for עוֹלָם; {concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always}; ever.
Transliteration:ʻêylôwm
Pronunciation:ay-lome'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5865 (ʻêylôwm) is explicitly noted in lexicons as a variant or an error for `{{H5769}}` (ʻôlām). Therefore, to understand H5865, one must delve into the rich semantic range of `{{H5769}}`. The root of `{{H5769}}` is generally understood to be עָלַם (ʻālam), meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." This etymological connection suggests a core meaning related to that which is hidden from human perception, particularly in terms of time – a "vanishing point" or a horizon beyond which one cannot see.
From this foundational concept, `{{H5769}}` develops a broad semantic range:
1. **Indefinite Time (Past or Future):** It refers to periods of time that are extensive and beyond ordinary human calculation.
* **Ancient Times/Long Ago:** Referring to a distant, often unremembered past (e.g., "days of old," "from antiquity").
* **Perpetuity/Forever:** Referring to an indefinite future, often translated as "forever," "everlasting," or "perpetual." This can be absolute (as with God's nature) or relative (as with human institutions or covenants, implying "as long as it endures" or "for the foreseeable future").
2. **Eternity:** When applied to God, it denotes His boundless, uncreated, and unending existence, transcending all temporal limitations.
3. **Continuity/Always:** In adverbial constructions, often with prepositions (e.g., לְעוֹלָם), it can mean "always," "continuously," or "for all time."
The specific transliteration ʻêylôwm (H5865) is a rare textual occurrence, likely a scribal variation of the much more common ʻôlām (`{{H5769}}`). Its meaning is thus entirely subsumed within the broader understanding of `{{H5769}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As H5865 (ʻêylôwm) is identified as a variant of `{{H5769}}`, its direct occurrences are extremely limited, often corrected in critical editions to `{{H5769}}`. One notable instance where H5865 appears in some textual traditions (such as the Masoretic Text underlying the KJV) is in [[1 Samuel 27:8]].
In [[1 Samuel 27:8]], the KJV translates "those nations were of old the inhabitants of the country." Here, ʻêylôwm (or more accurately, ʻôlām) refers to the inhabitants who had resided in the land "from ancient times" or "long ago." This usage perfectly aligns with the "indefinite past" aspect of `{{H5769}}`, indicating a period beyond living memory. Modern translations often reflect this understanding by rendering the phrase as "from ancient times" (ESV, NASB, NIV).
To fully appreciate the scope of H5865's underlying meaning (`{{H5769}}`), it is essential to consider the pervasive use of `{{H5769}}` throughout the Old Testament.
* **God's Eternity:** `{{H5769}}` frequently describes the eternal nature of God. [[Psalm 90:2]] declares, "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Similarly, [[Isaiah 40:28]] speaks of "the Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth." This usage highlights God's transcendence over time.
* **Covenant Perpetuity:** God's covenants are often described as ʻôlām, signifying their enduring and unbreakable nature. The Abrahamic covenant is an "everlasting covenant" ([[Genesis 17:7]]). The Passover is to be observed as an "ordinance forever" ([[Exodus 12:14]]). This indicates God's faithfulness and the lasting validity of His promises.
* **Land and Priesthood:** The possession of the land of Canaan is promised to Abraham's descendants "forever" ([[Genesis 13:15]]), and the Aaronic priesthood is established as a "perpetual statute" ([[Exodus 29:9]]). In these contexts, ʻôlām denotes a long, enduring duration within the earthly sphere, often contingent on faithfulness, rather than an absolute, metaphysical eternity.
* **Human Destiny:** In eschatological contexts, `{{H5769}}` describes the outcome of judgment and salvation. [[Daniel 12:2]] speaks of "everlasting life" and "everlasting contempt," indicating an unending state beyond the present age.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H5865 is `{{H5769}}` (ʻôlām), which it effectively represents. Understanding `{{H5769}}`'s semantic field is crucial.
Other Hebrew terms and concepts that interact with or complement the idea of ʻôlām include:
* **`{{H5331}}` (netzaḥ):** Often translated as "eternity," "perpetuity," or "endurance." While ʻôlām emphasizes the hidden or indefinite duration, netzaḥ often conveys the idea of lastingness, triumph, or permanence, sometimes in parallel with ʻôlām (e.g., [[Psalm 9:6]]).
* **`{{H1755}}` (dōr):** Meaning "generation" or "age." Phrases like "to all generations" (לְדֹר וָדֹר) can be used to express continuity over time, though distinct from the indefinite expanse of ʻôlām.
* **`{{H6931}}` (qādem):** Referring to "ancient times," "of old," or "before." This term focuses specifically on the distant past, overlapping with one aspect of ʻôlām's semantic range.
* **Divine Attributes:** The concept of ʻôlām is intrinsically linked to theological attributes such as God's immutability, faithfulness, and sovereignty. His eternality undergirds the reliability of His word and His redemptive plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5865, understood through `{{H5769}}` (ʻôlām), is profound and foundational to biblical theology.
1. **God's Transcendence and Immutability:** The most significant theological implication is the revelation of God as the "Everlasting God." He is not confined by the created order of time but exists from eternity to eternity. This underscores His absolute sovereignty, His unchanging character, and His complete reliability. When God makes a promise or establishes a covenant, its "everlasting" nature is rooted in His own eternal being.
2. **The Enduring Nature of God's Covenants and Promises:** The repeated application of ʻôlām to covenants (e.g., Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) assures believers of God's unwavering commitment. These are not temporary arrangements but expressions of His steadfast love and faithfulness that endure through generations. Even when human beings fail, God's ʻôlām promises remain secure.
3. **The Scope of Salvation and Judgment:** In eschatological contexts, ʻôlām describes the ultimate and unending states of human destiny. "Everlasting life" and "everlasting contempt" signify that the consequences of one's relationship with God extend beyond temporal existence, pointing to a finality and permanence that shapes one's eternal future.
4. **Aspiration for the Eternal:** The concept of ʻôlām also speaks to the human heart's innate longing for meaning and purpose that transcends fleeting earthly existence. [[Ecclesiastes 3:11]] states that God "has put eternity into man's heart," suggesting a divine design for humanity to grasp and yearn for that which is beyond the temporal.
While ʻôlām can denote a long but finite period when applied to created things (e.g., the duration of a king's reign or a physical land possession), its use in relation to God consistently points to His absolute, unending nature, which is the ultimate source and guarantee of all other "everlasting" realities.
### Summary
H5865 (ʻêylôwm) is a rare textual variant of the more common and highly significant Hebrew word `{{H5769}}` (ʻôlām). Its core meaning derives from the root "to hide" or "to conceal," leading to the concept of time that extends beyond human perception, whether into the distant past ("ancient times") or the indefinite future ("perpetuity," "forever," "eternity").
Biblical occurrences, particularly of `{{H5769}}`, showcase its diverse applications: describing God's absolute, unending existence ([[Psalm 90:2]]), the unwavering nature of His covenants and promises ([[Genesis 17:7]]), the enduring character of certain human institutions or possessions within a specific dispensation ([[Exodus 29:9]]), and the ultimate, unending destiny of humanity ([[Daniel 12:2]]).
Theologically, ʻôlām is foundational to understanding God's eternal, immutable nature and the steadfastness of His redemptive plan. It assures believers of the permanence of His love, the reliability of His word, and the ultimate, everlasting nature of the salvation He offers. Thus, H5865, through its connection to `{{H5769}}`, points to the profound truth of a God who is, and always will be, from everlasting to everlasting.