Is the Law "Forever?" (This Hebrew Word Might Change Your Mind)

Is the law forever, and does “forever” always mean forever?

One of the most persistent arguments used by the Hebrew Roots Movement and some

Messianic Christians is based on a misunderstanding of the Hebrew word “olam” (עולם),

which is often translated as “forever,” “eternal,” or “everlasting.”

Passages from the Old Testament that use this word in reference to God’s commandments, priesthood, or sacrifices are interpreted by some to mean that Christians today are still obligated to observe the entire Mosaic Law.

But does “olam” always mean “forever” in the way we understand it in English?

When we look at Scripture in light of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, we see that “olam” often points to a long, divinely appointed duration—but not always to unending perpetuity.

Let’s walk through several passages that are often cited and examine them in their full biblical context.

Is the Law Forever? - Psalm 119 and the Eternal Word of God

This chapter emphasizes the beauty and power of God’s Word:

Psalm 119:89 (ESV)

Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.

Psalm 119:160

The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

These verses are often cited to argue that the Law of Moses is eternal.

The NIV translation of verse 160 even says:

Psalm 119:160 (NIV)

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

At first glance, this sounds like the Mosaic Law is meant to be obeyed forever.

But a key detail here is the word translated “forever”—olam.

The same word is used to describe God Himself:

Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations

Yet when applied to the Law, we must be cautious not to impose a rigid, English sense of “forever” onto a Hebrew word that has a broader range of meaning, including “for a long time,” “for an age,” or “until the appointed time.”

To understand how long God intended for the Law of Moses to remain in effect, we must turn to the New Testament.

Paul’s Testimony About the Law’s Duration

Paul, once a Pharisee trained in the Law, wrote clearly about its temporal nature:

Romans 5:13

for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.

The Law of Moses did not exist from eternity.

Sin existed before it, but was not imputed in the same way. This alone tells us that “olam” in reference to the Law must be qualified.

Paul goes on to say:

Romans 6:14

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not

under law but under grace.

Galatians 3:24–25

24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian

The Law served a purpose for a time: it was a guardian, a tutor, a guide.

But once Christ came, that role was fulfilled. The Greek word for “until” (άχρι) marks a clear endpoint.

We are no longer under that system because we are now justified by faith.

I believe this proves clearly when we read Old Testament scriptures using the word Olam

to describe the duration of the law, it should be understood as temporary in light of the New Testament.

Was the Day of Atonement Eternal?

Another key example is found in the sacrificial system:

Leviticus 16:34

And this shall be a statute forever for you, that atonement may be made for the people of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.” And Aaron did as the LORD commanded Moses.

If we take “olam” here to mean literal, endless perpetuity, we would still be required to

offer animal sacrifices.

But the New Testament decisively refutes that idea:

Hebrews 10:10

And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:14

For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Hebrews 10:18

Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice made the annual Day of Atonement obsolete.

Therefore, “olam” in Leviticus 16:34 must mean “for an appointed age” or “as long as this covenant stands,” not “forever” in the absolute sense.

What About the “Perpetual” Priesthood?

We find similar language in Exodus:

Exodus 40:14–15

14 You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, 15 and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.”

The Levitical priesthood was indeed perpetual—but only “throughout their generations.” It was never meant to last forever in light of the coming Messiah.

The writer of Hebrews explains:

Hebrews 7:11–14

11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

If we were to take the word "forever" (olam) literally in Exodus 40:15, then the Levitical priesthood would still be in effect today.

However, the New Testament clearly teaches that this priesthood has been replaced.

Jesus, being from the tribe of Judah and not Levi, could not serve as a Levitical priest under the Mosaic Law.

Yet, in God's eternal plan, Jesus is our perfect High Priest after the order of Melchizedek—a superior priesthood with no beginning or end.

This change in priesthood confirms that "olam" does not always mean unending eternity, but can instead refer to a long or appointed period of time within God’s redemptive timeline.

And not only that, if we go a step further, the scriptures let us know something powerful about all believers:

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

All believers now function as priests, offering spiritual sacrifices and walking in direct relationship with God through Christ.

Conclusion: Grace, Not Law

When we read Old Testament verses that use “olam” to describe the Law, sacrifices, or the priesthood, we must view them through the lens of the New Covenant.

“Olam” can describe a divinely appointed duration of time, but it does not always mean “eternal” in the way we use that word today.

God’s Word is eternal. His truth is eternal. His character is unchanging.

But the Mosaic Law was a covenant designed for a specific people, for a specific time, until the fulfillment in Christ.

We are no longer under the guardian of the Law.

We have been brought into a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6), sealed by the blood of Jesus, and governed not by tablets of stone but by the Spirit who gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6).

So when someone quotes Psalm 119 or Leviticus to insist we must still keep the Torah in its entirety, we can graciously point them to the fuller context of Scripture—where the word “olam” points to something enduring, but not unending.

Thank God for Jesus, who fulfilled the Law on our behalf and brought us into grace!

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