Psalm 1:3

 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.
Psalm 1:3 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
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.
Psalm 1:3 King James Bible (KJV)
 
He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.
Psalm 1:3 New English Translation (NET)
 
He is like a tree
The imagery of a tree is a powerful symbol in biblical literature, representing life, growth, and stability. In Hebrew, the word for tree is "עֵץ" (etz), which is often used to signify strength and endurance. Trees are deeply rooted, drawing sustenance from the earth, much like a righteous person draws spiritual nourishment from God. This metaphor suggests that a person who delights in the law of the Lord is firmly established and resilient, able to withstand life's challenges.
 
planted by streams of water
The phrase "planted by streams of water" evokes the image of a tree intentionally placed in a location where it can thrive. The Hebrew word for "planted" is "שָׁתוּל" (shatul), indicating a deliberate act of positioning. This suggests that the righteous are not left to chance but are purposefully situated by God in environments where they can flourish. The "streams of water" symbolize the constant and life-giving presence of God's Word and Spirit, providing the necessary resources for spiritual growth and vitality.
 
yielding its fruit in season
The concept of yielding fruit "in season" highlights the natural and timely productivity of a life rooted in God. The Hebrew word for "yielding" is "יִתֵּן" (yitten), which implies giving or producing. This suggests that a righteous person will naturally produce good works and virtues at the appropriate time, as a result of their connection to God. The idea of "in season" underscores the importance of patience and timing in the spiritual life, recognizing that growth and fruitfulness occur according to God's perfect timing.
 
whose leaf does not wither
The phrase "whose leaf does not wither" speaks to the enduring vitality and resilience of the righteous. In Hebrew, "wither" is "יִבּוֹל" (yibbol), which means to fade or decay. This imagery suggests that those who are rooted in God remain vibrant and alive, even in adverse conditions. The unfading leaf symbolizes the perpetual freshness and vigor of a life sustained by God's presence, contrasting with the temporary and fragile nature of worldly pursuits.
 
and who prospers in all he does
The final phrase, "and who prospers in all he does," conveys the idea of success and well-being in every aspect of life. The Hebrew word for "prospers" is "יַצְלִיחַ" (yatsliach), which means to succeed or thrive. This prosperity is not merely material but encompasses spiritual and moral dimensions, reflecting a life aligned with God's will. The assurance of prosperity in all endeavors underscores the comprehensive blessing that comes from living a life rooted in God's Word and guided by His principles.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Tree Planted by Streams of Water:
This imagery conveys stability, nourishment, and life. A tree by a stream has a constant supply of water, symbolizing a life that is rooted in God's law, which provides spiritual nourishment. The person who delights in and meditates on God's law is likened to this tree, indicating a strong, stable spiritual life.
 
Yields its Fruit in Season:
This phrase suggests productivity and usefulness. Just as a tree produces fruit, the person living according to divine principles will have a life that bears good works or "fruit" at appropriate times. It signifies not just personal benefit but also contributions to others, reflecting the Christian idea of good deeds or spiritual fruits like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).
 
Whose Leaf Does Not Wither:
This speaks to enduring vitality and health. Unlike leaves that might wither due to drought or disease, the leaves of this tree remain green, symbolizing spiritual vitality, resilience against life's trials, and continuous faith. It suggests a life of ongoing spiritual health and growth.
 
Whatever They Do Prospers:
This doesn't imply material or worldly success in every endeavor but rather a general sense of flourishing in one's spiritual and moral life. It indicates that living in accordance with God's will leads to a form of success that transcends mere earthly gains, offering peace, wisdom, and fulfillment.
 
In summary, Psalm 1:3 uses the metaphor of a tree to describe the blessedness and prosperity of someone whose life is centered on God's teachings. It's a poetic way to encourage adherence to divine guidance, promising a life of stability, productivity, and enduring vigor. This verse is often interpreted as an encouragement to live a life rooted in faith, which leads to spiritual prosperity.
 
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And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,.... Or, "for then shall he be", &c. as Alshech renders the words; and the Hebrew "vau" is often used for "then" (q). As Psa_1:1 describe the man who is blessed, this points at his blessedness, and shows and proves him to be an happy man; for he is comparable to a "tree": not to a dry tree, or a tree without fruit, or whose fruit is withered, but to a fruitful tree, a green and flourishing one; green olive tree, or a palm tree, or a cedar in Lebanon; to which David compares himself and the righteous, Psa_52:8; and here such an one is compared to a tree "planted"; not to one that grows of itself, a wild tree, a tree of the wood; but to one that is removed from its native place and soil, and planted elsewhere; and so designs such who are broken off of the wild olive tree, and are grafted into the good olive tree; who are planted in Christ Jesus, and in the church, the house of the Lord; of which transplantation the removal of Israel into Canaan's land was an emblem, Psa_80:8; and such a spiritual plantation is of God the husbandman; whose planting the saints are efficiently, Isa_60:21. And it is owing to the word, the ingrafted word, Jas_1:21, which is the means of this ingrafture, and to the ministers of it instrumentally; some of whom plant, and others water, 1Co_3:6. Moreover, the happy man before described is like a tree that is situated "by the rivers of water", or "divisions" (r) and rivulets of water; which running about the plants, make them very fruitful and flourishing; see Ezk_31:4; and which may intend the river of the love of God, and the streams of it, the discoveries and applications of it to regenerate persons; and also the fulness of grace in Christ, who is the fountain of gardens, the well of living waters and streams from Lebanon, to revive, refresh, supply, and comfort his people, Sng_4:15; as well as the graces of the Spirit of God, which are near the saints, and like rivers of water flow out of them that believe in Christ, Jhn_7:38; to which may be added the word and ordinances of the Gospel, which are the still waters, to which they are invited and led, and by which and with which they are greatly refreshed, and made fruitful. Arama interprets it of the waters of the law; it is best to understand it of the Gospel; see Isa_55:1; it follows,
 
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; and so appears to be a tree of righteousness, filled with the fruits of righteousness, the graces of the Spirit, and good works; which are brought forth by him under the influence of grace, as he has opportunity, and according to the measure of grace bestowed. His leaf also shall not wither; neither tree, nor fruit, nor leaf shall wither, but shall be always green; which is expressive of the saints' perseverance: the reasons of which are, they are ingrafted in Christ the true vine, and abide in him, from whom they have their sap, nourishment, and fruit, Jhn_15:1; they are rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith of him; and so they hold fast the profession of it without wavering;
 
and whatsoever he doth shall prosper; meaning not so much in things temporal, of which Arama interprets it, for in these the good man does not always succeed, but in things spiritual: whatever he does in faith, from love, to the glory of God, and in the name of Christ, prospers; yea, those things in which he is concerned, that are adverse, and seem for the present to be against him, in the issue work for good to him: in short, such a man is blessed with grace here, and glory hereafter; and therefore must needs be an happy man.
 
(q) Vid. Noldii Concord. Part. Ebr. p. 308. (r) על פלגי "juxta divisiones"; Musculus, Hammond; so Ben Melech.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible