Topical Encyclopedia The term "perpetual" in the Bible often refers to something that is everlasting, continuous, or without end. It is used to describe covenants, statutes, and various aspects of God's nature and promises. The concept of perpetuity underscores the eternal nature of God's word and His unchanging promises to His people.Perpetual Covenants One of the most significant uses of "perpetual" in the Bible is in reference to covenants. In Genesis 9:16, God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to flood the earth again: "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." This covenant is described as everlasting, indicating its perpetual nature. Similarly, the covenant with Abraham is described as perpetual. In Genesis 17:7, God says, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." This covenant underscores the enduring relationship between God and Abraham's descendants. Perpetual Statutes and Ordinances The term "perpetual" is also used to describe certain statutes and ordinances given to the Israelites. In Exodus 12:14, regarding the Passover, it is stated, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a perpetual statute for the generations to come." This indicates that the observance of Passover was intended to be an ongoing practice for the Israelites. Leviticus 24:8-9 speaks of the bread of the Presence, which is to be set out before the LORD regularly: "Every Sabbath day the bread is to be set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a perpetual covenant." This highlights the continuous nature of worship and remembrance in the life of the Israelites. Perpetual Priesthood The concept of a perpetual priesthood is introduced in the context of Aaron and his descendants. In Exodus 29:9, God commands, "And you shall gird them with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and put the headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a perpetual statute. Thus you shall ordain Aaron and his sons." This establishes the Aaronic priesthood as an enduring institution within the Israelite community. Perpetual Light In the Tabernacle, the lampstand was to burn continually as a symbol of God's perpetual presence. Exodus 27:20-21 instructs, "And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a perpetual statute for the Israelites throughout their generations." Perpetual Remembrance The idea of perpetual remembrance is also significant in the Psalms. Psalm 111:5 states, "He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever." This verse emphasizes God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenantal promises. Perpetual Kingdom The concept of a perpetual kingdom is central to the Messianic prophecies. In Daniel 7:14, it is prophesied about the Son of Man, "And to Him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." This points to the eternal reign of Christ, which is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology. In summary, the term "perpetual" in the Bible is used to describe the eternal and unchanging nature of God's covenants, statutes, and promises. It reflects the continuity of God's relationship with His people and the everlasting nature of His kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Neverceasing; continuing forever or for an unlimited time; unfailing; everlasting; continuous.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PERPETUAL; PERPETUALLY; PERPETUITYper-pet'-u-al, per-pet'-u-al-i, pur-pe-tu'-i-ti (`olam, netsach, tamidh): Greek 166. aionios -- agelong, eternal ... eternal, forever, everlasting. From aion; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well) -- eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/166.htm - 8k 263. amarantos -- unfading 531. aparabatos -- inviolable 762. asbestos -- unquenched, unquenchable Strong's Hebrew 8548. tamid -- continuity... continuity NASB Word Usage all times (1), always (4), constantly (2), continual (26), continually (52), continuously (2), ever (2), perpetual (1), regular (3 ... /hebrew/8548.htm - 6k 5331. netsach -- eminence, enduring, everlastingness, perpetuity 5769. olam -- long duration, antiquity, futurity 5125. nun -- to propagate, increase 5703. ad -- perpetuity Library Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith Perpetual Youth Perpetual Covenants Perpetual Praise. Perpetual Praise. The Perpetual Pillar of Cloud and Fire The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Whether Perpetual Continence is Required for Religious Perfection? Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... LM Anonymous. Perpetual Praise. Thesaurus Perpetual (57 Occurrences)... time; unfailing; everlasting; continuous. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PERPETUAL; PERPETUALLY; PERPETUITY. per-pet'-u-al, per ... /p/perpetual.htm - 28k Perpetuity (5 Occurrences) Perpetually (10 Occurrences) Desolations (18 Occurrences) Statute (63 Occurrences) Generations (148 Occurrences) Astonishment (51 Occurrences) Horror (51 Occurrences) Wastes (33 Occurrences) Ear (670 Occurrences) Resources Is the perpetual virginity of Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.orgHow can it be said that we have everlasting life when we still die? | GotQuestions.org What is Mariology? | GotQuestions.org Perpetual: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Perpetual (57 Occurrences)Galatians 3:23 Hebrews 10:12 Genesis 9:12 Exodus 28:43 Exodus 29:9 Exodus 29:28 Exodus 30:8 Exodus 30:21 Exodus 31:16 Exodus 40:15 Leviticus 3:17 Leviticus 6:20 Leviticus 7:34 Leviticus 7:36 Leviticus 10:9 Leviticus 23:14 Leviticus 23:21 Leviticus 23:31 Leviticus 23:41 Leviticus 24:3 Leviticus 24:9 Leviticus 25:32 Leviticus 25:34 Numbers 10:8 Numbers 15:15 Numbers 18:8 Numbers 18:11 Numbers 18:19 Numbers 18:23 Numbers 19:10 Numbers 19:21 Numbers 25:13 Psalms 9:6 Psalms 74:3 Psalms 78:66 Proverbs 15:15 Jeremiah 5:22 Jeremiah 8:5 Jeremiah 15:18 Jeremiah 18:16 Jeremiah 23:40 Jeremiah 25:9 Jeremiah 25:12 Jeremiah 49:13 Jeremiah 50:5 Jeremiah 51:26 Jeremiah 51:39 Jeremiah 51:57 Jeremiah 51:62 Ezekiel 25:15 Ezekiel 35:5 Ezekiel 35:9 Ezekiel 38:8 Ezekiel 46:14 Daniel 12:11 Habakkuk 3:6 Zephaniah 2:9 Subtopics Related Terms |