### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʻâlam**, represented by `{{H5957}}`, denotes **remote time**. It appears 20 times across 15 verses, referring to the past or future indefinitely. It is frequently translated as **everlasting**, **for ever**, or in reference to the past, **old**. This term is crucial for understanding concepts of eternity, particularly within the prophetic books of the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5957}}` is most often associated with the nature of God and His kingdom. It describes the divine kingdom which "shall stand **for ever**" [[Daniel 2:44]] and which is an "**everlasting** kingdom" that will not be destroyed ([[Daniel 7:14]], [[Daniel 7:27]]). Nebuchadnezzar uses it to praise God as the one who "liveth **for ever**" and whose dominion is "**everlasting**" [[Daniel 4:34]]. The word is also used in a historical sense, referring to Jerusalem as a city that has caused sedition "of **old** time" ([[Ezra 4:15]], [[Ezra 4:19]]). In a different context, it appears in the formal address to kings, "O king, live **for ever**" ([[Daniel 2:4]], [[Daniel 3:9]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the concept of eternal time:
* `{{H4437}}` **malkûw** (dominion (abstractly or concretely); kingdom, kingly, realm, reign): This word is frequently paired with `{{H5957}}` to describe God's "**everlasting kingdom**" [[Daniel 4:3]].
* `{{H1859}}` **dâr** (an age; generation): This term is used to contrast human time with God's eternal rule, stating His kingdom is "from **generation** to **generation**" [[Daniel 4:3]].
* `{{H2418}}` **chăyâʼ** (to live; live, keep alive): Used in the common address to royalty, "live **for ever**" [[Daniel 5:10]], it connects the idea of life with the unending scope of `{{H5957}}`.
* `{{H2255}}` **chăbal** (to ruin; destroy, hurt): This word is often used in the negative to emphasize the permanence of God's kingdom, which shall never be **destroyed** ([[Daniel 2:44]], [[Daniel 7:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5957}}` is primarily eschatological, focused on the ultimate and eternal nature of God's authority.
* **The Eternal Kingdom:** The central theological point is God's establishment of a kingdom that will consume all earthly kingdoms and stand **for ever** [[Daniel 2:44]]. This promise provides a stark contrast to the transient nature of human empires.
* **The Everlasting God:** The term is used to affirm the nature of God Himself, who is the "**living** God, and stedfast **for ever**" [[Daniel 6:26]]. His attributes of **wisdom** `{{H2452}}` and **might** `{{H1370}}` are also eternal [[Daniel 2:20]].
* **Endurance of the Saints:** The promise of an eternal kingdom is passed to the faithful, as "the **saints** `{{H6922}}` of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom **for ever**, even **for ever** and **ever**" [[Daniel 7:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5957}}` is a pivotal Aramaic term that defines the biblical concept of unending time. While used formally in addressing human kings, its true weight is found in prophecies describing the eternal nature of God and His indestructible kingdom. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding God's ultimate sovereignty, which stands in contrast to the temporary powers of the world and extends from the distant past "**of old**" into the unending future "**for ever**".
TRV