Understanding Olam: The Hebrew Concept of Hidden Time

The Hebrew word olam (or olem) primarily signifies "hidden time," referring to a duration that is obscure, long, or indefinite, where the beginning or end is uncertain or indifferentARSH March 22, 1864, page 131.8+1. While it is often translated as "forever," "eternal," or "everlasting," its specific meaning in any given passage is determined by the nature of the thing it is applied to, rather than the word itself possessing an inherent, invariable length of timeAPEC 27.6+2.

Core Definitions and Linguistic Roots

• Hidden or Concealed: The original and most literal sense of the word is to "conceal" or "hide," which led to the conceptual meaning of time that is hidden from man's viewHBS 195.6.

• Indefinite Duration: It specifically denotes a period of time that is obscure and long, which can include duration that is everlasting and eternal in a literal sense, or simply a very long, unmeasured ageARSH March 22, 1864, page 131.8+1.

• Limited Periods: It is frequently used in Scripture to describe a limited period, such as a person's lifetime, the duration of a specific dispensation, or the time until the year of jubilee Exodus 21:6HHMLD 292.2+1.

• Redoubled Forms: The fact that the word is sometimes redoubled or used in the plural (e.g., "from age to age") confirms that it can refer to a succession of limited ages rather than a singular, absolute eternityHBS 195.6.

Theological and Contextual Applications

• The Nature of God: When applied to the Creator, such as the "everlasting God," the term takes on the meaning of duration without end Genesis 21:33APEC 27.6.

• Covenants and Statutes: God’s "everlasting covenant" with His people is described using this term, signifying a perpetual agreement that is intended to last throughout their generations Genesis 17:7-8+121MR 272.2+1.

• Messianic and Future Ages: In Jewish thought, olam is used to distinguish between different dispensations: Olam Hazzeh (this present world), the days of the Messiah, and Olam Habba (the world to come)LTJMB2 196.2+1.

• Specific Designations: While Olam Habba refers generally to the world to come, the term Athid Labho is often used as a more specific designation for the Messianic times that precede the final winding up of all thingsLTJMB2 196.2+1.

Translation into Other Languages

• Greek Equivalents: In the Septuagint, the Greek word aion is the corresponding term for the Hebrew olamHHMLD 292.2+1. Both terms are used in the Bible to signify either literal eternity or an "accommodated" sense denoting a long but finite ageAPEC 27.6+1.

• Latin Influence: Much of the modern understanding of these words in English has been influenced by the Latin word aeternus, which is contracted from aviturnus (an age or lifetime)ARSH March 22, 1864, page 131.8.

By understanding that olam relates to the "hiddenness" of time, one can better appreciate the depth of the scriptural promises regarding the "everlasting" kingdom and the "eternal" strength found in Jehovah Daniel 7:27YI January 22, 1903, par. 7+1.