Psalm 36 9

Psalm 36:9 kjv

For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Psalm 36:9 nkjv

For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

Psalm 36:9 niv

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Psalm 36:9 esv

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

Psalm 36:9 nlt

For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.

Psalm 36 verses

Psalm 36 9 Meaning

Psalm 36:9 proclaims that God is the sole origin and giver of all true existence and vitality. He is the ultimate source from whom all life flows, both physical and spiritual. Furthermore, it asserts that genuine understanding, spiritual discernment, and moral truth are only revealed and apprehended through His divine presence and revelation. Without His illumination, humanity remains in darkness, unable to perceive reality as it truly is.

Psalm 36 9 Context

Psalm 36 begins by describing the pervasive nature of human sin, highlighting the unrighteous person who has no fear of God and deceives himself (Psa 36:1-4). This section contrasts the wicked individual's lack of true understanding, pride, and deceit with God's inherent nature. In stark opposition, verses 5-9 pivot to extol the character of God, focusing on His unfailing love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. This particular verse, Psalm 36:9, stands as a climax in this doxology, asserting God as the ultimate source of life and truth, providing the solution to the spiritual darkness and death described in the opening verses. In the ancient Near East, a reliable "fountain" or spring was essential for physical survival in often arid lands, making it a powerful metaphor for the absolute necessity of God. Similarly, "light" dispelled physical and moral darkness, representing truth, guidance, and safety against the dangers of night.

Psalm 36 9 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - kiy): Introduces a causal explanation, providing the foundational reason for the blessings and security mentioned in the preceding verses. It underscores that God's goodness, justice, and protection are rooted in His very essence.
• with You (עִמְּךָ - ‘imměḵā): Emphasizes that the "fountain of life" and "Your light" are not merely attributes or gifts bestowed by God, but are intrinsically part of His nature and existence. These qualities reside uniquely and exclusively within Him.
• is (implied): The Hebrew omits the verb "to be," creating a direct and declarative statement of inherent reality.
• the fountain (מָקוֹר - maqqōr): Literally a spring or well-spring, indicating a perpetual, abundant, and self-replenishing source. In the arid biblical landscape, a fountain of water was a metaphor for essential life, constant provision, and vitality.
• of life (חַיִּים - ḥayyîm): The plural form often implies fullness, abundance, and holistic life, encompassing spiritual, physical, eternal, and flourishing existence. God is the endless wellspring of all forms of life and vigor.
• In Your light (בְּאוֹרְךָ - bə’ôreḵā):
  • In (בְּ - bə-): Denotes the sphere, instrumentality, or means. Our perception of truth occurs within or by means of God's illuminating presence.
  • Your light (אוֹרְךָ - ’ôreḵā): "Light" (אוֹר - ’ôr) Biblically symbolizes divine presence, truth, knowledge, purity, righteousness, salvation, and guidance. The possessive "Your" confirms its origin and ownership by God alone.
• we see (נִרְאֶה - nir’eh): "We perceive," "we understand," or "we apprehend." This verb implies a direct insight, revelation, and coming to true knowledge, which is only possible when God illuminates.
• light (אוֹר - ’ôr): The second occurrence of "light." Here it refers to the object of our seeing and understanding—the truth, reality, and path that becomes clear and discernible only through God's illumination. It is the ability to grasp what is truly real and right.

Words-group analysis

• "For with You is the fountain of life": This powerful statement declares God as the absolute and inexhaustible origin of all existence and vitality. It refers to life in its comprehensive sense: physical being, spiritual animation, flourishing, and eternal existence. This imagery of a continuously flowing spring underscores God's generous and unceasing provision, standing against any human tendency to seek life or meaning elsewhere. It is a direct refutation of any notion that life can be self-generated or derived from created sources.
• "In Your light we see light": This parallel declaration elucidates the relationship between God's life-giving nature and His revelation. "Your light" signifies God's own illuminating presence, truth, divine understanding, and self-disclosure. It posits that humanity's capacity to truly perceive ultimate reality, spiritual truth, and the path of righteousness ("we see light") is entirely contingent upon this divine revelation. Without God's active illumination, human perception remains clouded by darkness, unable to distinguish spiritual truth from error, or moral good from evil. It emphasizes that true knowledge and spiritual sight are gifts that come from walking in God's radiant presence.

Psalm 36 9 Bonus section

The strong imagery in Psalm 36:9 functions as a polemic against pagan beliefs common in the ancient Near East, where fertility and life were attributed to numerous, often capricious, deities associated with natural phenomena. The psalmist firmly declares Yahweh as the sole, stable, and eternal source of all life and truth. This verse also finds significant fulfillment and elaboration in the New Testament. Jesus identifies Himself as the "light of the world" (John 8:12) and speaks of "living water" (John 4:10), embodying both the divine light and the "fountain of life" that originates with God the Father. Thus, the psalm prophetically anticipates the revelation of God's ultimate life and light in the person of Christ, through whom believers gain access to spiritual life and understanding.

Psalm 36 9 Commentary

Psalm 36:9 is a core theological statement on the character and essential role of God. He is depicted as the "fountain of life," an infinite and pure source from whom all existence, vitality, and well-being flow. This signifies that every form of life, both physical and spiritual, owes its being and flourishing to Him alone. This life is not merely existence but profound, vibrant, and abundant, countering the spiritual emptiness inherent in sin described in the opening verses of the psalm. Furthermore, the declaration "In Your light we see light" emphasizes that true knowledge, moral discernment, and spiritual understanding are only possible through God's own revelation. Humanity, apart from God, resides in intellectual and spiritual darkness, prone to misunderstanding and delusion. It is only when God shines the light of His truth, wisdom, and righteousness that our eyes are opened to perceive reality as it truly is, to walk in righteousness, and to understand His purposes. This verse underscores absolute dependence on God not only for our very being but for all true insight and direction in life. Practically, this means that for genuine spiritual clarity, moral guidance, and life's deepest meaning, one must continually turn to God's Word and Spirit, seeking His divine illumination, rather than relying on human intellect or worldly philosophies.