King James Version
What Does Psalms 90:4 Mean?
“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”
Context
2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
3
Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
4
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
5
Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. groweth: or, is changed
6
In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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, Psalm 63:6.
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 90:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 90:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge