Old Testament
Psalms 90:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Psalms 90:10 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 90:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
A normal human life lasts about 70 years. That is what "threescore years and ten" means — in the KJV, a score is 20, so threescore is 60, plus ten makes 70. If someone lives to 80 (fourscore), those extra years are not a reward. They are filled with hard work and pain. Either way, life ends fast: it is cut off, and we are gone.
Read It in Context
The psalm has been describing how short human life is. Verses 5 and 6 compare people to grass that grows in the morning and is cut down by evening. Verse 10 puts a number on that shortness.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Psalms 90:10 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 90:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.