Psalms 90:13
Psalms 90:13 in Multiple Translations
Return, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on Your servants.
Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
Return, O Jehovah; how long? And let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
Come back, O Lord; how long? let your purpose for your servants be changed.
Lord, how long will it be before you come back to us and have pity on us your servants?
Returne (O Lord, howe long?) and be pacified toward thy seruants.
Turn back, O Jehovah, till when? And repent concerning Thy servants.
Relent, LORD! How long? Have compassion on your servants!
Return, O LORD, how long? and repent thou concerning thy servants.
Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.
Yahweh, how long will you be angry with us? Pity us who serve you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 90:13
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 90:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שׁוּבָ֣/ה
יְ֭הוָה
עַד
מָתָ֑י
וְ֝/הִנָּחֵ֗ם
עַל
עֲבָדֶֽי/ךָ
שׁוּבָ֣/ה
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָתָ֑י
mâthay
H4970
how
Part
וְ֝/הִנָּחֵ֗ם
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֲבָדֶֽי/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 90:13
שׁוּבָ֣/ה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מָתָ֑י
mâthay
H4970
"how"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
וְ֝/הִנָּחֵ֗ם
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
Conj | V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֲבָדֶֽי/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 90:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 90:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:13
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
- Sermons on Psalms 90:13
Context — From Everlasting to Everlasting
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. 15Make us glad for as many days as You have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen evil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 106:45 | And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion. |
| 2 | Psalms 135:14 | For the LORD will vindicate His people and will have compassion on His servants. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 32:36 | For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free. |
| 4 | Psalms 80:14 | Return, O God of Hosts, we pray! Look down from heaven and see! Attend to this vine— |
| 5 | Psalms 89:46 | How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire? |
| 6 | Amos 7:6 | So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen either,” said the Lord GOD. |
| 7 | Joel 2:13–14 | So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him— grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God. |
| 8 | Hosea 11:8 | How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! |
| 9 | Amos 7:3 | So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen,” He said. |
| 10 | Jonah 3:9 | Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.” |
Psalms 90:13 Summary
[This verse is a simple and heartfelt prayer, asking God to come back and show His people kindness and compassion. The psalmist is saying, 'God, we need You, please don't leave us or ignore us!' (Psalms 38:21-22). It's a reminder that we can always come to God with our needs and concerns, and that He is a God who hears and cares about us (Psalms 34:15, Jeremiah 33:3). We can pray this verse for ourselves and for others, asking God to show us His love and mercy.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'return' in Psalms 90:13?
This verse is a plea for God to turn His attention back to His people, to intervene in their lives, much like He did in the past (Psalms 85:1-3, Isaiah 63:15-17).
Why does the psalmist ask God to have compassion on His servants?
The psalmist is acknowledging the difficulties and hardships that God's people are facing, and is asking God to show them mercy and kindness, just as He has done in the past (Psalms 106:45-46, Deuteronomy 30:3).
How does this verse relate to the idea of God's presence and absence?
This verse highlights the tension between God's presence and absence in the lives of His people, and the psalmist is crying out for God to make His presence known once again (Psalms 10:1, Genesis 28:15-16).
What is the tone of this verse, and how should we approach God with similar requests?
The tone of this verse is one of humility, desperation, and faith, and we should approach God with similar sincerity and urgency, remembering that He is a God who hears and answers prayer (Psalms 145:18-19, Jeremiah 29:12-13).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced God's absence or silence in my life, and how can I cry out to Him like the psalmist?
- How can I demonstrate my desire for God's presence and compassion in my daily life, and what are some practical ways to seek Him?
- What are some areas of my life where I need God to 'return' and show me His mercy and kindness, and how can I pray for those things?
- How can I balance the tension between God's sovereignty and my own desires, and trust in His good plans even when I don't understand what He is doing?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:13
Return, O Lord,.... Either from the fierceness of thine anger, according to Aben Ezra and Jarchi; of which complaint is made, Psalms 90:7, or unto us, from whom he had departed; for though God is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:13
Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. -The Second division of the Second part. Prayer for God's mercy as the source to us of joy, and of the establishment of our work. Verse 13.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
Return, O Lord, to us in mercy; for thou seemest to have forsaken us and cast us off. How long; understand, wilt thou be angry; or, will it be ere thou return to us? Concerning thy servants; i.e. of thy severe proceedings against us, and change thy course and carriage to us.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
Psalms 90:13 Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.Ver. 13. Let it repent thee] Or, comfort thou thy servants.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
(13) Return.—Better, turn, either from anger (Exodus 32:12), or merely as in Psalms 6:4, “turn to thy servant.” Plainly we have here the experience of some particular epoch, and a prayer for Israel. From his meditation on the shortness of human existence the poet does not pass to a prayer for a prolonged life for himself, like Hezekiah, but for some intervention in relief of the suffering community of which he forms. part. How long?—See Note, Psalms 74:9. Let it repent thee.—Better, have pity on. (See Deuteronomy 32:36.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
Verse 13. Return, O Lord, how long?] Wilt thou continue angry with us for ever? Let it repent thee] הנחם hinnachem, be comforted, rejoice over them to do them good. Be glorified rather in our salvation than in our destruction.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:13
13–17. Prayer for such a restoration of God’s favour to His people as will gladden the members of it through the brief span of life. Perhaps the connexion with the preceding verses is the hope that Israel’s resipiscence may prepare the way for Jehovah’s return.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:13
Return, O Lord - Come back to thy people; show mercy by sparing them.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:13
13. Return, O Lord—These terrible judgments are viewed as the result of the divine withdrawal. God is supposed to withdraw when he punishes, and to return when he renews his mercy.
Sermons on Psalms 90:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
His Tender Mercies by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound nature of God's tender mercies, illustrating how they are the daily sustenance that keeps us from hell, forgives our sins, and meets our needs |
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That Comforts and Joys Seem to Follow Awakenings and Convictions of Conscience, in a Certain Order, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the process of salvation, emphasizing that before God delivers individuals from sin, they must first have a deep sense of the evil they are being sa |
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Letter 56 by James Bourne | James Bourne encourages M. A. H. to find comfort in God during times of affliction, sharing the testimony of Mrs. O. who found peace and assurance in the Lord's presence as she fac |
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Abiding in Christ by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of going to meet politicians at the airport to discuss the purchase of a white ship for ministering to first-time offenders |
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Revival Conference 2007 - Part 7 by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the powerful reality of revival, highlighting the transformative impact of God's presence among His people. It explores how revival leads to deep conviction, |
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The Solemn Assembly by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a solemn assembly, which is a time of weeping, fasting, and humbling ourselves before God. It is a time of brokenness over |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 1 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of viewing the Bible as an absolute truth. He encourages believers to have a deep conviction in the authority and power of Go |