[b-hebrew] Daniel 6:27 (time indefinite)

Peter Kirk peter at qaya.org
Sat Nov 12 11:17:06 EST 2005


On 12/11/2005 15:58, Read, James C wrote:

>
> I think you all have valid points (except for the low blow against the 
> NWT which was completely unwarranted). 'Forever', is misleading 
> because the word is clearly used contexts which do not allow such a 
> meaning. ...
>

Where? What contexts? Anyway, are you talking about the Aramaic phrase, 
or the Hebrew near equivalent 'AD 'OLAM? If the latter, I accept that it 
can mean something like "until the end of their life", e.g. in Deut 
15:17, but with the clear implication that as far as the person is 
concerned the situation is forever. It does not mean an indefinite time, 
e.g. this verse cannot be translated "he will be your servant for an 
indefinite time (and then he will go free)", nor even "he will be your 
servant for ages" because this also suggests that he will then go free.

> ... 'Time indefinite', while it has honest intentions is funny 
> language which even when you take it apart could be misconstrued 
> anyway. I think we need to find a term or phrase which combines the 
> intentions of 'time indefinite' with the simplicity and clarity of 
> 'forever' and yet clearly and concisely encaptures the sense of both a 
> long time and an undefined amount of time.
>

There is an English expression which might give the right meaning in 
future contexts: "indefinitely", i.e. with no anticipated end. But I am 
not sure that this is strong enough.

-- 
Peter Kirk
peter at qaya.org (personal)
peterkirk at qaya.org (work)
http://www.qaya.org/




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