Psalms 1:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall be like a tree {H6086} planted {H8362} by the rivers {H6388} of water {H4325}, that bringeth forth {H5414} his fruit {H6529} in his season {H6256}; his leaf {H5929} also shall not wither {H5034}; and whatsoever he doeth {H6213} shall prosper {H6743}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are like trees planted by streams -they bear their fruit in season, their leaves never wither, everything they do succeeds.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 1:3 vividly portrays the blessed individual as a flourishing tree, deeply rooted by life-giving water, symbolizing stability, continuous nourishment, and enduring vitality. This person, characterized by delighting in and meditating on God's law, naturally yields spiritual fruit in due season, remains resilient through all circumstances, and experiences true prosperity in all their God-ordained endeavors. The verse encapsulates the profound and holistic well-being that flows from a life intentionally aligned with divine wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 1 serves as the foundational gateway to the entire Psalter, establishing the overarching theme of the two paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. Verses 1 and 2 meticulously describe the blessed man (or woman) by defining what they *avoid* ("walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful") and what they *embrace* ("his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night"). Verse 3 then functions as the climactic outcome and vivid illustration of the character and destiny of such a person, employing a powerful and accessible agricultural metaphor to describe the flourishing life that results from this deep devotion to God's instruction. It moves from the internal disposition (delight and meditation) to the external manifestation (fruitfulness and prosperity).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, the imagery of trees, water, and fruitfulness resonated deeply. Water was a precious commodity, often scarce, and essential for survival and prosperity. To describe someone as "planted by the rivers of water" evoked a powerful image of security, abundance, and life in a land prone to drought. Unlike naturally growing trees that might struggle for water, a "planted" tree implies intentional cultivation and care, suggesting a deliberate act of God or a wise choice by the individual to position themselves for flourishing. This imagery would have immediately conveyed stability, sustained life, and a guaranteed harvest, contrasting sharply with the ephemeral nature of "chaff" mentioned in [Psalms 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalms 1:4 - The Wicked are Like Chaff").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout [the book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs and Prayers of Israel") and broader biblical theology. It highlights **Divine Blessing and Prosperity**, not necessarily as material wealth, but as holistic well-being and effectiveness in one's purpose, directly linked to obedience and devotion to God's law. The theme of **Nourishment and Sustenance** is central, portraying God's Word and presence as the life-giving "rivers of water" that enable spiritual vitality. Furthermore, it emphasizes **Fruitfulness and Productivity**, indicating that a life rooted in God will naturally yield good results and contribute positively. Finally, the promise that "his leaf also shall not wither" speaks to **Resilience and Enduring Strength**, assuring that the righteous will stand firm and thrive even amidst adversity, contrasting with the fleeting existence of the wicked as described in [Psalms 1:4-6](/psalms/1-4 "Psalms 1:4-6 - The Destiny of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Planted (Hebrew, _shathal'_):** This word implies more than just natural growth; it suggests a deliberate, intentional act of transplanting or setting something firmly in a specific, favorable location. It speaks to security and stability, indicating that the righteous person is not randomly situated but purposefully established by a divine hand or through their own wise choices (like delighting in God's law) in a place conducive to flourishing. This contrasts with the rootless and unstable nature of the wicked.
* **Rivers (Hebrew, _palgey-mayim'_):** This is not just a single stream but "channels" or "streams of water," suggesting multiple, consistent, and abundant sources of nourishment. It conveys a picture of continuous, unfailing supply, ensuring that the tree (and by extension, the righteous person) will never lack the vital resources needed for life and productivity, even in dry seasons.
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _tsalach'_):** This term means to "push forward," "succeed," "advance," or "be profitable." It denotes effectiveness and accomplishment in one's actions. While it can include material success, in this context, it primarily refers to the spiritual and purposeful success of the righteous person's endeavors, implying that their actions, when aligned with God's will, will achieve their intended positive outcome and bear lasting fruit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water":** This opening clause establishes the central metaphor. The blessed individual is compared to a tree, a symbol of life, strength, and longevity. The crucial element is its placement: "planted by the rivers of water." This signifies a life deeply rooted in and continually nourished by an abundant, unfailing source. Spiritually, this "water" represents God's Word, His presence, and His Spirit, which provide constant spiritual sustenance, stability, and vitality to the one who delights in Him.
* **"that bringeth forth his fruit in his season":** This phrase highlights the natural and timely outcome of such deep nourishment. A well-watered tree produces fruit, and so too will the righteous person yield spiritual fruit—actions, character, and influence that are beneficial and align with God's purposes. The phrase "in his season" emphasizes appropriateness and timeliness, suggesting that fruitfulness is not forced or premature but occurs at the right time, demonstrating wisdom and patience.
* **"his leaf also shall not wither":** This speaks to enduring vitality and resilience. Even when other trees might struggle or dry up due to harsh conditions, the leaf of this tree remains green and vibrant, indicating sustained health, strength, and freshness. This symbolizes the unwavering spiritual vitality and steadfastness of the righteous, who remain strong and unyielding even amidst life's challenges, drawing on their constant source of nourishment.
* **"and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper":** This concluding promise encapsulates the holistic success of the righteous life. "Prosper" here refers to effectiveness and success in all their endeavors, not necessarily material wealth, but rather the fulfillment of God's purposes through their actions. It implies that their efforts, guided by divine wisdom and sustained by divine grace, will not be in vain but will achieve their intended, God-glorifying results.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 1:3 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily comparing the blessed person to a "tree planted by the rivers of water." This central metaphor is extended through **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a flourishing, productive, and resilient tree, evoking senses of stability, abundance, and enduring life. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in its structure, where each clause builds upon the previous one, illustrating the progressive benefits of a righteous life: from being well-rooted to bearing fruit, maintaining vitality, and finally experiencing overall prosperity. The **Contrast** with the "chaff" in the subsequent verses (not explicitly in this verse but implied by the context of [Psalms 1](/psalms/1 "Psalms 1 - The Two Ways")) further highlights the distinct and desirable nature of the blessed individual's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The imagery of the well-watered tree is a pervasive biblical motif, symbolizing the life and stability that come from a deep connection with God. It speaks to the divine principle that spiritual nourishment leads to spiritual fruitfulness and resilience. This verse underscores the Old Testament understanding of blessing as a holistic well-being that permeates all aspects of life when one adheres to God's wisdom and law. It sets a foundational expectation for the life of faith, where devotion is not merely an internal state but manifests in tangible, positive outcomes, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who walk in His ways.

* [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - Blessed is the One Who Trusts in the LORD")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness")
* [Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of Life and the Tree of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 1:3 offers a profound blueprint for a life of true flourishing. It challenges us to examine the sources from which we draw our sustenance. Are we passively existing, or are we actively "planting" ourselves by the "rivers of water"—God's Word, His presence in prayer, and fellowship with His people? Just as a tree cannot produce fruit or maintain its vitality without a constant water supply, so too our spiritual lives will wither without consistent engagement with the life-giving truth of God. This verse encourages intentionality in our spiritual disciplines, reminding us that true prosperity is not merely material gain but a holistic well-being that includes resilience in adversity, timely fruitfulness in our endeavors, and an enduring spiritual vitality that reflects the steadfastness of our divine source. Our "season" for fruitfulness may vary, but our commitment to being deeply rooted must remain constant, trusting that God will enable us to prosper in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I actively "planting" myself by the "rivers of water" (God's Word, prayer, community) in my daily life?**
* **What "fruit" does my life currently bear, and how does it align with God's purposes for me?**
* **How do I respond when faced with "dry seasons" or challenges, and how can I better draw upon God's enduring nourishment to prevent my "leaf from withering"?**
* **What does "prosperity" mean to me in light of this verse, and how does it differ from worldly definitions of success?**

### FAQ
**What does "rivers of water" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "rivers of water" symbolize the abundant and unfailing source of spiritual nourishment available to the righteous. In the context of Psalms 1, this primarily refers to the "law of the LORD" (God's Word) on which the blessed person meditates day and night. It represents the constant, life-giving presence and truth of God that sustains, strengthens, and enables spiritual vitality and fruitfulness, much like physical water sustains a tree in an arid land. This imagery is echoed in other scriptures, such as Jesus' teaching about living water in [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water").

**Does "whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" mean the righteous will always be materially wealthy or free from trouble?**

Answer: No, "prosper" (Hebrew: _tsalach_) in this context does not guarantee material wealth or an absence of difficulties. Instead, it signifies effectiveness, success, and accomplishment in the purposes God has for the individual. It means that their actions, when aligned with God's will and rooted in His wisdom, will achieve their intended, God-glorifying results and bear lasting fruit. The life of a righteous person is not immune to trials, but even through them, their core purpose and spiritual vitality remain intact, and their efforts ultimately contribute to God's kingdom, as seen in the resilience implied by "his leaf also shall not wither." True prosperity, in this biblical sense, is about fulfilling divine purpose and experiencing holistic well-being, regardless of external circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 1:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly "planted" tree, the embodiment of the righteous one who perfectly delighted in and lived by the law of the LORD, never deviating from His Father's will. Jesus is the source of the "rivers of water" Himself, declaring, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus, the Source of Living Water")). His life was one of unparalleled fruitfulness, yielding the ultimate "fruit" of salvation for humanity through His atoning sacrifice. His "leaf did not wither" even in the face of the cross and death, demonstrating perfect resilience and triumph over sin and death, culminating in His resurrection. Furthermore, "whatsoever He doeth shall prosper" perfectly describes Christ's mission; His work on the cross and His resurrection secured the prosperity of eternal life and reconciliation with God for all who believe. As believers, we are called to be "in Christ," drawing our life from Him as our root and source, so that we too might be "rooted and built up in him and established in the faith" ([Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted in Christ")), bearing the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and experiencing true prosperity in our walk with God, just as the tree in Psalms 1:3 flourishes by the life-giving waters.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Ezekiel 47:12

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

Psalms 92:14

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

John 15:6

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

Ezekiel 19:10

¶ Thy mother [is] like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.

Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.