Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Karl Randolph" <kwrandolph AT email.com>]

Kelton:

We need to differentiate between what (WLM meant in 
Hebrew and what is a good translation.

On the one hand, I agree with you that "time indefinite" is a 
poor translation into English. Where ever it is used, there 
is at least the expectation of a long period of time. "Time 
indefinite" does not give that expectation.

There is also the problem that there is no English word 
nor phrase that gives the same meaning as (WLM. Its 
uses span a few English uses, and the translator who 
wants to give a readable translation will find that he will 
use different words for different contexts.

The phrase "hidden time" is a non-starter. First, the root 
(LM has "hidden" as a possible translation only as a 
derivative from the hiphil causative usage, "cause to be 
unknown" hence "hidden". Secondly, how can time be 
hidden (what does that mean?)?

Basically, as I understand the term, we are talking about a 
long period of time where at least one end is not specified, 
either because it is not known or the author simply wants 
to refer to "ages past". That unspecified time can and does 
at times extend into eternity. In the future, the commands 
are to be followed until new orders come down the pike, 
the time the new orders will come is unspecified, 
unknown.

I'd hate to be a translator, because to give the full flavor of 
the term I would have to write a paragraph each time the 
term is used, which is unreasonable. Right now I'll let the 
translators worry about that.

Karl W. Randolph.

----- Original Message -----
From: kgraham0938 AT comcast.net
> 
> @ Solomon:
> 
> I think the point is that time indefinite is not the same as OLAM.  
> As I have pointed out.
> 
> 'In' is a prefix meaning no or not.
> 
> So in essense what you are saying is that OLAM means no specific 
> time, and that is not what the word means.  It points to long 
> duration, eternal etc.
> 
> If it is simply pointing to no specific time, that time could be 15 
> seconds.  Time indefinite is not a good rendering.
> 
> And even if you argue hidden time, that is not the same as indefinite time.
> 
> --
> Kelton Graham
> KGRAHAM0938 AT comcast.net
> 


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