Understanding Olam: The Hebrew Meaning of Eternity

The original Hebrew word olam denotes a period of time that is hidden or indefinite, and its meaning "from all eternity" depends entirely on the nature of the subject to which it is appliedEVRR698+1. While it can signify duration without end, it is also used as a Jewish idiomatic expression to denote continuity for as long as a particular life or state of existence continuesEVRR698+1.

The Etymology and Core Meaning of Olam

• Hidden Time: The primary and original sense of olam is to "conceal" or "hide," referring to time that is hidden from man or is indefiniteHBS 195.6.

• Indefinite Duration: In the Hebrew mind, it represents time unmeasured, which can mean "for an age" or "from age to age" rather than always implying an absolute mathematical eternityHBS 195.6.

• Limited Contexts: The word is clearly used for limited periods in Scripture, such as the lifetime of a servant, the period until a Jubilee, or the duration of the Jewish dispensationEVRR698+1. Examples include Jonah being in the whale's belly "forever" (three days) or David being king "forever" (forty years) Jonah 2:6+2EVRR698.

Understanding "From All Eternity"

• Applied to God: When the term is applied to the nature of Jehovah, it takes on its primary and unrestricted sense of duration without endARSH January 20, 1859, page 68.1. Because God is self-existent and his nature is perfect, he is strictly "from everlasting to everlasting" Psalms 90:2ARSH January 20, 1859, page 68.1.

• The "Eternal Now": For the High and Holy One who inhabits eternity, there is no beginning or ending; past, present, and future are all present with Him in an "eternal now" Isaiah 57:15GCDB March 22, 1891, page 203.2.

• Christ’s Pre-existence: Regarding Christ, the expression "from all eternity" signifies that He existed before all things and was God in the highest sense from the beginning1SM 247.3+1. His "goings forth" are described as being from of old, even from the days of eternity Micah 5:2SITI May 28, 1885, page 326.7.

Summary Table of Usage

Application	Meaning in the Hebrew Mind	Scriptural Example
Human Servitude	As long as the person lives	Exodus 21:6EVRR698
The Earthly Sanctuary	The duration of that dispensation	HBS 195.6
God and His Kingdom	Absolute eternity / Endless duration	Jeremiah 10:10EVRR698+1
The New Life	A life that measures with the life of God	1SM 98.1+1

True wisdom involves looking at life from this eternal side rather than the temporal side, recognizing that the education and character begun here will continue throughout the ceaseless ages of eternityEP 436.5+1.