Psalm 37:35

Translations

Modern

I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,

Traditional

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

Literal

I have seen a wicked, ruthless one spread out like a luxuriant native tree.

Latin

Vidi impium superexaltatum, et elevatum sicut cedros Libani:

Original

Hebrew

English

I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,

Notes

Psalms 37:35–36

The wicked might appear to be flourishing like a tree (compare Psalm 52:8; 92:12–13), but they eventually die and are forgotten (Psalm 37:2).

Psalms 37:1–40

This psalm addresses the issues raised in Psalm 36:

How should the godly react to evil?
When will the Lord bring justice?
Why does he allow the wicked to harm his creation?

Psalm 37 provides clear answers that reduce the tensions of life (Psalm 37:1–9, 34) and promise that the meek will have a future (Psalm 37:10–11, 39–40).

The contrast between the godly and the wicked highlights the uselessness of foolishness (Psalm 37:12–24, 27–33). The psalmist's personal insights add a human element (Psalm 37:25–26, 35–38). He encourages viewing the land's inheritance with a long-term perspective: The earth belongs to the Lord, who will give it to those he blesses—the humble and godly who trust, hope, and follow him (see Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34; see also Isaiah 57:13; Matthew 5:5).

Theme notes and profiles

David Wisdom Psalms

Related verses

Job 5:3
I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed.
Psalm 73:3–11
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Job 21:7–17
Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?
Job 8:13–19
Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish.
Ezekiel 31:18
Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”
Esther 5:11
Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants.
Isaiah 14:14–19
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
Ezekiel 31:6–10
All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.
Daniel 4:20–33
The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth,

Psalm 37:35

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