Psalm 1:3 kjv
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.
Psalm 1:3 nkjv
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:3 niv
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither? whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:3 esv
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:3 nlt
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
Psalm 1 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jer 17:7-8 | “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes... its leaf remains green, and is not anxious.” | Parallel imagery of a blessed, well-nourished tree. |
| Ps 92:12-14 | The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon... They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green. | Righteousness leading to lasting fruitfulness. |
| Eze 47:12 | On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. | River of life providing never-ending sustenance. |
| Rev 22:2 | Through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. | Eternal provision and life from God's presence. |
| Isa 61:3 | They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. | God's righteous ones as strong, planted trees. |
| Jn 15:5 | I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. | Connection to Christ as source of fruitfulness. |
| Jn 15:8 | By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. | Fruit-bearing as evidence of discipleship. |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control... | Specific spiritual fruits the blessed will bear. |
| Phil 1:11 | Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. | Righteous living yielding glorious outcomes. |
| Col 1:10 | So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. | Fruitfulness through good works and knowing God. |
| Matt 7:17 | So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but a diseased tree bears bad fruit. | Internal condition reflected in outward fruit. |
| Josh 1:8 | This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous... | Direct connection between meditating on God's law and prosperity. |
| Prov 3:9-10 | Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty... | Prosperity linked to honoring God. |
| Deut 28:1-2 | "If you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you... | Extensive blessings as a result of obedience. |
| Isa 58:11 | And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a well-watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. | God's constant provision leading to refreshment. |
| Jn 4:14 | "But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." | Living water symbolizing inner, eternal life. |
| Ps 37:2 | For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. | Contrast: wicked fade, righteous do not. |
| Isa 40:7-8 | The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. | Frailty of human existence vs. enduring Word. |
| Jas 1:11 | For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perished. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. | Wealth's transience contrasted with spiritual vigor. |
| Prov 11:28 | Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. | Trust in God's righteousness brings flourishing. |
Psalm 1 verses
Psalm 1 3 Meaning
Psalm 1:3 paints a vivid picture of the truly blessed individual, described in Psalm 1:1-2, likening them to a flourishing tree. This verse signifies the secure, sustained, and productive life that flows from consistent delight in and obedience to God's Law. Such a person is stable and resilient, always drawing strength and nourishment, enabling them to produce good outcomes in their appointed time and to thrive perpetually, experiencing true success in all their endeavors.
Psalm 1 3 Context
Psalm 1 serves as the gateway to the entire book of Psalms, establishing the foundational principle for discerning blessedness (happiness, well-being) in God's sight. It presents a stark contrast between two paths of life: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. Verses 1 and 2 define the character and conduct of the blessed person – avoiding the influence of sinners, delighting in God's law, and meditating on it continually. Verse 3 then describes the profound and enduring outcome of such a life, using the common, relatable imagery of a well-nourished tree. In an arid Middle Eastern context, the idea of a tree consistently supplied with water conveyed ultimate resilience, vitality, and fruitfulness, a picture of prosperity far beyond fleeting material wealth. The entire chapter functions as a theological introduction, revealing God's standard for humanity and the inherent consequences of one's chosen alignment with or against His will.
Psalm 1 3 Word analysis
He is like a tree:
- He: Refers to "the man" (אִישׁ, 'ish) mentioned in Psalm 1:1, specifically the one who avoids the path of the wicked and delights in God's Law (v.2). It personifies the ideal human state.
- like a tree: Hebrew k'ets (כְּעֵץ). The imagery of a tree (עֵץ, 'ets) is profoundly significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing life, strength, wisdom, growth, stability, and longevity (e.g., Gen 2:9, Prov 3:18). It contrasts sharply with the "chaff" (מֹץ, motz) of the wicked in verse 4, which is blown away, signifying impermanence and destruction.
planted: Hebrew shatul (שָׁתוּל). This is a passive participle, meaning the tree is not self-planted. It emphasizes an intentional, purposeful, and stable placement. The divine hand is implied in its planting, suggesting that God Himself positions the righteous in a place of nourishment and security. This indicates a deep-rooted, non-migratory existence, a stability that cannot be easily shaken.
by streams of water: Hebrew palgey mayim (פַּלְגֵי מָיִם). Literally, "channels" or "divisions of water." In ancient Israel, such controlled irrigation channels were vital for sustaining agriculture in a hot, dry climate. This signifies an unfailing, abundant, and constantly replenishing source of life and vitality, rather than relying on inconsistent rainfall. It points to divine provision that ensures perpetual nourishment for spiritual growth and vitality.
which yields its fruit: Hebrew yitten piryo (יִתֵּן פִּרְיוֹ). Yitten means "will give" or "will yield." Piryo means "its fruit." This speaks of a natural and expected outcome of being well-nourished. It is an outward demonstration of inner health and vitality, signifying productive outcomes, good character, and righteous actions that naturally flow from one who draws from God's wisdom and law.
in its season: Hebrew be'itto (בְּעִתּוֹ). This implies a timing that is orderly, appropriate, and perfect. The fruit is not forced, premature, or delayed, but comes at the proper, ripe time, demonstrating maturity, readiness, and the faithful working of God's timing in the life of the righteous. It suggests patience and trust in divine orchestration.
and whose leaf does not wither: Hebrew v'aleihu lo yibbol (וְעָלֵהוּ לֹא יִבּוֹל). Aleihu means "its leaf." Yibbol means "to wither," "to fade," "to fall off." The negation lo ("not") emphasizes enduring freshness, vitality, and health, regardless of external circumstances. Unlike natural foliage that fades and falls in due course, the spiritual vitality of the righteous endures. It points to a resilient spirit and unwavering spiritual health even amidst difficult seasons or old age.
In all that he does: Hebrew v'khol asher ya'aseh (וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה). This is a comprehensive declaration. It covers every aspect of life – personal endeavors, spiritual pursuits, daily tasks, relationships, and even challenging situations. It signifies the all-encompassing nature of divine blessing on the life of the one delighting in God's Law.
he prospers: Hebrew yatzliach (יַצְלִיחַ). This word signifies success, progress, effectiveness, and wise stewardship. It is not exclusively about material wealth, but about achieving God's intended purpose and experiencing favor and flourishing in His eyes. This prosperity is tied to righteousness and wisdom, indicating that what the righteous person attempts, in alignment with God's will, will indeed be accomplished and bring good fruit. It is success in spiritual flourishing and impact for the kingdom, an outworking of divine blessing.
Psalm 1 3 Bonus section
The tree imagery in Psalm 1:3 can be seen as a polemic against the instability and superficiality of life lived apart from God. Many ancient cultures believed in fortune based on luck or pagan deity appeasement, but Psalm 1:3 asserts that true flourishing is directly tied to the moral and spiritual alignment with Yahweh's Torah (Law/Instruction). The consistency and enduring vitality of the tree also stand in contrast to the cyclical nature of agricultural prosperity dependent solely on seasonal rains; the righteous one has a constant, unfailing source. The "planted" aspect implies security and belonging, suggesting a divinely orchestrated spiritual formation, in stark contrast to the wandering and impermanent nature of the wicked likened to "chaff." The prosperity promised is holistic, touching every aspect of life, moving beyond merely material gain to spiritual and emotional well-being, influencing one's very being and sphere of influence.
Psalm 1 3 Commentary
Psalm 1:3 stands as a beacon of promise for the one who patterns their life according to God's precepts. The enduring metaphor of the well-watered tree beautifully illustrates the vitality and stability bestowed upon the righteous. This isn't a mere random existence; the tree is "planted," signifying a divinely orchestrated positioning and firm foundation, far from self-reliance. Its source of nourishment, "streams of water," speaks of an unending, refreshing, and deep well of life and truth derived from constant engagement with God's Word, as hinted in the previous verse. This relationship yields undeniable "fruit in its season," manifesting as spiritual maturity, good deeds, and character reflecting God's nature. The resilience described by "whose leaf does not wither" assures of an unfading spiritual freshness and strength, immune to the spiritual droughts or worldly pressures that cause others to wilt. Finally, "in all that he does, he prospers" seals the comprehensive nature of this blessing, implying success and fulfillment in accordance with God's purpose, not necessarily worldly wealth, but a life truly flourishing in God's presence and effective for His glory.
Examples:
- A believer consistently studies Scripture (meditates on God's law) and through this, gains wisdom for difficult decisions at work (prospers in all he does).
- A person facing adversity maintains peace and hope (leaf does not wither) because their trust is firmly rooted in God's promises.
- Someone whose life choices reflect Christian values consistently produces kindness, patience, and love (fruit of the Spirit) in their interactions, influencing others positively (yields its fruit).