Ancient
Ancient
anshent: This word renders several Hebrew words: (1) , kedhem, which denotes beforetime, yore; generally the remote past (compare Deu 33:15, ancient mountains; Jdg 5:21, Kishon, the ancient river; Isa 19:11 ancient kings). (2) , zaken, old in years. Whereas the King James Version generally renders the word by old (or elders when the plural form is found) in six cases ancient is used and ancients in nine cases. See ANCIENTS. (3) , olam, which denotes long duration – past or future. In regard to the past it suggests remote antiquity. The connotation may be discovered in such expressions as: the years of ancient times (Psa 77:5); ancient land-mark or paths (Pro 22:28; Jer 18:15); ancient people or nation (Isa 44:7; Jer 5:15); ancient high places (Eze 36:2). (4) , attq. This word – really Aramaic – comes from a stem which means to advance, i.e. in age; hence old, aged (1Ch 3:22). (5) , yashsh, literally, weak, impotent, hence decrepit aged; a rare and poetical word, and found only in Job. It is rendered ancient only in one instance (Job 12:12 the King James Version).