(Aramaic) corresponding to עוֹלָם; remote time, i.e. the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever; for (n-)ever (lasting), old.
Transliteration:ʻâlam
Pronunciation:aw-lam'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma H5957 (ʻâlam) serves as the direct linguistic and semantic equivalent to the more frequently occurring Hebrew term `{{H5769}}` (עוֹלָם, ʻôlām). Its fundamental meaning revolves around the concept of "remote time," encompassing both an indefinite past ("from of old," "ancient times") and an indefinite future ("forever," "everlasting"). This duality highlights a duration that extends beyond typical human measurement or perception, often implying perpetuity or eternity. When used adverbially, it conveys the sense of "forever" or "never" (in negation), emphasizing an unending quality. The core idea is that which is hidden or obscured by the vastness of time, hence its association with that which is ancient or perpetual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, H5957 is found exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Daniel and select passages in Ezra. Its usage consistently reflects its core meaning of extended duration:
* **Divine Attributes and Reign:** In Daniel, H5957 is frequently employed to describe the eternal nature of God and His kingdom. For instance, in [[Daniel 2:20]], Daniel blesses God "forever and ever" (לְעָלְמָא וְעָלְמַיָּא), emphasizing the perpetual praise due to the Almighty. Crucially, the term defines the enduring quality of God's dominion: "His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom" ([[Daniel 4:3]], [[Daniel 4:34]], [[Daniel 7:27]]). This contrasts sharply with the transient nature of human empires, a central theme in Daniel's prophecies. The saints of the Most High are also promised to "possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever" ([[Daniel 7:18]]), extending this divine perpetuity to the redeemed.
* **Historical Duration:** In Ezra, H5957 refers to periods of the distant past, signifying "ancient times" or "from of old." For example, in [[Ezra 4:15]] and [[Ezra 4:19]], the term is used to describe Jerusalem as a rebellious city "from ancient times," indicating a long-standing historical characteristic. Similarly, [[Ezra 6:4]] refers to the temple's foundation being laid "from of old." Here, the word grounds historical events in a deep, undefined past, emphasizing their long-established nature.
* **Adverbial Usage:** The adverbial use underscores absolute duration. In [[Daniel 6:26]], King Darius decrees that God's kingdom "shall never be destroyed" (לָא תִתְחַבַּל עָלְמִין), using the plural form to intensify the sense of unendingness.
Across these contexts, H5957 consistently points to that which is enduring, whether it be the eternal reign of God, the perpetuity of His people's inheritance, or the long-standing nature of historical facts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H5769}}` (עוֹלָם, ʻôlām). The semantic range of H5957 is virtually identical to `{{H5769}}`, encompassing concepts of eternity, perpetuity, antiquity, and indefinite duration. Both words bridge the temporal and the eternal, speaking to that which transcends the limits of human time.
Other related concepts include:
* **Eternity and Timelessness:** The notion of God's existence outside the constraints of time, His "from everlasting to everlasting" nature.
* **Perpetuity:** The unending nature of divine decrees, covenants, and promises.
* **Antiquity:** Referring to origins or events in the distant past, emphasizing their established nature.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The unchallengeable and unending reign of God over all creation and history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5957 is profound, particularly in the book of Daniel, where it shapes the understanding of God's character and His redemptive plan.
* **God's Eternality and Immutability:** The repeated use of H5957 to describe God's kingdom and dominion ([[Daniel 4:3]], [[Daniel 7:27]]) underscores His eternal nature. Unlike human rulers and empires that rise and fall, God's reign is not subject to the vicissitudes of time or the forces of decay. He is the "everlasting God," whose being and purposes are unchanging and unending. This provides a bedrock of stability and hope in a world of flux.
* **The Enduring Nature of God's Kingdom:** The prophecies in Daniel highlight the establishment of an "everlasting kingdom" that will supersede all earthly kingdoms ([[Daniel 7:18]], [[Daniel 7:27]]). This points to the ultimate triumph of God's rule, culminating in the eternal dominion of the Son of Man (Christ) and His saints. The term assures believers of the ultimate victory and permanence of God's redemptive work.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Steadfastness:** While H5957 in Ezra refers to historical facts, its broader theological implication is that God's plans and decrees, whether ancient or future, are firmly established and will endure. This contributes to the biblical understanding of God's unwavering faithfulness across generations.
### Summary
H5957 (ʻâlam) is an Aramaic term that functions as the semantic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H5769}}` (עוֹלָם), denoting "remote time," whether past or future, and often conveying the sense of "forever" or "everlasting." Its primary biblical occurrences are in Daniel and Ezra. In Daniel, it is crucial for articulating the eternal nature of God and His kingdom, contrasting divine perpetuity with transient human power. It underscores God's everlasting dominion, the enduring inheritance of His saints, and the unchangeable character of His reign. In Ezra, it refers to events or conditions "from ancient times," grounding historical realities in a distant past. Theologically, H5957` contributes significantly to the biblical doctrine of God's eternality, the everlasting nature of His sovereign rule, and the ultimate triumph of His indestructible kingdom.
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