Psalms 90:2
Psalms 90:2 in Multiple Translations
Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Before the mountains were made, before you had given birth to the earth and the world, before time was, and for ever, you are God.
Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the universe, from eternity past to eternity future, you are God.
Before the mountaines were made, and before thou hadst formed the earth, and the world, euen from euerlasting to euerlasting thou art our God.
Before mountains were brought forth, And Thou dost form the earth and the world, Even from age unto age Thou [art] God.
Before the mountains were born, before you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust.
Before you created the mountains, before you formed the earth and everything that is in it, you were eternally God, and you will be God forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 90:2
BAB
Word Study
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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 90:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/טֶ֤רֶם
הָ֘רִ֤ים
יֻלָּ֗דוּ
וַ/תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל
אֶ֣רֶץ
וְ/תֵבֵ֑ל
וּֽ/מֵ/עוֹלָ֥ם
עַד
ע֝וֹלָ֗ם
אַתָּ֥ה
אֵֽל
בְּ/טֶ֤רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
before
Prep | Adv
הָ֘רִ֤ים
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
יֻלָּ֗דוּ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Pual-Imperf-3mp
וַ/תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל
chûwl
H2342
to twist
Conj | V-o-ConsecImperf-2ms
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וְ/תֵבֵ֑ל
têbêl
H8398
world
Conj | N-fs
וּֽ/מֵ/עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Conj | Prep | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
ע֝וֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֵֽל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 90:2
בְּ/טֶ֤רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Prep | Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
הָ֘רִ֤ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
יֻלָּ֗דוּ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Pual-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וַ/תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
Conj | V-o-ConsecImperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/תֵבֵ֑ל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
וּֽ/מֵ/עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
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.
ע֝וֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אֵֽל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 90:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 90:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
- Sermons on Psalms 90:2
Context — From Everlasting to Everlasting
1Lord, You have been our dwelling place through all generations.
2Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.
3You return man to dust, saying, “Return, O sons of mortals.” 4For in Your sight a thousand years are but a day that passes, or a watch of the night.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 13:8 | Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. |
| 2 | Genesis 1:1 | In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. |
| 3 | Psalms 102:24–27 | I say: “O my God, do not take me in the midst of my days! Your years go on through all generations. In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. |
| 4 | Revelation 1:8 | “I am the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty. |
| 5 | Psalms 93:2 | Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity. |
| 6 | Psalms 33:9 | For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 6:15–16 | which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 1:12 | Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. O LORD, You have appointed them to execute judgment; O Rock, You have established them for correction. |
| 9 | Isaiah 44:6 | Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. |
| 10 | Hebrews 1:10–12 | And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” |
Psalms 90:2 Summary
This verse tells us that God has always been and will always be, with no beginning or end. He created the mountains, the earth, and the world, and He remains the same forever, as also seen in Hebrews 13:8. This means we can trust Him completely, because He is always in control and never changes, providing a solid foundation for our lives, as expressed in Psalms 46:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is from everlasting to everlasting?
This phrase emphasizes God's eternal nature, meaning He has no beginning or end, as also stated in Psalms 102:27 and Isaiah 40:28. This is a fundamental characteristic of God that sets Him apart from His creation.
How does this verse relate to the creation story in Genesis?
The phrase 'Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world' directly references the creation account in Genesis 1:1, where God is described as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. This highlights God's role as the Creator of all things.
What is the significance of the contrast between God's eternity and the temporal nature of creation?
The contrast between God's eternity and the temporal nature of creation, as seen in Psalms 90:2 and Psalms 90:3-4, emphasizes the transcendent nature of God and the fleeting nature of human life, as also seen in 1 Peter 1:24-25.
How can we apply the concept of God's eternity to our daily lives?
Understanding God's eternity can help us put our lives into perspective, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Romans 11:33-36, and living with eternal purposes in mind, as encouraged in Colossians 3:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- How does the reality of God's eternal nature impact my view of my own life and its challenges?
- In what ways can I practically live out the truth of God's eternity in my daily decisions and priorities?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's eternal character?
- How can remembering God's eternity help me face the uncertainties and hardships of life with faith and confidence?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth,.... Or "were born" (b), and came forth out of the womb and bowels of the earth, and were made to rise and stand up at the command of God, as they did when he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
The mountains; which he mentions as the most fixed and stable part of the earth. Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, i.e. from eternity; which is frequently described in this manner, as ,26 John 17:24 , because there was nothing before the creation of the world but eternity. And thus the words here following do explain it. And this eternity of God is here mentioned, partly that men by the contemplation thereof might be wrought to a deeper sense of their own frailty and nothingness, which is the foundation of humility and of all true piety, and to a greater reverence and admiration of the Divine Majesty; and partly for the comfort of God’ s people, who notwithstanding all their present miseries have a sure and everlasting refuge and portion. Thou art God; or, thou art the strong God. Thou hast thy power and all thy perfections, not by degrees, as men have theirs, but from all eternity. Or, thou art or wast, O God.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
Psalms 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.Ver. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth] And they were made at the creation, not cast up by the flood, as some have held. Moses first celebrateth God’ s eternity, and then setteth forth man’ s mortality; that the one being set over against the other, as Solomon speaketh in another case, Ecclesiastes 7:14, God may be glorified, and man comforted, which is the main end of the Holy Scriptures, Romans 15:4, and far beyond those consolatiunculae Philosophicae.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
(2) Before the mountains.—Render either, “Before the mountains were born, Or ever the earth and world were brought forth,” in synonymous parallelism, or, better, in progressive, “Before the mountains were born, Or ever the earth and world brought forth”— i.e., before vegetation or life appeared. (Comp. Job 15:7.) “Mountains” are a frequent symbol of antiquity, as well as of enduring strength. (See Genesis 49:26; Proverbs 8:25.) The expression, “earth and the world,” may be taken as meaning the earth, as distinguished from either heaven or the sea, and the habitable globe (LXX., οἰκουμένη). (Comp. Proverbs 8:31.) From everlasting to everlasting—i.e., from an indefinite past to an indefinite future (literally, from hidden time to hidden).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
Verse 2. Before the mountains were brought forth] The mountains and hills appear to have been everlasting; but as they were brought forth out of the womb of eternity, there was a time when they were not: but THOU hast been ab aeternitate a parte ante, ad aeternitatem a parte post; from the eternity that is past, before time began; to the eternity that is after, when time shall have an end. This is the highest description of the eternity of God to which human language can reach.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:2
2. the mountains] Named first because they were regarded as the most ancient parts of the earth. Cp. Deuteronomy 33:15; Proverbs 8:25; Habakkuk 3:6. thou hadst formed] Lit. didst travail in birth with. The LXX and some other Ancient Versions, startled perhaps by the boldness of the metaphor, read the passive, and hence P.B.V., were made. For the metaphor of the birth of Creation cp. Job 38:8; Job 38:28-29; Genesis 2:4. The same words are used of Israel in Deuteronomy 32:18. the world] The Heb. word tçbhçl denotes the fruitful, habitable part of the earth. Cp. Proverbs 8:31. from everlasting to everlasting &c.] From eternity to eternity: from the infinite past (as men speak) into the infinite future, thou art El, the God of sovereign power. Cp.
Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 48:12. It is also possible to render, Even from everlasting to everlasting art thou, O God (cp. Psalms 93:2).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth - Before the earth brought forth or produced the mountains.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:2
2. Mountains were brought forth—Or, born. A poetic figure in beautiful harmony with the teachings of geological science.
Sermons on Psalms 90:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(John - Part 2): In the Beginning Was the Word by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the difficulty of preaching on the phrase "in the beginning." He compares it to the impossible task of lifting oneself up on a |
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His Name -- the Mighty God by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1859, he emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ. Spurgeon highlights the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection, stat |
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Numbering Our Days by Dean Stump | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of seeking wisdom from God. He emphasizes the need to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom. |
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Encounter With a Holy God by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon delves into the reasons behind Israel's continual wandering from God despite witnessing His incredible works, emphasizing the importance of humility, contrition, and br |
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Origin of Man in Relation to the Theory of Evolution by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three fundamental principles of Christian faith. The first principle is the belief in the word of God as the foundation of understanding. The |
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Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 3 by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the incomparable nature of God's holiness, highlighting His unique, divine, and morally perfect attributes. It delves into the rarity, permanence, and access |
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The Greatness of God by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the concept of being "less than nothing" in the eyes of God. He emphasizes that humans are temporary beings who cannot take anything with t |