King James Version

What Does Psalms 1:5 Mean?

Psalms 1:5 in the King James Version says “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 1:5 · KJV

Context

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
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. This verse draws the logical conclusion ("therefore") from the chaff imagery, addressing the eschatological destiny of the ungodly. "Shall not stand" (lo yaqumu, לֹא־יָקֻמוּ) means unable to rise or maintain position, suggesting both inability to withstand divine judgment and lack of vindication.

"In the judgment" (bamishpat, בַּמִּשְׁפָּט) refers to God's evaluative verdict on human lives. The ungodly will not successfully defend themselves or be declared righteous when God examines their lives. This anticipates final judgment while also applying to God's ongoing evaluation of human behavior.

"Congregation of the righteous" (adat tzaddikim, עֲדַת צַדִּיקִים) indicates the assembly of God's people, both present worshiping community and eternal fellowship of believers. Sinners will not have place among the redeemed, emphasizing the ultimate separation between those who follow God and those who reject Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish worship centered on communal assembly, making exclusion from the congregation a severe judgment. Being unable to "stand" in the assembly meant losing one's place in the covenant community and its blessings. This would have been particularly meaningful in a culture where community identity was central to personal identity.

The concept of divine judgment runs throughout Old Testament literature, from individual cases like Cain to national judgments like the exile. The psalm assumes a future reckoning where God will vindicate the righteous and condemn the wicked, a hope that sustained believers during times when the wicked seemed to prosper.

The reference to the congregation anticipates the eschatological gathering of God's people, a theme developed in prophetic literature and fulfilled in the New Testament understanding of the church as God's called-out assembly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the certainty of future judgment influence daily decision-making and priorities?
  2. What is the relationship between present inclusion in the worshiping community and future vindication in judgment?
  3. How can believers maintain confidence in divine justice when observing apparent prosperity of the wicked?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עַל1 of 9
H5921

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

כֵּ֤ן׀2 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

לֹא3 of 9
H3808

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

יָקֻ֣מוּ4 of 9

“shall not stand”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

רְ֭שָׁעִים5 of 9

“Therefore the ungodly”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט6 of 9

“in the judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְ֝חַטָּאִ֗ים7 of 9

“nor sinners”

H2400

a criminal, or one accounted guilty

בַּעֲדַ֥ת8 of 9

“in the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

צַדִּיקִֽים׃9 of 9

“of the righteous”

H6662

just

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 5:5Matthew 25:46Malachi 3:18Matthew 25:41Luke 21:36Matthew 25:32

Test Your Knowledge

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

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