Old Testament

Psalms 90:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

This verse reflects on the brevity of human life, suggesting that the average lifespan is around seventy years, and with good health, it may extend to eighty.

Author: David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written: Around 1000-500 BC
Genre: Poetry and worship
Original Audience: Worshipers of Israel

CBTClear Bible Translation

The days of our years are seventy; and if by reason of strength they are eighty, yet their strength is labor and sorrow, for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

KJVKing James Version

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse reflects on the brevity of human life, suggesting that the average lifespan is around seventy years, and with good health, it may extend to eighty. However, even in those extended years, life is often filled with toil and sorrow. The verse emphasizes that life is fleeting, and ultimately, we will all face death and depart from this world. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our existence and the importance of recognizing our mortality. The mention of 'labor and sorrow' highlights the struggles and challenges that accompany life, suggesting that even a long life is not free from hardship. The phrase 'we fly away' poetically illustrates the idea of leaving this earthly life behind, pointing to the inevitability of death and the hope of what lies beyond.

Key themes

Mortality

Related Bible verses

How to apply Psalms 90:10 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our lives and prioritize what truly matters. It reminds us to cherish our time, invest in meaningful relationships, and seek purpose in our daily activities. By acknowledging the fleeting nature of life, we can focus on living with intention and gratitude.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 90:10 mean?

Psalms 90:10 reflects on the average lifespan of humans, suggesting it is about seventy years, or eighty with strength. It highlights that even in a long life, there is often toil and sorrow, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.

What is the meaning of 'we fly away' in Psalms 90:10?

'We fly away' in Psalms 90:10 symbolizes the departure from earthly life, indicating that death is a natural part of existence. It serves as a poetic reminder of the transient nature of life and the hope of what may come after.

How does Psalms 90:10 relate to aging?

Psalms 90:10 addresses aging by stating that the typical lifespan is around seventy years, or eighty with strength. It acknowledges the challenges and hardships that often come with aging, reminding us to appreciate our time.

What themes are present in Psalms 90:10?

The themes in Psalms 90:10 include mortality, the brevity of life, human struggle, and the hope of life beyond death. It encourages reflection on existence and the value of living intentionally.

Book Summary

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 1: Two Paths

This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.

That person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water that produces fruit in season and keeps its leaf from withering, and their way prospers. The ungodly are not like that; they are like chaff driven by the wind. The psalm ends by saying the ungodly do not stand in the judgment or remain among the righteous, because the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly perishes. Psalm 2: The Anointed King This psalm speaks about nations and rulers stirring up unrest and setting themselves against the LORD and against his Anointed. They speak as if they can break free from God's rule, as though his bonds can be thrown off. The LORD who sits in the heavens responds with scorn and speaks in his wrath. He declares his king set upon Zion, and the Anointed speaks of the decree: he is called the Son and is given the nations for an inheritance. The psalm warns kings and judges to be wise, to serve the LORD with fear, and to rejoice with trembling, ending with a call to honor the Son and a statement that blessed are all who trust in him. Psalm 3: A Psalm of David (Fleeing from Absalom) A Psalm of David, when he flees from Absalom his son. David speaks of many enemies rising up against him and many voices saying there is no help for him in God. He describes pressure on every side and the shame those words bring. David then speaks directly of the LORD as his shield, his glory, and the one who lifts up his head. He says he cries to the LORD and receives an answer from God's holy hill, and he lies down and sleeps because the LORD sustains him. He says he is not afraid though tens of thousands set themselves against him, and he calls on the LORD to arise, asking for deliverance and blessing for God's people.

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