 28:8, the ancient נפלים Genesis 6:4; (Ezekiel 32:27 ᵐ5 Co for מערלים; but 1 Samuel 27:8 read מִטֵּלָם for מעולם We Dr HPS); ׳בהם ע long in them Isaiah 64:4 (text dubious). b. ׳מֵתֵי ע the long dead Psalm 143:3; Lamentations 3:6; so ׳עַם ע Ezekiel 26:20. c. of God, ׳מֵע: former acts Isaiah 46:9; as redeemer Isaiah 63:16; of love Psalm 25:6, judgment Psalm 119:52, dominion Isaiah 63:19; long silence Isaiah 42:14; Isaiah 57:11; **ᵐ5 ᵑ9 CheHpt Du Marti read מֵעְלִם for מֵעוֺלָם, compare I. [עָלַם] Hiph`il Psalm 10:1.; his wisdom personified Proverbs 8:23; his existence Psalm 93:2. d. of things: ׳גבעות ע ancient hills Genesis 49:26 (J), Habakkuk 3:6 ("" הרריעֿד), Deuteronomy 33:15 ("" הררי קדם). e. plural שְׁנוֺת עולמים Psalm 77:6 years of ancient times; דורות עולמים Isaiah 51:9; לעלמים Ecclesiastes 1:10 = in olden times. 2. a. indefinite futurity, with preposition for ever, always (sometimes = during the lifetime); עֶבֶד עולם slave for ever Deuteronomy 15:17; 1 Samuel 27:12; Job 40:28; ׳עָבַד לע serve for ever Exodus 21:6 (E), Leviticus 25:46; ׳עד ע 1 Samuel 1:22; ׳גְּאֻלַּת ע Leviticus 25:32 redemption at any time; ׳הֲרַת ע Jeremiah 20:17 ever pregnant (womb); ׳כְּלִמַּת ע Jeremiah 20:11 of persecutors of Jeremiah; ׳חרפת ע Jeremiah 23:40; ׳שַׁלְוֵי ע Psalm 73:12 alway at ease; ׳יְחִי לע (יחיה) may the king live alway 1 Kings 1:31; Nehemiah 2:3; compare אֹרֶךְ יָמִים עולם ועד Psalm 21:5; ישׁד עולם לפני אלהים Psalm 61:8; so of the pious, לא ימוט ׳לע Psalm 15:5; בל ימוט Proverbs 10:30, compare Psalm 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; אשׁירה ׳ע Psalm 89:2 I will sing for ever (as long as I live), compare Psalm 52:10; Psalm 115:18; Psalm 145:1; Psalm 145:2; ׳הוֺדה ע Psalm 30:13; Psalm 44:9; Psalm 52:11; Psalm 79:13; other emotions and activities continuous through life Psalm 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, compare ׳לע Micah 2:9. b. = continuous existence, (1) of things: the earth, הָאָרֶץ לְעוֺלָם עֹמֶדֶת Ecclesiastes 1:4; other phrase: Psalm 78:69; Psalm 104:5, heavens and contents Psalm 148:6, ruined cities Isaiah 25:2; Isaiah 32:14; Ezekiel 26:21; Ezekiel 27:36; Ezekiel 28:19, ruined lands Jeremiah 18:16; Jeremiah 25:9,12; Jeremiah 49:13,33; Jeremiah 51:26,62; Ezekiel 35:9; Zephaniah 2:9; ׳לעד עד ע Isaiah 30:8 for a witness for ever, in a book; (2) of nations: לעולם אהיה Isaiah 47:7 (Babylon loqu.), compare Psalm 81:16; Obadiah 10; ׳ישׁב לע of Judah Joel 4:20; (3) families Psalm 49:12; Isaiah 14:20; the dynasty of Saul 1 Samuel 13:13; house of Eli 1 Samuel 2:30; (4) national relations: איבת ׳ע continual enmity Ezekiel 25:15; Ezekiel 35:5; of exclusion from ׳קהל י, ׳עד ע Deuteronomy 23:4 = Nehemiah 13:1; various relations Isaiah 32:17; Isaiah 34:10; ׳חרפת ע perpetual reproach Psalm 78:66, of dynasty of David 2 Samuel 3:28; 2 Samuel 12:10; 1 Kings 2:33, families 1 Kings 2:33; 2 Kings 5:27; Psalm 106:31; Jeremiah 35:6. c. of divine existence: אל עולם Genesis 21:33 (J); ׳אלהי ע Isaiah 40:28; ׳חי אנכי לע Deuteronomy 32:40; ׳חֵי הע Daniel 12:7; of divine name, ׳זה שׁמי לְע Exodus 3:15 (E), compare 2 Chronicles 33:7 (see above); blessing and praise of it 2 Samuel 7:26 = 1 Chronicles 17:24; Psalm 72:19; Psalm 135:13; of ׳י himself Psalm 89:53; attributes, אהבה Jeremiah 31:3; 1 Kings 10:9; חסד Isaiah 54:8; Psalm 89:2; Psalm 138:8; חַסְדּוֺ ׳לע 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; כבוד Psalm 104:31; אמת Psalm 117:2; Psalm 146:6; צדק Psalm 119:142; עצה Psalm 33:11; reign Exodus 15:18 (E), Psalm 10:16; Psalm 66:7; Psalm 92:9; Psalm 146:10; Jeremiah 10:10; Micah 4:7; ישׁב ׳יהוה לע Psalm 9:8; Psalm 29:10; Psalm 102:13; Lamentations 5:19; presence in Zion 1 Chronicles 23:25; Isaiah 33:14; Isaiah 60:19,20; Ezekiel 37:28; Ezekiel 43:7,9; his salvation Isaiah 51:6,8; ׳זרעת ע Deuteronomy 33:27 everlasting arms; ׳כל אשׁר יעשׂה האלהים יהיה לע Ecclesiastes 3:14. d. of God's covenant: ׳בְּרִית ע everlasting covenant Genesis 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, ׳לְדֹרֹת ע Genesis 9:12 (P); God remembers it 1 Chronicles 16:15 = Psalm 105:8; Psalm 111:5; will not break it, ׳לע Judges 2:1; ׳אוֺת ע Exodus 31:17 (P); ׳אוֺת עד ע Deuteronomy 28:46. e. of God's laws: דבר(יםׅ Isaiah 59:21; Psalm 119:89; משׁפט Psalm 119:160; עדות Psalm 119:144; Psalm 119:152; ׳חק ע 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), also Jeremiah 5:22 (of bounds of sea); ׳חק עד ע Exodus 12:24 (J), ׳חֻקַּת ע 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, ׳עד ע 1 Kings 9:3 2Chronicles 7:16; ׳לע 2 Kings 21:7; 2Chronicles 33:4; consecrated ׳לע2Chronicles 30:8; its ceremonies ׳לע2Chron 2:3; Levitical priesthood, לשׁרתו ׳עד ע, 1 Chronicles 15:2; Aaronic priesthood, ׳לברך בשׁמ ׳עד ע 1 Chronicles 23:13 (twice in verse). f. of God's promises: his word, ׳יקום לע Isaiah 40:8; promised dynasty of David, עד ׳(ה)ע 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; ׳לע 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 land 1 Chronicles 28:8, ׳אֲחֻזַּת ע Genesis 17:8; Genesis 48:4; Leviticus 25:34 (P); given ׳לע Exodus 32:13 (J) 2 Chronicles 20:7; ׳עד ע Genesis 13:15, inherited ׳לע Isaiah 60:21; Psalm 37:18; ׳עד ע Isaiah 34:17; dwelt in ׳עד ע Ezekiel 37:25; other blessings, ׳לע Deuteronomy 5:26; Hosea 2:21; ׳עד ע Deuteronomy 12:28; 2 Samuel 7:24 = 1 Chronicles 17:22; Psalm 133:3; ׳שִׂמְחַת ע Isaiah 35:10; Isaiah 51:11; Isaiah 61:7; ׳דֶּרֶח ע Psalm 139:24; ׳שׁם ע Isaiah 56:5; Isaiah 63:12; ׳אות ע Isaiah 55:13; ׳נאון ע Isaiah 60:15; Jerusalem to abide ׳לע Jeremiah 17:25; Psalm 125:1, compare Jeremiah 31:40; ׳עד ע Psalm 48:9. g. of relations between God and his people, ׳לע 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; ׳עד (ה)ע Psalm 28:9; Malachi 1:4. h. of Messianic dynasty and king: ׳(ל)ע Psalm 110:4; having divine throne Psalm 45:7; name endures Psalm 72:17; established Psalm 89:38; God blesses him Psalm 45:3; of his reign, ׳מעתה ועד ע Isaiah 9:6. i. = indefinite, unending future: live ׳לע Genesis 3:22 = Job 7:16; יִחְיוּ ׳הנביאים הלע Zechariah 1:5 the prophets, can they live for ever ? compare ׳חדל לע Psalm 49:9; with negative never Ezra 9:12; Proverbs 27:24. j. after death: ׳שׁנת ע Jeremiah 51:39,57; ׳בית ע Ecclesiastes 12:5; ׳חַיֵּי ע Daniel 12:2; ׳דראון ע Daniel 12:2; also Daniel 12:3; Jonah 2:7; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Ecclesiastes 9:6. k. = age (duration) of the world: את העלם נתן בְּלִבָּם Ecclesiastes 3:11 the age of the world he hath set, etc. (compare especially Late Hebrew; others i). l. plural intensive everlastingness, eternity: תשׁועת עולמים Isaiah 45:17; צדק עלמים Daniel 9:24; צור עולמים Isaiah 26:4 (RVm rock of ages); מלכוּת כל עלמים Psalm 145:13; also Psalm 61:5; Psalm 77:8; 1 Kings 8:13 2Chronicles 6:2. m. special phrase: (מן) מ(ה)עולם (ו)עד (ה)עולם from everlasting to everlasting, of ׳י Psalm 90:2, ׳חסד י Psalm 103:17; benedictions 1 Chronicles 16:36 = Psalm 106:48; Nehemiah 9:5; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 41:14; the land given למן עולם ועד עולם Jeremiah 7:7; Jeremiah 25:5; מעתה ועד עולם from now and for ever Psalm 115:18; Psalm 121:8 (i.e. as long as one lives); of people's hope in God Psalm 131:3; dynasty of David Isaiah 9:6; of God's acts, words, etc. Micah 4:7; Isaiah 59:21; Psalm 125:2, compare Psalm 113:2; — see further I.עַד p. 723. עֵילוֺם see עוֺלָם. עֲלָמוֺת see עַלְמָה, II. עלם. עַלמֿוּת, עַלמֿוּת לַבֵן see עַלְמָה, II. עלם. 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 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 In Deuteronomy 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). Poetic and Wisdom Literature 1. Praise Rooted in Eternity 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 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). 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: These promises converge in Revelation 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 echoes Isaiah 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 umeoLamLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 3:22 HEB: וְאָכַ֖ל וָחַ֥י לְעֹלָֽם׃ NAS: and eat, and live forever-- KJV: and eat, and live for ever: INT: and eat of life forever Genesis 6:3 Genesis 6:4 Genesis 9:12 Genesis 9:16 Genesis 13:15 Genesis 17:7 Genesis 17:8 Genesis 17:13 Genesis 17:19 Genesis 21:33 Genesis 48:4 Genesis 49:26 Exodus 3:15 Exodus 12:14 Exodus 12:17 Exodus 12:24 Exodus 14:13 Exodus 15:18 Exodus 19:9 Exodus 21:6 Exodus 27:21 Exodus 28:43 Exodus 29:9 Exodus 29:28 438 Occurrences |