SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER, PERPETUITY (BDB 664, 773)

Besides the common Hebrew term 'olam (see SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ['olam and aiōnios]), there are two other roots that can convey this concept of time.

  1. netsach (BDB 664, KB 716 I), often meaning victory or strength
  2. ad (BDB 773, 786) denoting that which lasts through time

Some good examples of #1 are Job 4:20; 14:20; 20:7; 23:7; 30:7; also Ps. 9:6; 74:3; note Jer. 15:18; 50:39; Amos 1:11.

Some good examples of #2:

  1. YHWH's reign (parallel to 'olam) ‒ Exod. 15:18
  2. YHWH's existence and attributes ‒ Ps. 19:10; 92:8; 111:3,10; 112:3,9; Isa. 57:15
  3. trust YHWH forever ‒ Isa. 26:4
  4. rejoice forever ‒ Isa. 65:18
  5. YHWH's anger and judgment ‒ Ps. 83:18; Jer. 50:39; Amos 1:11

These two roots are often used with 'olam ‒ Ps. 9:6; 10:16; 21:5; 45:7,18; 48;15; 57:10; 104:8; 119:44; 145:1,2,21; Dan. 12:3; Micah 4:5.

Copyright © 2026 Bible Lessons International