King James Version

What Does Psalms 90:2 Mean?

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”

Context

A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. A Prayer: or, A Prayer, being a Psalm of Moses in: Heb. in generation and generation

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. when: or, when he hath passed them

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Topics in This Verse

Eternal Life

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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*)*.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 90:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.