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.
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).
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).
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.
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