What does the word 'hidest' in Psalm 10:1 tell us about Olam?
In Psalm 10:1, the Hebrew word Olam is translated 'hidest,' showing it can denote something hidden rather than only time or everlasting. The verse asks why God hides Himself in times of trouble, so Olam here carries the sense of concealment.
Les explains that the same identical Hebrew word Olam used in Leviticus is translated as "time" there, but in Psalm 10:1 it is translated "hidest." The verse reads, "Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?" Les says that word hidest is Olam in the Hebrew, speaking of something hidden, or as used here, asking why God hides Himself in time of trouble. He then points to Psalm 90, where the same word Olam is translated "everlasting," as in "from Olam to Olam," or in English, "everlasting to everlasting." Thus Psalm 10:1 shows Olam in the sense of hiding or concealment, while other contexts show it as time or everlasting.
Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?