Book of Psalm Chapter 1 Vs. 3

October 27, 2025

The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

Psm. 1:3 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.

And he shall be...

הָיָה

hāyāh: A verb meaning to exist, to be, to become, to happen, to come to pass, to be done. It is used over 3,500 times in the Old Testament. In the simple stem, the verb often means to become, to take place, to happen. It indicates that something has occurred or come about, such as events that have turned out a certain way (1Sam. 4:16); something has happened to someone, such as Moses (Exo. 32:1, 32:23; 2Kgs. 7:20); or something has occurred just as God said it would (Gen. 1:7, 1:9). Often a special Hebrew construction using the imperfect form of the verb asserts that something came to pass (cf. Gen. 1:7, 1:9). Less often, the construction is used with the perfect form of the verb to refer to something coming to pass in the future (Isa. 7:18, 7:21; Hos. 2:16).

The verb is used to describe something that comes into being or arises. For instance, a great cry arose in Egypt when the firstborn were killed in the tenth plague (Exo. 12:30; cf. Gen. 9:16; Mic. 7:4); and when God commanded light to appear, and it did (Gen. 1:3). It is used to join the subject and verb as in Gen. 1:2 where the earth was desolate and void, or to say Adam and Eve were naked (Gen. 2:25). With certain prepositions, it can mean to follow or to be in favor of someone (Psm. 124:1-2). The verb is used with a variety of other words, normally prepositions, to express subtle differences in meaning, such as to be located somewhere (Exo. 1:5); to serve or function as something (e.g., gods [Exo. 20:3]); to become something or as something, as when a person becomes a living being (Gen. 2:7); to be with or by someone (Deu. 22:2); to be or come on someone or something (e.g., the fear of humans on the beasts [Gen. 9:2]); to express the idea of better than or a comparison (Ezk. 15:2), as in the idea of too small (Exo. 12:4).

like a tree...

עֵץ

‛ēṣ: A masculine noun referring to a tree, wood, timber, a stick, a plank. It refers to trees of all kinds (Gen. 1:11; Psm. 104:16); garden trees (Gen. 2:9, 2:16); special trees used figuratively (Gen. 2:17; 3:22, 3:24; Pro. 3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4); a specific kind of tree, olive tree (1Kgs. 6:23, 6:31-33; Hab. 2:19). The word refers to wood, pieces of wood for various purposes (2Kgs. 12:12, 13); concerning specific kinds of wood, gopher wood (Gen. 6:14; Exo. 25:5, 25:10); articles made of wood (Exo. 7:19); timbers in a building or house (1Kgs. 15:22; Hab. 2:11; Zec. 5:4). It refers to a tree or pole on which a slain person was hanged (Gen. 40:19; Deu. 21:22-23; Jos. 8:29; 10:26); also to a wooden gallows (Est. 2:23). It is used of firewood (Gen. 22:3).

like a tree. Two comparisons:

1. Righteous: like a tree planted, cultivated, and well-watered; not like one growing wild in the field

2. Wicked: like chaff that blows away and soon perishes (Psm. 1:4; cp. Psm. 35:5).

planted...

שָׁתַל

šāṯal: A verb meaning to plant; to transplant. It means to plant and cultivate a seed or seedling in the ground so it may grow (Psm. 1:3). It is used figuratively of a person planted in the Temple of the Lord (Jer. 17:8); and of nations or peoples (Ezk. 17:8, 17:10, 17:22-23); especially Israel (Ezk. 19:10, 19:13; Hos. 9:13).

by...

עַל

‛al: A preposition meaning upon, over, against, by, to, for. The various nuances of this preposition are wide-ranging, and the context determines its exact meaning and usage. Here are some basics: on, upon (Gen. 1:11, 1:26; Exo. 20:12; 2Sam. 4:7); in front of (Gen. 18:8; Exo. 27:21); to, unto plus mî, "to whom" (Jer. 6:10); with zô’ṯ or kēn following, it means because of, therefore with respect to, concerning (Gen. 20:3; Ruth 4:7); as or according to (Psm. 110:4); besides or over against (Exo. 20:3); to come on (one's) heart, means to come to mind, to think of (Jer. 3:16); to add to, in addition to (yāsap̱ ‛al) (Gen. 28:9; 31:50; Deu. 19:9); it has the sense of with, met with (Exo. 3:18). Other phrases include: k^e‛al-ḵōl, according to all (Isa. 63:7); from upon, upon, e.g., a camel (Gen. 2:5; 19:24; 24:64); ‛al-b^elî, that . . . not (Gen. 31:20); ‛al-’^ašer, because (Exo. 32:35). It is used to indicate God's provincial care, His hand on (‛al) someone (Neh. 2:8); and to indicate a burden on someone (Exo. 5:8; 21:22; Job 7:20; Psm. 42:6; Isa. 1:14). It indicates the thing one speaks about or is concerned with when used with verbs of speaking, hearing (Jdg. 9:3; Jer. 16:3). It has the sense of eminence or exaltation, above (Deu. 26:19; Psm. 57:5,6, Psm. 57:11,12). It indicates what one exercises authority over (Isa. 22:15). It is used in the idiom, to fall asleep, sleep falls on someone (Gen. 2:21; 15:12); and of the activity of the mind setting on (‛al) something (2Sam. 14:1; Jer. 22:17; Mal. 3:13). It is used of an army attacking against (‛al) a foe (Gen. 34:25; Deu. 19:11; Amos 7:9).

the rivers...

פֶּלֶג

peleg̱: A masculine noun signifying a stream, a channel. It indicates any abundant flow of oil or water (Job 29:6); small or relatively large (Psm. 1:3). It refers to a channel or tributaries of a river, used figuratively of the streams of the city of God (Psm. 46:4,5). God is the creator of the many streams (Psm. 65:9,10) that so abundantly water the earth. It is used figuratively of a man's fertility or vigor, as well as his offspring (Pro. 5:16). It signifies the heart of the king whose streams are in God's control (Pro. 21:1). It designates man-made water channels (Isa. 30:25).

of water...

מַיִם

mayim: A masculine dual or plural noun meaning water. It indicates water in its various functions: as a basic element of the earth (Gen. 1:2); as water descending as rain (2Sam. 21:10); gathered water, as seas, wells, springs, etc. (Num. 20:17; Amos 5:8; Isa. 22:9). Urine is designated as mēymēy raglayim (2Kgs. 18:27). It is used in various metaphors: as a picture of justice running down like abundant waters (Amos 5:24); powers of the underworld (Psm. 18:16,17); frailty or weakness (Jos. 7:5); distress (Isa. 43:2); sudden violence (Job 27:20; Isa. 28:2, 28:17; Hos. 2:5,7); the ephemeral character of things or persons (Job 11:16); God's wrath (Hos. 5:10). Num. 5:17 speaks of holy water. Running water is "living water" (Lev. 14:5-6, 14:50-52; Num. 19:17).

rivers of water. Hebrew: peleg mayim, divisions of waters. A term used in the East for small channels which divide a garden for irrigation.

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."

bringeth forth...

נָתַן

nāthan: A verb meaning to give, to place. This verb is used approximately two thousand times in the Old Testament; therefore, it is understandable that it should have a broad semantic range. However, it is possible to identify three general categories of semantic variation: (1) to give, whether it be the exchange of tangible property (Gen. 3:6; Exo. 5:18); the production of fruit (Psm. 1:3); the presentation of an offering to the Lord (Exo. 30:14); the passing on of knowledge and instruction (Pro. 9:9); the granting of permission (Gen. 20:6). Often, God provides either preservation (Lev. 26:4; Deu. 11:14-15; Jer. 45:5); or plague (Exo. 9:23). (2) This Hebrew word also means to put, to place, or something literally placed: the luminaries in the sky (Gen. 1:17); God's bow in the clouds (Gen. 9:13); the ark on a cart (1Sam. 6:8); the abomination in the temple. It could also be something figuratively placed: an obstacle (Ezk. 3:20); God's Spirit (Isa. 42:1); reproach (Jer. 23:40); curses (Deu. 30:7). (3) The word can also mean to make or to constitute, such as the prohibition against making incisions in one's flesh (Lev. 19:28); God making Abraham into a father of many nations (Gen. 17:5); or Solomon making silver as stones (1Kgs. 10:27).

his fruit...

פְּרִי

p^eriy: A masculine noun meaning fruit. It refers to what is naturally produced, the crop from trees, land (Gen. 1:11-12, 1:29; 3:2-3, 3:6; Psm. 107:34). It is used figuratively of one's offspring (Gen. 30:2); or the result of one's deeds or actions (Isa. 3:10). Fruit trees ‛ēṣ p^erî were a feature of the Garden of Eden and of a man-made garden of beauty and delight (Ecc. 2:5). The bride admires the fruit of her bridegroom (Song 2:3). Abundant fruit will be a mark of a restored Jerusalem (Amos 9:14; Zec. 8:12; Mal. 3:11).

in his season;...

עֵת

‛ēṯ: A masculine or feminine noun meaning time. The word basically means time. But in context, it expresses many aspects of time and kinds of time. It is used most often to express the time of the occurrence of some event. The word means at that time in a general sense, as when Abimelech and Phicol spoke to Abraham during the days when Ishmael was growing up (Gen. 21:22; 38:1). The time described can be more specific, such as when Moses refers to the time of crisis in the wilderness when the people wanted meat to eat (Deu. 1:9). It may refer to a specific date (Exo. 9:18; 1Sam. 9:16); or a part of a day, as when the dove returned to Noah in the evening (Gen. 8:11; 24:11). The word can refer to a duration of time, as for all time (Exo. 18:22; Pro. 8:30); or for any time in general (Lev. 16:2). The time referred to may be past, present, or future (Num. 23:23; Jdg. 13:23; Isa. 9:1; 8:23). The word can describe times of the Lord's anger (Psm. 21:9,10); or times of trouble (Psm. 9:9,10). In fact, this word can be made to refer to about any kind of time or duration of time by its modifying words and context.

It is used to describe the time when certain appropriate things took place in general. For example, kings customarily went forth to war in the spring (2Sam. 11:1; 1Chr. 20:1). It can depict times that are fitting or suitable for certain reasons, such as rain falling on the land in its season (Deu. 11:14; Jer. 5:24); and fruit trees bearing fruit at the proper time (Psm. 1:3). The author of Pro. 15:23 spoke of a proper time for fitting words. Ecclesiastes 3 described all of life as a grand mosaic of times and seasons; there is a time to do everything-to be born, to die, to plant, to uproot, to kill, to heal, to love, to hate (Ecc. 3:1-3, 3:8). This word occurs nineteen times in these verses (Ecc. 3:1-8), along with a synonym of this word, z^emān, to make twenty references to time.

The Hebrew word can be used to designate a time even more accurately. When the exiles returned, it was time for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt (Hag. 1:2). The word designated the set time of marriage (1Sam. 18:19). It pinpointed the time of God's judgments (Isa. 13:22; Ezk. 7:7, 7:12); but also the many times in the past when He delivered them (Neh. 9:28). The Lord stands in readiness to judge every nation when its time comes (Jer. 27:7). There will be a time of the end for all the nations as well (Dan. 8:17; 11:35; 12:4, 12:9). In contrast, the word in context can be combined with chance to indicate uncertain time (Ecc. 9:11); and, appropriately, it describes life in general and its content, whether good or bad (Psm. 31:15,16; Isa. 33:6).

in his season. In the season expected, governed by proper irrigation and cultivation.

his leaf...

עָלֶה

‛āleh: A masculine noun signifying a leaf, a branch. It refers to greenery, leaves, or foliage on trees or shrubs (Gen. 3:7; 8:11; Neh. 8:15). Ezekiel speaks of leaves of healing (Ezk. 47:12); and Isaiah of fading leaves (Isa. 1:30; 34:4). Proverbs employs a (flourishing, green) leaf as a symbol of a righteous person (Pro. 11:28).

also shall not...

לֹא

lō’, לוֹא

lô’, לֹה

lōh: An adverb meaning no, not. The term is primarily utilized as an ordinary negation, as in Genesis 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).

wither;...

נָבֵל

nāḇēl: I. A verb meaning to wither, to languish, to fade. It refers to something wearing out, drying up, dying, falling off: grass (Psm. 37:2); leaves (Isa. 1:30; Jer. 8:13; Ezk. 47:12); flowers (Isa. 28:1). It is used figuratively of humans (Exo. 18:18; 2Sam. 22:46; Psm. 18:45,46); the land and earth (Isa. 24:4).

II. A verb meaning to be foolish, to act disdainfully. It is used of treating someone with disapproval or as unworthy (Deu. 32:15; Jer. 14:21; Mic. 7:6; Nam. 3:6); or of acting in contempt toward something or in a foolish way (Pro. 30:32).

his leaf also shall not wither. Portraying a rich and fruitful Christian life (cp. John 15:1-8).

and whatsoever...

כֹּל

kōl: A particle meaning each, every, all, everything, the whole, entire. It has an inclusive meaning of all or every one of something. Its exact meaning must be discerned from its usage in its context. Some representative samplings will help: With the definite article, it means the whole or everything of something (Ecc. 11:5); used before a definite noun, it expresses the whole of that noun, the whole earth (Gen. 9:19); whole people (Gen. 41:40). Used after a noun, it can refer to the whole or entirety of the preceding noun (2Sam. 2:9); before a plural noun, it usually means all, all the nations (Isa. 2:2); before a collective noun, it means all or every, all people (Gen. 7:21). Before a singular noun, it means every (Est. 3:8). Other nuances of its use can be discerned from studying its context closely. See also that... above.

he doeth...

עָשָׂה

‛āśāh: A verb meaning to do, to make, to accomplish, to complete. This frequently used Hebrew verb conveys the central notion of performing an activity with a distinct purpose, a moral obligation, or a goal in view (cf. Gen. 11:6). Particularly, it was used in conjunction with God's commands (Deu. 16:12). It described the process of construction (Gen. 13:4; Job. 9:9; Pro. 8:26); engaging in warfare (Jos. 11:18); the yielding of grain (Hos. 8:7); observing a religious ceremony (Exo. 31:16; Num. 9:4); and the completion of something (Ezra 10:3; Isa. 46:10). Provocatively, the word appears twice in Ezekiel to imply the intimate action of caressing or fondling the female breast (Ezk. 23:3, 23:8).

shall prosper...

צָלַח

ṣālaḥ, צָלֵחַ

ṣālēaḥ: I. A verb meaning to rush, to break forth, to come mightily. It describes the Holy Spirit's affect on persons, making them powerful (Jdg. 14:6, 14:9; 15:14; 1Sam. 16:13); or causing persons to prophesy (1Sam. 10:6, 10:10; 11:6). It indicates the effect of an evil spirit as well (1Sam. 18:10). It has the sense of persons breaking out, rushing forward in battle (2Sam. 19:17,18); and of God breaking out in acts of judgment (Amos 5:6).

II. A verb meaning to prosper, to succeed, to be victorious. It is used of causing something to turn out successfully (Gen. 24:21, 24:40); of prospering a person (2Chr. 26:5). It indicates a successful person (Gen. 39:2; Jer. 12:1). Some actions are not able to succeed, especially those breaking the commandments of the Lord (Num. 14:41; Deu. 28:29). It has the sense of succeeding in an endeavor (1Kgs. 22:12, 22:15). It describes the success of a powerful weapon in warfare (Isa. 54:17), its successful use. What the righteous person does will eventually prosper (Psm. 1:3); but the seeming prosperousness of the wicked will fail (Psm. 37:7). Concealed sins keep one from prospering (Pro. 28:13). The will of the Lord will prosper in the hand of His Suffering Servant (Isa. 53:10). The judgment on Jerusalem renders her useless, without any hope of prospering (Ezk. 15:4). God allows the rebellious king of the end to prosper but only until a certain limit is reached (Dan. 11:36).

whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Material prosperity is as much the will of God as soul and body health (Jos. 1:5-9; 1Sam. 2:7-8; 3Jn. 1:2).

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