Psalms 90:4
Psalms 90:4 in Multiple Translations
For in Your sight a thousand years are but a day that passes, or a watch of the night.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
For a thousand years in thy sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, And as a watch in the night.
For to you a thousand years are no more than yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.
In your eyes, a thousand years are like a day that's already gone; like a few passing hours of the night.
For a thousande yeeres in thy sight are as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
For a thousand years in Thine eyes [are] as yesterday, For it passeth on, yea, a watch by night.
For a thousand years in your sight are just like yesterday when it is past, like a watch in the night.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust.
When you ◄consider/think about► time, 1,000 years are as short as [SIM] one day which passes; you consider that [HYP] they are as short as a few hours in the night.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 90:4
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 90:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
אֶ֪לֶף
שָׁנִ֡ים
בְּֽ/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ
כְּ/י֣וֹם
אֶ֭תְמוֹל
כִּ֣י
יַעֲבֹ֑ר
וְ/אַשְׁמוּרָ֥ה
בַ/לָּֽיְלָה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶ֪לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
שָׁנִ֡ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
בְּֽ/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
כְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
אֶ֭תְמוֹל
ʼethmôwl
H865
previously
N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יַעֲבֹ֑ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אַשְׁמוּרָ֥ה
ʼashmurâh
H821
watch
Conj | N-fs
בַ/לָּֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 90:4
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
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.
אֶ֪לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
שָׁנִ֡ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
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.
בְּֽ/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
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.
אֶ֭תְמוֹל
ʼethmôwl
H865
"previously"
N-ms
This word refers to a time in the past, such as yesterday or formerly. It is used to describe events that happened before the present time, and can also mean recently or of old.
Definition: 1) yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1b) formerly (fig.) 1c) from yesterday, already (in phrase) 2) (TWOT +) before, before that time, before the time, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that) time, [phrase] heretofore, of late (old), [phrase] times past, yester(day). See also: 1 Samuel 4:7; 2 Samuel 5:2; Psalms 90:4.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
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.
יַעֲבֹ֑ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וְ/אַשְׁמוּרָ֥ה
ʼashmurâh
H821
"watch"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a night watch, a period of time when someone is on guard. It appears in the Bible as a time for prayer and vigilance. In Psalm 63:6, David watches in the night, remembering God.
Definition: watch (a period of time), night-watch
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: watch. See also: Exodus 14:24; Psalms 63:7; Psalms 90:4.
בַ/לָּֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 90:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 90:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
- Sermons on Psalms 90:4
Context — From Everlasting to Everlasting
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.
5You sweep them away in their sleep; they are like the new grass of the morning— 6in the morning it springs up new, but by evening it fades and withers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Peter 3:8 | Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. |
| 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 | Matthew 24:43 | But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. |
| 4 | Luke 12:38 | Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed. |
| 5 | Matthew 14:25 | During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. |
| 6 | Exodus 14:24 | At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. |
| 7 | Judges 7:19 | Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. |
Psalms 90:4 Summary
This verse, Psalms 90:4, reminds us that to God, a thousand years is as short as a day or a night, showing us how different God's view of time is from ours. It's like what 2 Peter 3:8 says, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord. This helps us understand that God is not limited by time like we are, and it should make us think about how we use the time we have, remembering that our lives are short from God's perspective, as seen in James 4:14. By knowing this, we can focus on what truly matters to God and use our time to love and serve Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that a thousand years are like a day to God?
This verse highlights God's timeless nature, emphasizing that His perspective on time is vastly different from ours, as also seen in 2 Peter 3:8, where it says that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord.
How does this verse relate to our understanding of God's power and wisdom?
This verse showcases God's power and wisdom by demonstrating that He is not bound by human limitations, including our understanding of time, much like Psalm 103:19 reminds us that God's sovereignty is over all the earth.
Is this verse suggesting that human life is insignificant to God?
No, this verse is not diminishing the value of human life but rather putting our existence into the perspective of God's eternal nature, as seen in Psalm 139:13-16, which affirms God's intimate knowledge and care for each individual.
How should this verse influence our view of time and our priorities?
Understanding that our time is short from God's perspective should motivate us to prioritize our relationship with Him and use our time wisely, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's timeless nature in my daily life?
- How does the brevity of human life from God's perspective challenge or change my priorities and goals?
- In what ways can I use the time God has given me to honor Him and fulfill His purposes?
- What does it mean for me to live each day with the awareness that my time is short in the eyes of God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 90:4
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday,.... Which may be said to obviate the difficulty in man's return, or resurrection, from the dead, taken from the length of time in which some
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 90:4
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
A thousand years, if we should now live so long, as some of our progenitors well nigh did. As he compared man’ s duration with God’ s in respect of its beginning, , so here he compareth them in respect of the end or continuance. In thy sight; in thy account, and therefore in truth; which is opposed to the partial and false judgment of men, who think time long because they do not understand eternity; or in comparison of thy endless duration. When it is past; which is emphatically added; because time seems long when it is to come, but when it is past, and men look backward upon it, it seems very short and contemptible, and men value one hour to come more than a thousand years which are past. A watch, which lasted but for three or four hours; for the night was anciently divided into three or four watches. See 13:35 . In the night; which also hath its weight; for the silence and slumbers of the night make time seem shorter than it doth in the day.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight [are but] as yesterday when it is past, and [as] a watch in the night.Ver. 4. For a thousand years in thy sight, &c.] q.d. Live men a longer or shorter space, Serius aut citius, thou endest their days; and in comparison of thine eternity, Puncture est quod vivimus et puncto minus, it is a small span of time that the longest liver hath upon earth, 2 Peter 3:8 Psalms 39:5. Non multum sane abest a nihilo. Some would hence infer, that the day of judgment shall last a thousand years; fides sit penes authores. When it is past] We judge better of the shortness of time, when it is past. And as a watch in the night] Which is but three hours’ time; for soldiers divide the night into four watches, and our life is full of the darkness of error and terror.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
(4) A thousand years.—This verse, which, when Peter II. was written (see New Testament Commentary), had already begun to receive an arithmetical treatment, and to be made the basis for Millennarian computations, merely contrasts the unchangeableness and eternity of the Divine existence and purpose with the vicissitudes incident to the brief life of man. To One who is from the infinite past to the infinite future, and Whose purpose runs through the ages, a thousand years are no more than a yesterday to man: “And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death;” or even as a part of the night passed in sleep: “A thousand years, with Thee they are no more Than yesterday, which, ere it is, is spent. Or, as a watch by night, that course doth keep, And goes and comes, unwares to them that sleep.” FRANCIS BACON. The exact rendering of the words translated in the Authorised Version, “when it passeth,” is doubtful. The LXX. have, “which has passed;” and the Syriac supports this rendering. For the “night watches,” see Note, Psalms 63:6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
Verse 4. For a thousand years in thy sight] As if he had said, Though the resurrection of the body may be a thousand (or any indefinite number of) years distant; yet, when these are past, they are but as yesterday, or a single watch of the night. They pass through the mind in a moment, and appear no longer in their duration than the time required by the mind to reflect them by thought. But, short as they appear to the eye of the mind, they are nothing when compared with the eternity of God! The author probably has in view also that economy of Divine justice and providence by which the life of man has been shortened from one thousand years to threescore years and ten, or fourscore.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 90:4
4. The precise connexion of the thought is obscure. Some commentators connect Psalms 90:4 with Psalms 90:2, treating Psalms 90:3 as a parenthesis. ‘Thou art eternal, for lapse of time makes no difference to Thee.’ But it seems preferable to connect Psalms 90:4 directly with Psalms 90:3. ‘Thou sweepest away one generation after another, for the longest span of human life is but a day in Thy sight: though a man should outlive the years of Methuselah, it is as nothing in comparison with eternity.’ when it is past] Strictly, when it is on the point of passing away. A whole millennium to God, as He reviews it, is but as the past day when it draws towards its close,—a brief space with all its events still present and familiar to the mind. Cp. 2 Peter 3:8, where the converse truth is also affirmed; Sir 18:10. and as a watch in the night] A climax. Said I like the past day? Nay, time no more exists for God than it does for the unconscious sleeper. The Israelites divided the night into three watches (Lamentations 2:19; Judges 7:19; 1 Samuel 11:11). The division into four watches mentioned in the N.T. was of Roman origin. How could the profound truth that time has no existence to the Divine mind be more simply and intelligibly expressed?
To God there is no before and after; no past and future; all is present. To Him ‘was, and is, and will be, are but is.’ It is only the weakness of the finite creature that ‘shapes the shadow, Time.’
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 90:4
For a thousand years in thy sight - Hebrew, “In thy eyes;” that is, It so appears to thee - or, a thousand years so seem to thee, however long they may appear to man.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 90:4
4. A thousand years—Longer than the life of Adam or Methuselah. Yesterday when it is past—Which we remember but indifferently, and only by the few commonplace events which transpired. Watch in the night—A synonyme of brevity.
Sermons on Psalms 90:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Time and Creation by A.E. Wilder Smith | This sermon delves into the concept of dimension theory and time, using a fictional tale set in Flatland to explain the limitations of two-dimensional beings encountering a three-d |
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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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The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 5 by Stephen Kaung | This sermon emphasizes that God meticulously plans every step until His purpose is fulfilled, using time as His workshop to manage and work out His grand design. From the creation |
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(Debate) Did God Create the World in Millions of Years? by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the debate between the age of the Earth as perceived by neurologists in Kenya, estimated at 6,000 years, and evolutionists/geologists who suggest a billion |
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God's Time - Man's Time : Whose Time? by Valsan Thampu | Dr. Zac Varghese from London delves into the concepts of Chronos and Kairos time, emphasizing the importance of experiencing special moments that transcend ordinary time and lead t |
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Fullness of the Gentiles by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson preaches about the main stream of prophecy running through Hebrew history, emphasizing the significance of the Abrahamic race in the Old Testament and the resto |
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The Cosmic Death by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill discusses the enslavement that various substances and behaviors bring, such as heroin, marijuana, alcohol, and sex, which promise freedom but ultimately trap us in d |