Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 90:9
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
This Hebrew word means an outburst of passion, such as anger, rage, or wrath, often describing God's response to sin. It's used to convey intense emotions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) outpouring, overflow, excess, fury, wrath, arrogance 1a) overflow, excess, outburst 1b) arrogance 1c) overflowing rage or fury
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: anger, rage, wrath. See also: Genesis 49:7; Isaiah 14:6; Psalms 7:7.
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
A moaning sound, like the rumble of thunder or a person's sigh, as in Isaiah 29:4 where it describes a moaning voice.
Definition: 1) a rumbling, growling, moaning 1a) a rumbling, growling 1b) a moaning 1c) a sigh, moan, sighing
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: mourning, sound, tale. See also: Job 37:2; Psalms 90:9; Ezekiel 2:10.
Context — From Everlasting to Everlasting
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Psalms 78:33 |
So He ended their days in futility, and their years in sudden terror. |
| 2 |
Psalms 39:5 |
You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah |
| 3 |
Psalms 90:4 |
For in Your sight a thousand years are but a day that passes, or a watch of the night. |
Psalms 90:9 Summary
[This verse means that our lives are marked by the knowledge that God is not pleased with our sin, and this affects the way we live and the way we feel about our lives. As a result, our lives seem to pass quickly and often with a sense of sadness or dissatisfaction, as mentioned in Psalms 90:10. This is because, despite any good things we may experience, we are ultimately reminded that our sin separates us from God, as seen in Isaiah 59:2, and that our time on earth is short, as stated in James 4:14. By acknowledging this reality, we can turn to God in repentance and seek forgiveness, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say our days decline in God's fury?
This phrase suggests that our lives are marked by the awareness of God's displeasure with our sin, as seen in Psalms 90:7-8, and that this awareness affects the way we live out our days, making them seem to pass quickly and with a sense of sorrow, as mentioned in Psalms 90:10.
Why do we finish our years with a sigh?
We finish our years with a sigh because, despite any earthly accomplishments or pleasures, we are ultimately reminded of the brevity and sorrow of life, as stated in Psalms 90:10, and the fact that our sin separates us from God, as seen in Isaiah 59:2.
Is God's fury always a negative thing?
While God's fury can be a terrifying thing, as mentioned in Psalms 90:11, it is also a demonstration of His holiness and justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, and can serve as a reminder to turn to Him in repentance, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9.
How can we respond to the reality of living in God's fury?
We can respond by acknowledging our sin, as in Psalms 51:3-4, and seeking forgiveness and restoration through faith in God's mercy, as promised in Psalms 103:12 and 1 John 1:9.
Reflection Questions
- How does the awareness of God's fury with sin affect my daily life and priorities?
- In what ways do I see the effects of sin and God's displeasure in my own life and in the world around me?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's holiness, as demonstrated in His fury?
- How can I use the brevity and sorrow of life as a reminder to seek eternal things, as encouraged in Matthew 6:19-21?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:9
For all our days are passed away in thy wrath,.... The life of man is rather measured by days than by months or years; and these are but few, which pass away or "decline" (g) as the day does towards
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:9
And if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow - i:e., if one be possessed of an unusually strong constitution, and thereby his years reach fourscore.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:9
Are passed away; or, turn away themselves or their face from us. They do not continue with us, but quickly turn their backs upon us, and leave us. As a tale that is told; which may a little affect us for the present, but is quickly ended and gone out of mind, Or, as a word, as , which in an instant is gone, and that irrevocably. Or, as a thought, or a sigh, or a breath; all which come to one sense.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:9
Psalms 90:9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale [that is told].Ver. 9. For all our days are passed away] Heb. do turn away the face. See Psalms 90:3. We spend our years as a tale that is told] The grace whereof is brevity, q.d. dicto citius. Some render it, as a thought, that ariseth and passeth. To this sense the Greek poet; Aιφαγαρωστενοημαπαρερχεταιαγλαυςηβη. The Chaldee hath it, Ut flatus oris in Hyeme, as the breath of one’ s mouth in winter. See James 4:14.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:9
(9) Are passed away.—Better, are declining.A tale.—Rather, a murmur. (See Note, Psalms 1:2.) Probably, from the parallelism with wrath, a moan of sadness. So in Ezekiel 2:10, “a sound of woe.” Since the cognate verb often means “meditate,” some render here thought. Theognis says, “Gallant youth speeds by like a thought.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:9
Verse 9. We spend our years as a tale] The Vulgate has: Anni nostri sicut aranea meditabuntur; "Our years pass away like those of the spider." Our plans and operations are like the spider's web; life is as frail, and the thread of it as brittle, as one of those that constitute the well-wrought and curious, but fragile, habitation of that insect. All the Versions have the word spider; but it neither appears in the Hebrew, nor in any of its MSS. which have been collated. My old Psalter has a curious paraphrase here: "Als the iran (spider) makes vayne webe for to take flese (flies) with gile, swa our yeres ere ockupide in ydel and swikel castes about erthly thynges; and passes with outen frute of gude werks, and waste in ydel thynkyns." This is too true a picture of most lives. But the Hebrew is different from all the Versions. "We consume our years (כמו הגה kemo hegeh) like a groan." We live a dying, whining, complaining life, and at last a groan is its termination! How amazingly expressive!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:9
9. are passed away] Lit. turn or decline towards evening (Jeremiah 6:4). We are “a generation of thy wrath” (Jeremiah 7:29). Our life is drawing to a close under a cloud; there is no sign of ‘light at evening-tide.’ we spend &c.] Lit. we consume our years as a sigh: they are past as quickly as a sigh, itself the expression of sorrow and weariness. The meaning of the word is however uncertain. Some explain, as a thought, comparing Theognis, 979, “Swift as a thought gay youth is past and gone”: the Targ. gives as a breath: A.V. follows Jerome, “consumpsimus annos nostros quasi sermonem loquens.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:9
For all our days are passed away in thy wrath - Margin, “turned.” The Hebrew word - פנה pânâh - means to “turn;” then, to turn to or “from” anyone; and hence, to turn away as if to flee or depart.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:9
9. Our days are passed away in thy wrath—They are “passed away” under the dispensation of thy judicial death-sentence. As a tale that is told—As a mourning.
Sermons on Psalms 90:9
| Sermon | Description |
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Making Each Day Count
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making every day count. He shares a personal reflection on how time seems to be passing qu |
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Here's My Life
by Leonard Ravenhill
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about meeting a 94-year-old lady who lived to be 108. He reflects on the brevity of life and asks the audience to consider what |
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God's Purpose for Afflictions
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, Pastor Skip leads the congregation in a study of the book of Hosea, specifically focusing on chapters five through seven. He encourages the audience to read these c |
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No Room for Vanity and Pride
by Joshua Daniel
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This sermon emphasizes the fleeting nature of human achievements and the vanity of worldly success, drawing from Psalms 39 and the story of King Nebuchadnezzar. It highlights the i |
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1 Thessalonians 4:13
by St. John Chrysostom
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John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Resurrection to banish grief and sorrow, emphasizing that even those who have fallen asleep in Je |
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Vanities Social and Political. 4:1-16
by W.J. Erdman
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In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher reflects on the endless cycle of vanity and hopelessness that plagues humanity. He observes the oppression and suffering in the world, l |
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Remember—you Are but Mortal!
by Thomas Brooks
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life, urging listeners to reflect on the brevity of their existence as highlighted in Psalm 39:5. He challenges the audience t |