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 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}.
They are like trees planted by streams -they bear their fruit in season, their leaves never wither, everything they do succeeds.
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.
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.
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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.
Context
Psalm 1 serves as an introduction to the entire book of Psalms, contrasting the path of the righteous with the path of the wicked. Verses 1 and 2 describe the blessed man as one who avoids the counsel and company of the ungodly and instead delights in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. Verse 3 then illustrates the outcome and character of such a person using the powerful metaphor of a well-nourished tree.
Commentary
This verse paints a vivid picture of the blessed individual's life. Being "like a tree planted by the rivers of water" signifies stability, deep roots, and a constant source of nourishment. Unlike a wild tree susceptible to drought, this tree is deliberately placed where it can flourish. This constant access to "rivers of water" ensures vitality and resilience.
The result of this deep nourishment is fruitfulness: the tree "bringeth forth his fruit in his season." This speaks to timely productivity and effectiveness in life, yielding results when appropriate. Furthermore, its "leaf also shall not wither," indicating enduring strength, health, and vitality, even through difficult times.
Finally, the promise is given: "and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." This prosperity is not necessarily material wealth, but rather success and effectiveness in the purposes God has for him. It's a prosperity that stems from being deeply connected to God's life-giving 'water' (His law, His presence, His Spirit), enabling one to stand firm, be productive, and thrive.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "planted" (*shathal*) often implies being transplanted or deliberately set in a specific, favorable location, emphasizing intentional placement rather than random growth. The word for "prosper" (*tsalach*) carries the idea of pushing forward, succeeding, or advancing, suggesting effectiveness and accomplishment in one's actions.
Reflection and Application
This verse encourages believers to root their lives deeply in God's Word and His presence. Just as a tree needs water to live and produce, we need spiritual nourishment to be stable, fruitful, and resilient. Meditating on God's law and living according to His ways is the "river of water" that sustains us. This leads to a life that is not only personally thriving but also productive for God's kingdom, demonstrating enduring vitality and true prosperity in His eyes. Consider how deliberately you are "planting" yourself by His 'rivers'. For further reflection on spiritual fruitfulness, see John 15:5.