King James Version

What Does Psalms 1:4 Mean?

Psalms 1:4 in the King James Version says “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 1:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Read Psalms 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. This verse abruptly shifts from the blessed person's vitality to the ungodly person's emptiness. The emphatic "not so" starkly contrasts the two ways of living. While the righteous are like deeply rooted trees, the ungodly are like worthless chaff—the thin husks separated from grain during winnowing.

"Chaff" (motz, מֹץ) represents what is worthless, lightweight, and temporary. Unlike the substantial, fruitful tree, chaff lacks weight, value, and permanence. The image captures the emptiness of life apart from God—appearing to exist but lacking substance and purpose.

"Which the wind driveth away" emphasizes instability and lack of control. While the tree is firmly planted and nourished, chaff is at the mercy of every wind, driven wherever circumstances blow. This suggests the ungodly lack both rootedness in truth and ability to withstand life's storms.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Winnowing was a familiar agricultural process in ancient Israel. Farmers would toss threshed grain into the air, allowing wind to blow away the light chaff while heavier grain fell back down. The chaff was then burned or left to blow away as worthless waste. This daily agricultural activity provided a powerful visual for spiritual realities.

The imagery recalls several prophetic passages using winnowing as a metaphor for divine judgment (Isaiah 17:13, Jeremiah 13:24, Hosea 13:3). John the Baptist would later use similar imagery to describe the Messiah's judgment (Matthew 3:12).

The stark contrast between tree and chaff reflects wisdom literature's tendency toward binary categories—righteous versus wicked, wise versus foolish. While acknowledging gradations in practice, the fundamental orientation is either toward God or away from Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What aspects of modern culture resemble 'chaff'—appearing substantial but ultimately worthless and temporary?
  2. How can believers distinguish between temporary setbacks and fundamental lack of spiritual substance in their lives?
  3. What evidence of being 'driven by the wind' might indicate insufficient rootedness in God's truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
לֹא1 of 9
H3808

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

כֵ֥ן2 of 9
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הָרְשָׁעִ֑ים3 of 9

“The ungodly”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

כִּ֥י4 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם5 of 9
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

כַּ֝מֹּ֗ץ6 of 9

“are not so but are like the chaff”

H4671

chaff (as pressed out, i.e., winnowed or (rather) threshed loose)

אֲֽשֶׁר7 of 9
H834

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

תִּדְּפֶ֥נּוּ8 of 9

“driveth away”

H5086

to shove asunder, i.e., disperse

רֽוּחַ׃9 of 9

“which the wind”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 21:18Matthew 3:12Psalms 35:5Isaiah 17:13Hosea 13:3Isaiah 29:5

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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