עֵילוֹם (e.lom)
e.lom
ever
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun `olam` denotes a period of indefinite or unbounded duration, encompassing concepts of antiquity in the past and perpetuity in the future. In its single occurrence in II Chronicles 13:7, it describes the enduring nature of the Davidic covenant, emphasizing that God’s promise to David’s line is not temporary but established for all time.
Its semantic range stretches from "ancient" times to "everlasting" existence, often translated as "forever" or "perpetual." The word does not necessarily imply absolute philosophical eternity in the abstract sense, but rather a duration that extends beyond human memory and foreseeable history, marking something as stable and unchanging against the backdrop of shifting earthly powers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word `olam` points to a time that stretches far beyond our immediate view, covering both ancient history and a future we cannot fully imagine. It suggests stability and permanence in a world where everything else seems to change. When we encounter this term, it reminds us that God’s commitments are not bound by the short span of human life or political shifts.
In II Chronicles 33:7, this enduring nature is highlighted when God declares His name will remain in Jerusalem forever. This offers a profound sense of security for believers. It means that the divine presence and promise are not fleeting trends but established realities that outlast every generation.
This perspective invites us to rest in the constancy of God rather than anxiety over temporary circumstances. We can trust that what He has spoken stands firm against the backdrop of shifting earthly powers, providing a steady foundation for our faith today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for/ ever1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/עֵילֽוֹם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 33:7
He set the engraved image of the idol, which he had made, in God’s house, of which God said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever.
This verse uses the word to anchor God's promise of His name in Jerusalem as an unchanging reality that transcends the temporary reigns of kings.