Everlasting God is one translation of this Hebrew descriptive name of God. About three hundred times the word ‘olam refers to the future, twenty times to the past. The context tells which is meant, but in both cases the subject is very distant and possibly perpetual. The word fits many things associated with God, especially His lovingkindness, covenant, truth, righteousness, kingdom, dominion, and ordinances.
Everlasting God (’El ‘olam) in the Hebrew text of Genesis 21:33.
Everlasting God in Hebrew:
’El ‘olam
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 410, 5769
Bible reference: Gen. 21:33
And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God. (Genesis 21:33 KJV)
(The name is Eternal God in the NIV.)
Everlasting God (’Elohei ‘olam) in the Hebrew text of Isaiah 40:28
’Elohei ‘olam
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 5769
Bible reference: Isa. 40:28
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom. (Isaiah 40:28 NIV)
The Greek Old Testament translated ‘olam with the word aion. Old versions render this “world” but better are “age” or “aeon.” In Greek usage, it seems to have indicated a period of indefinite length in contrast to a period with an end, hence it can mean “forever.” Sometimes the Greek repeats aion for emphasis to arrive at our “forever and ever” (Dan. 2:20). The latter may simply be a translation of the Hebrew original ‘olam wa‘ad which appears 19 times. ‘Ad also means “everlasting” and appears in the name Everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6).
Eternal God (or Everlasting-God) in the Greek text of Romans 16:26.
Everlasting God in Greek:
Ho aiōnios Theos
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 166, 2316
Bible reference: Rom. 16:26 (KJV, other versions have Eternal God)
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. (Romans 16:25-26 KJV)
Similar Old Testament names for God are Everlasting Father, Everlasting Rock, and Everlasting King. Redeemer from of old also uses the Hebrew word ‘olam. In the New Testament, God is called the King Eternal and the Holy Spirit is the Eternal Spirit.
