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4. Generation. Heb. dor, “period,” “age,” “generation,” from a verb meaning “to heap up,” “to pile up.” Originally it had the meaning of “to move about in a circle,” then “to dwell in tents,” probably with reference to the instability of nomadic life. There is, therefore, the inherent idea of instability in the word. It is concerned with such things as kind, quality, condition, as in the phrase “crooked generation” (Deut. 32:5), and with reference to people who curse freely (Prov. 30:11) and to those who are utterly ruthless (Prov. 30:14).

Passeth. In the Hebrew both this and the word “cometh” are simple participles stressing continuous and endless change (see Job 10:20-22; Ps. 39:13).

Abideth. Heb. ‘amad, the usual Hebrew word meaning “to stand.” It conveys the thought of continuity and durability. The contrast Solomon sets forth in this verse is, in part, drawn forth by the seeming permanence of the mountains, the ceaseless flowing of the rivers, and the uninterrupted succession of day and night.

For ever. The Hebrew word thus translated is from a verb root whose precise meaning we do not know. The noun, used here with the preposition “for,” is masculine, and, like its Greek equivalent, is used in many ways. It may refer to “antiquity,” “ancient days,” “long duration,” “continuous existence”; it may mean “indefinite,” “unending future,” “eternity,” etc. Again, like its Greek equivalent, it is best understood in each case in harmony with the nature of the subject with which it is used (see on Ex. 12:14; 21:6).