Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Rev. Bryant J. Williams III" <bjwvmw AT com-pair.net>]

Dear Jerry,

 

Considering the immediate context and the near context of the chapter I would think that changing the pointing would, although possible, but not probable. The consonantal text would go either way, but 'olam fits much better. The immediate context has not time represented by time, "zeman," in 3:1-8, then 'olam in 3:11, 14 in juxtaposition with creation represented by (asah, "made"). This gives more to the thought that "eternity" has a more metaphysical quality to the thought of "timelessness." This "timelessness" is something that man is not able to wrap the mind around as indicated by the latter part of the verse in which "man" is unable to "fathom," "understand," "comprehend," the works God has made. The use of 'olam in verse 14 corresponds to what is said in verse 11. In the end man is to "revere" God, i.e. to glorify and praise Him for who He is, The Creator.

 

Rev. Bryant J. Williams III