Psalms 90:10

Authorized King 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְמֵֽי
H3117
The days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
שָׁנָ֗ה
H8141
of our years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#3
בָהֶ֥ם
H0
#4
שִׁבְעִ֪ים
H7657
and ten
seventy
#5
שָׁנָ֗ה
H8141
of our years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#6
וְאִ֤ם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
בִּגְבוּרֹ֨ת׀
H1369
and if by reason of strength
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
#8
שְׁמ֘וֹנִ֤ים
H8084
they be fourscore
eighty, also eightieth
#9
שָׁנָ֗ה
H8141
of our years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#10
וְ֭רָהְבָּם
H7296
yet is their strength
pride
#11
עָמָ֣ל
H5999
labour
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#12
וָאָ֑וֶן
H205
and sorrow
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
#13
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
גָ֥ז
H1468
cut off
properly, to shear off; but used only in the (figuratively) sense of passing rapidly
#15
חִ֝֗ישׁ
H2440
for it is soon
properly, a hurry; hence (adverb) quickly
#16
וַנָּעֻֽפָה׃
H5774
and we fly away
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection