Psalm 92/Notes/Phrasal.Vv. 8-9.700474

• There are two possible interpretations of the phrase עֲדֵי־עַֽד:

1. As an older form of the preposition עַד "until" followed by the nominal עַד, "eternity, perpetuity" (see Hebr. usque in sempiternum and TgPs עד עלמא; cf. also the form עֲדֵי for the preposition in Num 24:20; Ps 104:23; 147:6; Job 7:4; Job 20:5).

2. As an intensive construct chain of the nominal עַד, "eternity, perpetuity" (see the LXX's εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος = in saeculum saeculi and the Peshitta's ܠܥܠܡ ܥܠܡܝܢ), that is, "to eternity of eternity" or "forever and ever."

The proposed construct chain is only attested in this form, though עַד as a noun is everywhere else the dependent of either a construct phrase or prepositional phrase. It is uncertain why a plural construct form would be employed for a noun otherwise only attested in the singular, and there is no manuscript variation or evidence of any lack of yod on עֲדֵי. In light of the other attestations of עֲדֵי as a by-form of the preposition עַד, the interpretation of עֲדֵי as a prepositional phrase has been preferred.