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This article focuses on emotions in texts of the Hebrew Bible using the example of Psalm 90. There is a tension between eight basic emotions according the categories of Robert Plutchik and the explicit and implicit expressions of emotions according to Simone Winko and Andreas Wagner which are embedded in culture and context. The prevalent individualistic approach of the present time is contrasted with the collective approach found in biblical tradition and texts. Emotions referring to God underline the character of the relationship between those who pray using Psalm 90 and God. This analysis presents a novel entry point to the understanding of the psalms and provides a different hermeneutic key.