Psalms 90:12
Psalms 90:12 in Multiple Translations
So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom.
So give us knowledge of the number of our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Teach us to value every one of our days so we can live wisely!
Teach vs so to nomber our dayes, that we may apply our heartes vnto wisdome.
To number our days aright let [us] know, And we bring the heart to wisdom.
So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
So teach/help us to realize that we live for only a short time in order that we may use our time wisely.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 90:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 90:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִ/מְנ֣וֹת
יָ֭מֵי/נוּ
כֵּ֣ן
הוֹדַ֑ע
וְ֝/נָבִ֗א
לְבַ֣ב
חָכְמָֽה
לִ/מְנ֣וֹת
mânâh
H4487
to count
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יָ֭מֵי/נוּ
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
הוֹדַ֑ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
וְ֝/נָבִ֗א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
לְבַ֣ב
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 90:12
לִ/מְנ֣וֹת
mânâh
H4487
"to count"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To count or number something means to weigh it out or assign a value to it. In the Bible, this term is used to describe the act of counting or numbering people, animals, or things. For example, in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are counted and numbered before entering the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) to count, reckon, number, assign, tell, appoint, prepare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count, number 1a2) reckon, assign, appoint 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be counted, be numbered 1b2) to be reckoned, be assigned 1c) (Piel) to appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) appointed (participle) Aramaic equivalent: me.nah (מְנָה "to reckon/appoint" H4483)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell. See also: Genesis 13:16; Psalms 61:8; Psalms 90:12.
יָ֭מֵי/נוּ
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
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.
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
הוֹדַ֑ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
וְ֝/נָבִ֗א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לְבַ֣ב
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
Study Notes — Psalms 90:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 90:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
- Sermons on Psalms 90:12
Context — From Everlasting to Everlasting
10The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty if we are strong— yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.
12So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
13Return, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on Your servants. 14Satisfy us in the morning with Your loving devotion, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:16–17 | redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. |
| 2 | Psalms 39:4 | “Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. |
| 3 | John 9:4 | While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:29 | If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. |
| 5 | Proverbs 4:7 | Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. |
| 6 | Proverbs 3:13–18 | Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
| 7 | Proverbs 23:12 | Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 9 | Proverbs 4:5 | Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. |
| 10 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
Psalms 90:12 Summary
This verse is asking God to help us understand how short our lives are, so we can make the most of every day and live wisely. It's like saying, 'God, help me remember that my time is limited, so I can use it to love and serve You and others.' As it says in James 4:14, 'For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.' By living with this awareness, we can seek to honor God with our lives and make every day count, just like it says in Colossians 3:17 to 'do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'number our days' in Psalms 90:12?
To 'number our days' means to recognize the limited time we have on this earth and to make the most of it, living each day with purpose and intention, as seen in Psalms 39:4 where it says, 'Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.'
How can we 'present a heart of wisdom' as mentioned in this verse?
Presenting a heart of wisdom involves living a life of humility, obedience, and trust in God, as Proverbs 9:10 says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
Is this verse encouraging us to be constantly focused on our mortality?
While it's true that recognizing our mortality can be a motivator for living wisely, this verse is more about living with intention and purpose, rather than being morbidly focused on death, as Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us to 'forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.'
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This verse is a response to the reality of human frailty and the brevity of life mentioned in the preceding verses, such as Psalms 90:10, and it sets the stage for the prayer of repentance and the request for God's compassion in the following verses, like Psalms 90:13.
Reflection Questions
- What would change in my daily life if I truly believed that my time on this earth is limited and that every day counts?
- In what ways can I demonstrate wisdom in my relationships, work, and decisions, and how can I seek God's guidance in these areas?
- What are some things that I can do today to make the most of the time I have, and to live with purpose and intention?
- How can I balance the awareness of my own mortality with the hope and joy that comes from knowing God and His promises, as seen in Psalms 16:11?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:12
So teach us to number our days,.... Not merely to count them, how many they are, in an arithmetical way; there is no need of divine teachings for that; some few instructions from an arithmetician,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:12
Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. -The Second part, First division.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
So teach us, by thy Spirit and grace, as thou hast already taught us by thy word. Or, teach us rightly to number, & c., as it follows. To number our days; to consider the shortness and miseries of this life, and the certainty and speediness of death, and the causes and consequences thereof. That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom; that we may heartily devote ourselves to the study and practice of true wisdom, which is nothing else but piety, or the fear of God. And why so? Not that the Israelites might thereby procure a revocation of that peremptory sentence of death passed upon all that generation; nor that other men might hereby prevent their death, both which he very well knew to be impossible; but that men might arm and prepare themselves for death, and for their great account after death, and might make sure of the happiness of the future life; of which this text is a plain and pregnant proof.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
Psalms 90:12 So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.Ver. 12. So teach us to number our days] The philosopher affirms, that man is therefore the wisest of creatures, because he alone can number, Bruta non numerant. But in this divine arithmetic of numbering our days (to the which all other is not to be compared, no, though we could, as Archimedes boasted, number the stars of heaven, or the sands by the sea shore), God himself must be our teacher, or we shall never do it to purpose. R. Solomon observeth, that the word ëï rendered "so" here, if taken as numeral letters, maketh seventy, and the years of our life are seventy; out of which, say other Rabbis, if we deduct the time of childhood and youth, which is vanity, the time of sleep, repose, repast, and recreation (which is more than the one half), and the time of affliction and grief which we enjoy not, what a poor pittance will life be reduced unto! That we may apply our hearts] Heb. that we may cause them to come; for naturally they hang off, and make strange. Unto wisdom] To the true fear of God, and mortification of sin, which is the sting of death, and makes it a trap door to hell. This is hard to do, but must be done; or men are undone for ever. To live with dying thoughts is the way to die with living comforts.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
(12) Number our days.—This verse as it stands literally gives to allot, or in allotting (see Isaiah 65:12), our days, so teach, and we will cause to come the heart wisdom. The last clause, if intelligible at all, must mean “that we may offer a wise heart,” and the natural way to understand the verse is to make God, not man, as in the Authorised Version, the reckoner of the days. “In allotting our days thus make us know (i.e., make us know the power of Thine anger), in order that we may present a wise heart.” The verse must evidently be taken in close connection. with the preceding, or the point of the petition is lost, and though the ordinary rendering, “Teach us to number our days,” has given birth to a number of sayings which might be quoted in illustration, it is neither in itself very intelligible, nor, except by one instance in later Hebrew, can it be supported as a rendering of the original.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
Verse 12. So teach us to number our days] Let us deeply consider our own frailty, and the shortness and uncertainty of life, that we may live for eternity, acquaint ourselves with thee, and be at peace; that we may die in thy favour and live and reign with thee eternally.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:12
12. So teach us] So then, as Thy fear (Psalms 90:11) which is “the beginning of wisdom” requires, make us know how &c.: give us that discernment which we lack. that we may apply &c.] That we may get us an heart of wisdom (R.V.). The verb is used of garnering in the harvest. The second line combines the thoughts of Deu 5:29; Deuteronomy 32:29.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:12
So teach us to number our days - literally, “To number our days make us know, and we will bring a heart of wisdom.” The prayer is, that God would instruct us to estimate our days aright: their
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:12
12. So teach us—This looks to the end of all divine judgment.Lamentations 3:39-40. God’s displeasure is manifested to awaken a salutary fear of him, which shall turn men from sin, and lead to the practice of wisdom.
Sermons on Psalms 90:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past sins and the transformation he experienced when he realized his own depravity. He mentions going to jail multiple times and living |
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God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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Eternity by Leonard Ravenhill | The sermon transcript discusses the urgency of preaching the gospel of the kingdom in every land before the glorious day of the son of Manuel's appearance. It emphasizes the need t |
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"Stamp Eternity on My Eye Balls" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the profound impact that a true understanding of eternity and judgment can have on our lives, suggesting that if we truly grasped these concepts, we would be |
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(John - Part 42): Life After Death - the Death and Raising of Lazarus by A.W. Tozer | The video is a summary of a sermon by a German theologian named von Hügel. He emphasizes that the only things that seem to move people's emotions in this world are worldly things l |
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(Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on James 4:13-16 and the importance of humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God. He addresses the issue of making plans without con |
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Making Each Day Count by David Wilkerson | 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 |