Examples of Olam (Eon or Eonian) Concerning Things That Are NOT Everlasting

By Gerry Watts

 

Olam is the Hebrew, and Aion or Aionian is the Greek equivalent.

Olam is commonly (mis) translated as ‘everlasting’ ‘eternal’ or ‘for ever.’

There are numerous examples, though, where Olam is used of that which is clearly NOT everlasting. Here are a few key examples.

 

1)      The Land of Canaan was given to Abraham and his descendants as an ‘everlasting’ possession (Genesis 17:8).

And the hills of the earth are said to be ‘everlasting’ (Gen. 49:26; Deut. 33:15)

 

YET we are told that this earth will pass away and the elements will dissolve by combustion (Mt. 24:35; 2 Pet. 3:10-12; Rev. 21:1)

 

2)      The Covenant of Circumcision in Abraham’s flesh is ‘everlasting’ (Gen. 17:13)

 

YET we are told that fleshly circumcision has now been done away with (Gal. 5:2-6; Col. 2:11-14)

 

AND we are also told that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:50). So, if Abraham’s circumcision in flesh is truly ‘everlasting,’ then he will NEVER inherit the kingdom of God in immortality and incorruptibility!

 

3)      The days or years of human generations in the past are said to be ‘Olam.’ (Deut. 32:7; 1 Sam. 27:8; Ps. 143:3; Ezk. 26:20 (twice)

 

Now in these instances, most versions (including KJV and NIV) usually translate it as ‘ancient’ or ‘old’ and occasionally ‘age-long.’ This is more accurate, but it is clearly inconsistent! Why not translate it as ‘everlasting?’ Because it doesn’t make sense and would be clearly against the facts! Man and the earth have not existed ‘eternally’ in the past.

 

4)      The Levitical (Aaronic) Priesthood is said to be ‘everlasting’ (Ex. 40:15; Num. 25:13)

 

YET this priesthood is said to be no more. It has been replaced by a new priesthood of a different order in accordance with the New Covenant (Heb. 7:11-19)

 

5)      Old boundary stones are said to be ‘Olam’ (Prov. 22:28; 23:10)

 

Again, most versions translate this as ‘ancient’ or ‘old’ because these ‘stones’ are clearly NOT EVERLASTING.

 

There are numerous instances where Olam is used of God in various ways – BUT this doesn’t automatically mean that Olam means ‘everlasting’ because God is ‘everlasting.’ God created the Ages of Time (the Eonian Times) and He is working out His purposes during the ages of time - so He is especially the God or King of the Ages; the Eonian or Age-abiding God; He is from Age to Age. 

He endures for all time – FOR TIME INDEFINITE. This is the essential meaning of Olam and its Greek equivalents. (For further details, see The Concordant Version ; How Many Ages Are There ? and God's Plan of the Ages).

In relation to God’s Plan and Purpose of the Ages, centered in Christ, here are a few key facts that need to be realised.

 

1)      Satan is the originator of Sin (1 Jn. 3:8)

2)      And he holds the power of Death (Heb. 2:14-15)

 

3)      YET Christ came to destroy (literally ‘annul’) the works of the Adversary and to discard him (1 Jn. 3:8). The NT clearly tells us that Christ Jesus HAS ACCOMPLISHED HIS MISSION. He has conquered Sin and Death, and He now holds the keys to Death and Hades (Rom. 8:1-4; Rev. 1:18)

 

4)      Therefore, Death (and Sin) CANNOT last ‘forever’ (and this includes the Second Death, figuratively called 'the Lake of Fire') otherwise Christ has failed in His mission!

 

5)      Subsequently, Death, in all its forms, MUST BE ABOLISHED (1 Cor. 15:25-26). This will occur ‘each in his own order’ (1 Cor. 15:23-24). Is Paul implying that believers will have more than one resurrection? I think not. The Body of Christ Ecclesia is included in the phrase ‘those who are Christ’s in His Presence.’ This Body/Bride are FIRSTBORN SONS and FIRSTFRUITS of a greater Harvest. As the Head is (Christ), so follows the Body. Therefore the rest of mankind must follow at a later stage – ‘Thereafter the consummation.’

See also Will Death Last Forever? ; The Second Adam Versus The First Adam and Is There Really A Hell?

G. Watts © 2006

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