Book of Psalm Chapter 1 Vs. 1

October 22, 2025

 The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

Psm. 1:1 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.

Blessed...

אֶשֶׁר

’ešer: A masculine noun meaning a person's state of bliss. This Hebrew word is always used to refer to people and is never used of God. It is almost exclusively poetic and usually exclamatory, "O the bliss of. . . ." In Proverbs, this blissfulness is frequently connected with wisdom (Pro. 3:13; 8:32, 8:34). This term is also used to describe a person or nation who enjoys a relationship with God (Deu. 33:29; Job 5:17; Psm. 33:12; 146:5). In some contexts, the word does not seem to have any religious significance (1Kgs. 10:8; Pro. 14:21; Ecc. 10:17), and at least in one context, it has no religious significance (Psm. 137:8-9).

is the man...

אִישׁ

’iyš: A masculine noun meaning a man or an individual. It is also used to mean male or husband. This word does not indicate humankind but the male gender in particular. Its feminine counterpart is a woman or wife. In Hos. 2:16,18, this word describes God's special relationship to Israel. He will be their protective husband, not their master. Curiously, the word is also used of animals (Gen. 7:2), referring to a male and his mate.

that...

אֲשֶׁר

’^ašer: This word functions as (a) a relative pronoun meaning which, who, that or (b) a conjunction meaning that, because, so that, as, so that. The use of the word is determined by its function in the sentence in which it is used. Its basic usage: (a) a relative pronoun (Gen. 21:2; Deu. 1:22; Isa. 5:28; Hos. 3:1); a relative pronoun with a preposition prefixed (Gen. 21:17; Exo. 5:11; 33:12); or with nouns placed before ’^ašer in the construct or "of" state, e.g., Gen. 39:20, "The place where the king's prisoners were confined."

walketh...

הָלַךּ

hālaḵ: A verb meaning to go, to come, to walk. This common word carries with it the basic idea of movement: the flowing of a river (Gen. 2:14); the descending of floods (Gen. 8:3); the crawling of beasts (Lev. 11:27); the slithering of snakes (Lev. 11:42); the blowing of the wind (Ecc. 1:6); the tossing of the sea (Jon. 1:13). Since it is usually a person who is moving, it is frequently translated "walk" (Gen. 48:15; 2Sam. 15:30). Like a similar verb dāraḵ, meaning to tread, this word is also used metaphorically to speak of the pathways (i.e., behavior) of one's life. A son could walk in (i.e., follow after) the ways of his father (2Chr. 17:3) or not (1Sam. 8:3). Israel was commanded to walk in the ways of the Lord (Deu. 28:9), but they often walked after other gods (2Kgs. 13:11).

not...

לֹא

lō’, לוֹא

lô’, לֹה

lōh: An adverb meaning no, not. The term is primarily utilized as an ordinary negation, as in Gen. 3:4: "You will not surely die" (NIV cf. Jdg. 14:4; Psm. 16:10). Often it is used to express an unconditional prohibition, thus having the force of an imperative: "You shall not (= do not ever) steal"(Exo. 20:15 NIV; cf. Jdg. 13:5). Frequently, it functions as an absolute in answer to a question (Job 23:6; Zec. 4:5). The word is also employed in questions to denote that an affirmative answer is expected (2Kgs. 5:26; Jon 4:11). When it is prefixed to a noun or adjective, it negates that word, making it have an opposite or contrary meaning (e.g., god becomes non-god; strong becomes weak; cf. Deu. 32:21; Pro. 30:25). When prefixed by the preposition b^e, meaning in or by, the combined term carries the temporal meaning of beyond or before (Lev. 15:25); the meaning without is also not uncommon for this combination (Job 8:11). A prefixed preposition l^e, meaning to or for, gives the term the meaning of without (2Chr. 15:3) or as though not (Job 39:16). Occasionally, the word suggests the meaning not only, on account of the context (Deu. 5:3).

in the counsel...

עֵצָה

‛ēṣāh: A feminine noun meaning advice, a plan. It sometimes may suggest the idea of a plot (Neh. 4:15, 4:9; Pro. 21:30); of a judgment or decision (Jdg. 20:7; 2Sam. 16:20; Ezra 10:3, 10:8). The term occurs in a positive sense in association with wisdom and understanding (Job 12:13; Pro. 8:14; 12:15). Thus, the meaning of advice came from the sages of Israel and the astrologers of Babylon who were viewed as wise in their communities (Isa. 47:13; Jer. 18:18). Kings and would-be kings sought out advice but did not always have the discernment to choose the good (2Sam. 17:7, 17:14, 17:23; 1Kgs. 12:8, 12:13-14). This term is used quite often as a possession of God and the promised Messiah (Pro. 19:21; Isa. 5:19; 11:2; Jer. 32:19).

of the ungodly,...

רָשָׁע

rāšā‛: An adjective meaning wicked, guilty, in the wrong, criminal, transgressor. This adjective is used 264 times, many more times than the verb formed from it. It means essentially someone guilty or in the wrong and is an antonym to the Hebrew word ṣaḏḏiyq, meaning righteous, in the right. Moses accused the Hebrew man who was in the wrong and was fighting with another Hebrew (Exo. 2:13); no one was to aid wicked persons in their wickedness (Exo. 23:1). A murderer worthy of death could not be ransomed (Num. 35:31); guilty, wicked persons accept bribes (Pro. 17:23; 18:5). The word may describe wicked people as murderers (2Sam. 4:11).

The word indicates people who are enemies of God and His people: the psalmist prayed to be rescued from the wicked (Psm. 17:13). Those described by this word are evil and do not learn righteousness. Instead, they pursue their wicked ways among the righteous (Isa. 26:10); but the Lord will eventually slay the wicked (Isa. 11:4). Pharaoh admitted he was in the wrong in his attitude and actions against Moses, the Lord, and His people (Exo. 9:27; Isa. 14:5).

The word indicates the guilt engendered by sinning against others, including God. The Lord moved to destroy the leaders and the wicked people who revolted against Him in the desert (Num. 16:26); the wicked are those who do not serve God and are as a result wicked and guilty before Him (Mal. 3:18). If wicked people continue in their ways toward God or others, they will die in their sins (Ezk. 3:18); but the righteous do not die with the wicked (Gen. 18:23, 18:25). The counsel of the wicked is avoided by the persons blessed by God (Job 10:3; 21:16; Psm. 1:1). Several phrases became idiomatic when talking about the wicked described by this word: the counsel of the wicked (Psm. 1:1); the way of the wicked (Pro. 15:9); the path of the wicked (Mic. 6:10); the tent of the wicked (Job 8:22); the life (literally, candle) of the wicked (Job 21:7). All these terms describe things, people, and locations that God's people are to avoid so He will not destroy them in the end.

The man that walketh not in the counsel of the unglodly. The emphasis is on that man who fulfills the purpose in life for which God created him (Rev. 4:11).

nor... see not above.

standeth...

עָמַד

‛āmaḏ: A verb meaning to stand, to rise up; to take one's stand. The basic uses of the word can be noted here: to stand on one's feet, not sit (Gen. 18:22; 24:30; 41:1, 41:3); to remain motionless or stay behind (Gen. 19:17; 24:31). It has the sense of ceasing, to stop doing something, e.g., to stop bearing children (Gen. 29:35; 30:9). It has the sense of serving before someone, as Joseph served, stood before Pharaoh (Gen. 41:46). It can mean to delay, to hold back from doing something (Gen. 45:9). It has the sense of presenting, introducing someone to someone else (Gen. 47:7). It indicates living somewhere, standing, remaining there (Exo. 8:22,18). It is used of taking a position (physically, spatially) somewhere (Exo. 14:19). It is used of something enduring, lasting, being preserved (Jer. 32:14). Used with 'al following, it means to stand over, upon, to exercise authority over (Num. 7:2); with lip̱nê, it indicates standing before (1Kgs. 1:28). To stand over one's life (nep̱eš) is to defend, protect one's life (Est. 8:11). In its causative uses, it means to set up, station, appoint, restore, etc. It is used of causing persons to do something or putting them somewhere (Jdg. 16:25); of setting up, standing up someone (2Sam. 22:34; Psm. 18:33,34); to cause someone to endure, to continue (Exo. 9:16); to set up, to erect a structure, a temple (Ezra 2:68); to appoint, set up guards on duty (Neh. 7:3). It is used in a figurative sense of Moab standing, remaining undisturbed or unchanged (Jer. 48:11); and of a prophet standing in the presence of God, that is, receiving a message from God (Jer. 23:18, 23:22). In its few passive forms, it means to be presented (of a sacrifice) before the Lord (Lev. 16:10); to be set straight again or propped up (2Chr. 18:34).

in the way...

דֶּרֶךּ

Derek: A masculine noun meaning path, journey, way. This common word is derived from the Hebrew verb dāraḵ, meaning to walk or to tread, from which the basic idea of this word comes: the path that is traveled. The word may refer to a physical path or road (Gen. 3:24; Num. 22:23; 1Kgs. 13:24) or to a journey along a road (Gen. 30:36; Exo. 5:3; 1Sam. 15:18). However, this word is most often used metaphorically to refer to the pathways of one's life, suggesting the pattern of life (Pro. 3:6); the obedient life (Deu. 8:6); the righteous life (2Sam. 22:22; Jer. 5:4); the wicked life (1Kgs. 22:52,53). The ways are described as ways of darkness (Pro. 2:13); pleasant ways (Pro. 3:17); and wise ways (Pro. 6:6).

of sinners,...

חַטָּא

ḥaṭṭā’: A masculine noun meaning sinners and an adjective meaning sinful. This word comes from the common verb ḥātā’, meaning to sin, and is related to the common noun ḥattā’ṯ, meaning sin or sin offering. As a noun, it is used to describe those who, by their actions, are under the wrath and judgment of God (Psm. 1:5) and face ultimate destruction (Gen. 13:13; Psm. 104:35; Isa. 1:28). The influence of these people is to be avoided (Psm. 1:1; 26:9; Pro. 1:10), but they are to be instructed in the way of righteousness (Psm. 25:8; 51:13,15). As an adjective, it describes the sinful people the tribes of Reuben and Gad were raising (Num. 32:14).

nor... see above.

sitteth...

יָשַׁב

yāšaḇ: A verb meaning to sit, to dwell, to inhabit, to endure, to stay. Apparently, to sit is the root idea, and other meanings are derived from this. The subject of the verb may be God, human, animal (Jer. 50:39), or inanimate matter. The word sometimes emphasizes the location of persons, whether they were sitting under a tree (Jdg. 6:11; 1Kgs. 19:4) or in a house (2Kgs. 6:32). It could also reflect a person's position: one sat as a judge (Pro. 20:8; Isa. 28:6); as a widow (Gen. 38:11); or on a throne as king (Exo. 12:29; 2Kgs. 13:13). Sometimes it indicated one's companions; one sits with scoffers (Psm. 1:1); or with the elders of the land (Pro. 31:23). The word may signify "to dwell," either temporarily (Lev. 23:42) or in a permanent dwelling (Gen. 4:16; Zep. 2:15). Sometimes the word means that an object or person stays in a limited area (Exo. 16:29); or abides for a period of time (Lev. 12:4-5; 2Sam. 6:11); or for eternity (Psm. 9:7,8; 102:12,13; 125:1). The years are even said to sit, that is, to pass (1Kgs. 22:1).

in the seat...

מוֹשָׁב

môšāḇ: A masculine noun meaning a seat, a habitation, a dwelling place, inhabitants. The primary notion giving rise to this word is that of remaining or abiding in a given location. It signifies a place to be seated (1Sam. 20:18; Job 29:7); the sitting of an assembly (Psm. 107:32); the location or situation of a city (2Kgs. 2:19); a place of habitation (Gen. 27:39; Num. 24:21); the inhabitants of a particular residence (2Sam. 9:12). The psalmist stated that the Lord Himself chose Zion as His dwelling place (Psm. 132:13).

of the scornful...

לִוּצ

lûṣ, לִיצ

liyṣ, לֵץ

lēṣ: A verb meaning to boast, to scorn, to mock, to deride, or to imitate. This Hebrew verb is frequently found in the book of Proverbs (Pro. 9:7-8; 13:1; 20:1), and means to deride or to boast so as to express utter contempt. The activity of the scornful is condemned as an abomination to people (Pro. 24:9) and contrary to the Law of the Lord (Psm. 1:1). Both Job (Job 16:20) and the psalmist (Psm. 119:51) expressed the pain inflicted by the scornful, but in the end, the scorner will reap what he has sown (Pro. 3:34). By extension the word is used to signify ambassadors (2Chr. 32:31);, interpreters (Gen. 42:23); and spokesmen (Isa. 43:27). These meanings arise from the sense of speaking indirectly implied in the root word. Some grammarians view the participle of this verb as a separate noun. For a list of these references, see the division in the concordance.

Ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Three sinful classes:

1. The ungodly. Hebrew: rasha‛, morally wrong; actively bad; wicked; unjust. Translated ungodly (Psm. 1:1-6; 3:7; 73:12; 2Chr. 19:2; Job 34:18) and wicked 251 times (Gen. 18:23-25; Psm. 9:17 etc.).

2. Sinners. Hebrew: chatta’, criminal; to miss the mark; pass the limits of the law. Translated sinners (Psm. 1:1, 1:5; 25:8 etc.).

3. The scornful. Hebrew: luwts, to make mouths at; to scoff; to mock (Psm. 1:1; Pro. 1:22; 3:34; 9:7).

Book of Psalm