King James Version

What Does Psalms 1:3 Mean?

Psalms 1:3 in the King James Version says “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also s... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. wither: Heb. fade

Psalms 1:3 · KJV


Context

1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ungodly: or, wicked

2

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3

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. wither: Heb. fade

4

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This extended simile of the flourishing tree presents the fruit of meditation: spiritual prosperity and stability. The tree 'planted' (not wild) by rivers suggests intentional cultivation through God's grace. The promise of perpetual vitality ('leaf shall not wither') and success ('whatsoever he doeth shall prosper') describes covenant blessing, not materialistic prosperity, fulfilled ultimately in Christ who declared Himself the true vine (John 15:5). This prosperity includes spiritual fruitfulness, perseverance through trials, and God's favor on righteous endeavors.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The imagery of water and fertility would resonate powerfully in the arid climate of ancient Israel, where irrigation-fed trees stood in stark contrast to vegetation dependent on seasonal rains. The metaphor drew from agricultural reality to teach spiritual truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'streams of water' has God provided for your spiritual nourishment, and are you positioned to draw from them?
  2. How do you reconcile this promise of prosperity with seasons of difficulty in your Christian walk?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְֽהָיָ֗ה1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּעֵץ֮2 of 17

And he shall be like a tree

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שָׁת֪וּל3 of 17

planted

H8362

to transplant

עַֽל4 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פַּלְגֵ֫י5 of 17

by the rivers

H6388

a rill (i.e., small channel of water, as in irrigation)

מָ֥יִם6 of 17

of water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

אֲשֶׁ֤ר7 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פִּרְי֨וֹ׀8 of 17

his fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

יִתֵּ֬ן9 of 17

that bringeth forth

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּעִתּ֗וֹ10 of 17

in his season

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

וְעָלֵ֥הוּ11 of 17

his leaf

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

לֹֽא12 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִבּ֑וֹל13 of 17

also shall not wither

H5034

to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint

וְכֹ֖ל14 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר15 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה16 of 17

and whatsoever he doeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יַצְלִֽיחַ׃17 of 17

shall prosper

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 1:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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