The Meaning of Owlam: Forever or Just a Long Time?

The Hebrew word owlam (or oulom) typically refers to a long duration of time, whether past, present, or future, and its specific meaning depends on the nature and circumstances of the subject to which it is appliedSSII 57.1+1. While it can signify endless duration, it is used over three hundred times in the Old Testament to express a period that eventually has an endSSII 57.1.

Lexical Meanings and Definitions

Scholars and lexicographers understand owlam to represent a space of time that can vary significantly in lengthARSH April 17, 1866, page 157.10.

• Diverse Timeframes: It is defined as an age, a lifetime, a long period of time, or eternityARSH April 17, 1866, page 157.10.

• Contextual Interpretation: Because the word is ambiguous, its meaning must be determined by the context; for example, it can mean "sometimes lasting" or "time out of mind"ARSH April 17, 1866, page 157.10.

• The Concept of Annihilation: In discussions regarding the destiny of the wicked, some scholars note that other Hebrew terms like Tsomath and Shomad are used to signify "to annihilate," which provides a contrast to the "everlasting" (owlam) duration of God’s lifeSSII 166.1.

Biblical Usage and Examples

In the Old Testament, owlam is frequently applied to institutions or things that were intended to last for a significant duration but were not necessarily without endSSII 57.1+1.

• The Aaronical Priesthood: The Bible refers to the "everlasting priesthood" of Aaron, yet this system was eventually put aside and replaced by the priesthood of Christ Exodus 40:15SSII 57.1+1.

• The Land of Canaan: God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham as an "everlasting possession," yet the Jews were eventually driven from that land Genesis 17:8ARSH April 17, 1866, page 157.10.

• The Covenant of Circumcision: This is called an "everlasting covenant," though it has not been practiced as a requirement for the same people for eighteen hundred years Genesis 17:13ARSH April 17, 1866, page 157.10.

• The Earthly Hills: The Scriptures speak of "everlasting hills," which refers to their long-standing nature rather than an absolute lack of beginning or endSSII 57.1.

• The Ancient People: God refers to Israel as the "ancient people," using language that points back to "ancient times" and things "of old" Isaiah 44:6-7+1BDOC 68.2.

The Distinction of Endless Duration

When owlam is used in connection with the names, attributes, or nature of God, it takes on its strongest possible meaning to signify truly endless durationARSH February 7, 1854, page 18.17.

• The Nature of Deity: When used to describe God’s eternity, the term is used in its true and proper sense, as it would be absurd to use a word of limited meaning to describe an unlimited BeingARSH February 7, 1854, page 18.17.

• Sanctification of the Sabbath: The term kadash is used to show the setting apart of the Sabbath as a perpetual obligation for the human race, a "sanctification" that reflects the eternal nature of God's rest Genesis 2:3SBBS 458.3.

• The First and the Last: God uses this language to declare that He is the "first" and the "last," existing before the foundations of the world were laid and continuing through all eternal ages Isaiah 44:6BDOC 68.2+1.

• Future Study: The redeemed will spend "eternal ages" studying the ways and works of God, suggesting that in this context, the duration is indeed without endCT 252.3+1.