Psalm 92 14

Psalm 92:14 kjv

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Psalm 92:14 nkjv

They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

Psalm 92:14 niv

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,

Psalm 92:14 esv

They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,

Psalm 92:14 nlt

Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green.

Psalm 92 verses

Psalm 92 14 Meaning

Psalm 92:14 describes the continued vitality and spiritual fruitfulness of those who are planted in the house of the Lord, even into old age. It emphasizes that the righteous will not diminish in their capacity to bear witness to God's character and receive His life-giving nourishment, remaining fresh, green, and full of vigor. This sustained spiritual flourishing is a testament to the Lord's faithfulness and uprightness.

Psalm 92 14 Context

Psalm 92 is titled "A Psalm, a Song for the Sabbath Day," indicating its suitability for communal worship and meditation on the Lord's works. The chapter praises God for His justice, His mighty deeds, and His unwavering character. It sharply contrasts the short-lived prosperity and ultimate destruction of the wicked (Psa 92:6-9) with the enduring strength, prosperity, and spiritual growth of the righteous (Psa 92:10-15). Verse 14 falls within this section, specifically describing the longevity and flourishing of those who are devoted to God, highlighting their continual vigor as a witness to God's faithfulness to His covenant people. This imagery of sustained vitality for the righteous served as a direct counter-narrative to common ancient Near Eastern beliefs where a person's life and prosperity were often viewed as fragile or solely dependent on immediate ritualistic practices rather than an ongoing relationship with a just and righteous God. The psalm declares that true, lasting vitality comes from the Lord alone, defying natural expectations of decline.

Psalm 92 14 Word analysis

• They (הֵמָּה hemma): Refers back to the "righteous" (צַדִּיק tsaddiq) mentioned in Psa 92:12. This pronoun connects their blessed state to their righteous character.
• shall (יוּבַלּוּ yuvallu): The Qal imperfect form suggests an ongoing, habitual action, a continuous state of being. It emphasizes a divine enablement for their future.
• still (עוֹד 'od): Denotes continuation, addition, or even "yet" or "more." Here, it powerfully conveys that even beyond their initial thriving, as time progresses, their fruitfulness will not cease.
• bear fruit (יְנוּבוּן yenuvun): From the root נוּב (nuv), meaning "to yield fruit," "to bring forth." This is active fruit-bearing, a visible manifestation of life and productivity. It's not just existence, but effective living.
• in old age (בְּשֵׂיבָה beseiva): From שֵׂיבָה (seivah), "old age," "hoary head." This is a significant point, as it counters the natural expectation of decline. It implies wisdom, maturity, and accumulated spiritual insight often associated with age.
• they (וְדְשֵׁנִים v'd'shenim): Implicit from the previous plural form, referring to the righteous.
• shall be (Implicit verb): Hebrew often omits the verb "to be" when the meaning is clear.
• fresh (דְּשֵׁנִים d'shenim): From דֶּשֶׁן (deshen), "fat," "richness," "fertility," "abundance." It denotes healthy vigor, well-fed, robust. Spiritually, it signifies richness of life, full of God's blessings and sustenance.
• and flourishing (וְרַעֲנַנִּים v'ra'anannim): From רַעֲנָן (ra'anan), meaning "luxuriant," "verdant," "fresh," "green." It vividly describes thriving life, bursting with vitality, not dry or withered. This emphasizes ongoing vibrancy and youthfulness of spirit.

Words-group analysis:

• They shall still bear fruit in old age: This phrase directly challenges the conventional understanding of aging as a period of decay and diminished capacity. It portrays spiritual fruitfulness as a lifelong characteristic for the righteous, independent of physical limitations. It underscores God's ability to sustain His people supernaturally.
• they shall be fresh and flourishing: This dual description provides a vivid picture of sustained vitality. "Fresh" points to internal richness and nourishment, while "flourishing" denotes outward vibrancy and active growth. Together, they signify comprehensive well-being and active manifestation of spiritual life. The imagery of well-watered, lush vegetation is central here, reflecting spiritual vitality derived from their connection to God.

Psalm 92 14 Bonus section

The metaphor of the tree is profoundly significant throughout the Bible, often symbolizing life, growth, stability, and flourishing, especially when associated with being planted by water. Here, it signifies the righteous believer as a vibrant conduit of God's life, whose fruitfulness is independent of the physical effects of aging because their source of sustenance is divine and eternal. The idea that their freshness (דְּשֵׁנִים d'shenim, full of sap) is linked to their spiritual fatness suggests abundance and nourishment from God Himself. This verse highlights the enduring contrast between human frailty and God's unceasing power to uphold His own. It encourages believers that their spiritual purpose and fruitfulness do not have an expiry date, but rather can increase in depth and wisdom through a lifelong relationship with God.

Psalm 92 14 Commentary

Psalm 92:14 serves as a triumphant declaration of God's sustaining grace for the righteous. It presents a divine paradox: where physical strength and vitality naturally wane with age, spiritual life, nourished by proximity to God's house, not only endures but flourishes. The imagery of "bearing fruit" signifies not only the continuation of good works and witness but also an ongoing experience of spiritual vitality and growth. Like a tree deeply rooted by water (referencing Psa 1:3), the righteous draw life from God, remaining evergreen and productive, even "in old age." "Fresh and flourishing" paints a picture of spiritual robustness and vibrant activity, showcasing that closeness to God counters the natural decline. This is not about outward physical strength but inner, enduring spiritual power that allows them to continue proclaiming God's truth, providing counsel, and bearing spiritual fruit that brings glory to Him. It's a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness – His people will remain His vibrant witnesses to "declare that the LORD is upright" (Psa 92:15).

Examples:

• Moses, still leading Israel and speaking powerfully even at 120 (Deut 34:7).
• Caleb, at 85, claiming his mountainous inheritance and remaining strong for battle (Josh 14:10-11).
• Anna, a prophetess, serving God with fasting and prayer in the temple into old age, and recognizing the Messiah (Luke 2:36-38).