Psalm 1:3

Translations

Modern

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

Traditional

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Literal

And he is like a tree planted by streams of water, which gives its fruit in its time; and its leaf shall not wither, and all that he does, he makes prosper.

Latin

Et erit tamquam lignum quod plantatum est secus decursus aquarum, quod fructum suum dabit in tempore suo: et folium ejus non defluet; et omnia quæcumque faciet prosperabuntur.

Original

Hebrew

English

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

Notes

Psalms 1:3

Well-watered trees stay strong and produce plenty of fruit (compare Jeremiah 17:8).

Psalms 1:3–5

The future belongs to those who follow a righteous path.

Psalms 1:1–6

Psalm 1 is a wisdom psalm. It sets the tone for the whole book of Psalms. The psalm clearly contrasts the happiness of godly people with the judgment of the wicked. In the end, the way of wisdom will triumph.

The psalm describes an ideal picture of a godly person, similar to Psalm 8. This picture shows what the Lord expects from his people. It also points forward to the coming Messiah, God’s chosen king (Psalm 2).

The people of Israel did not live up to this ideal. The kings from David’s family also failed to meet it. Even the best kings could not bring about the lasting righteousness described in Psalms 1, 2, and 72.

In the New Testament, the apostles use the Psalms to describe the life and work of Jesus the Messiah. Their teaching shows that Jesus alone fulfills the ideal of the godly person described in the Psalms. Only Jesus fully pleased God and secured redemption (rescue from sin), true happiness, and peace.

Psalm 1 also introduces a note of hope that continues through the Psalms. It looks forward to the final hallelujah in Psalm 150). At that time, the Lord will remove all evil from his creation and bring blessing and life to his people.

Psalms 1:1–2:12

The first two psalms serve as an introduction to the whole book of Psalms (called the Psalter). Psalm 1 presents the Lord's guidance in wisdom, while Psalm 2 shows God's rule over a rebellious and sinful world. Together, these psalms invite people to abandon foolishness, which leads to destruction. These psalms invite people to follow God's path instead, which leads to wisdom and salvation. The New Testament confirms that God will govern the nations through Jesus Christ, his chosen representative (Hebrews 1:5; Revelation 12:5; 19:15).

Theme notes and profiles

David God's Word at the Center The Blessings of Jesus The Limitations of Law Wisdom Psalms

Related verses

Jeremiah 17:8
He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.
Ezekiel 47:12
Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.”
Psalm 92:14
In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,
John 15:6
If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
Ezekiel 19:10
Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard, planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of the abundant waters.
Genesis 39:23
The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Joshua 1:7–8
Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.
Revelation 22:2
…down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Ezekiel 17:8
It had been planted in good soil by abundant waters in order to yield branches and bear fruit and become a splendid vine.’
Matthew 13:6
But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
Psalm 128:2
For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Genesis 39:3
When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,

Psalm 1:3

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