Psalms 36:9

For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

For with thee is the fountain {H4726} of life {H2416}: in thy light {H216} shall we see {H7200} light {H216}.

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.

Commentary

Context of Psalms 36:9

Psalm 36 often begins by starkly contrasting the pervasive wickedness and deceitfulness of humanity (verses 1-4) with the boundless goodness and faithfulness of God (verses 5-8). Verse 9 serves as a climactic declaration, revealing God's very nature as the ultimate source of all life and light, a profound antidote to the spiritual darkness described earlier in the psalm.

Key Themes in Psalms 36:9

  • God as the Source of All Life: The phrase "fountain of life" powerfully depicts God as the origin and sustainer of all existence. This isn't merely physical life, but profound spiritual vitality, purpose, and true flourishing. It underscores His self-sufficiency and our complete dependence on Him for everything that gives genuine life and meaning. This theme connects with the concept of Jesus offering living water that springs up to eternal life.
  • Divine Illumination and Understanding: "In thy light shall we see light" highlights God's role as the ultimate revealer of truth. The first "light" refers to God's own radiant being, His holiness, wisdom, and truth. The second "light" signifies the understanding, clarity, and spiritual discernment that we receive only through His divine revelation. Without His light, humanity remains in spiritual darkness, unable to comprehend divine realities or navigate life's path with true wisdom. This echoes Jesus' declaration, "I am the light of the world".
  • Dependence and Revelation: This verse underscores that genuine spiritual insight, purpose, and true life are not self-generated but are gracious gifts that flow directly from God's presence and nature.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "fountain of life" is m'qor chayyim (ืžึฐืงื•ึนืจ ื—ึทื™ึดึผื™ื). M'qor denotes a spring or source, emphasizing a continuous, abundant, and inexhaustible supply. Chayyim, meaning "life," is plural, often indicating the fullness or totality of life, encompassing well-being, prosperity, and spiritual vitality. The repetition of "light" (ืื•ึนืจ - 'or) highlights the direct, causative relationship between God's inherent nature as light and our ability to perceive truth and reality. It's a cause-and-effect: because God is light, we can see light. This foundational truth about God's nature is reiterated in passages like 1 John 1:5, stating that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

Practical Application

Psalms 36:9 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today:

  1. Seek God as the Ultimate Source: When facing confusion, emptiness, or a lack of direction in life, remember that true life, purpose, and fulfillment are found only in God. Turn to Him as the ultimate spring of spiritual sustenance, rather than seeking fleeting satisfaction elsewhere.
  2. Rely on Divine Guidance: Do not trust solely in human reason or worldly wisdom for life's most important decisions. For true understanding and insight, especially concerning spiritual matters or life's deepest questions, we must rely on God's revelation through His Word and His Spirit.
  3. Walk in His Presence: Cultivating a continuous relationship with God means walking in His light. His presence dispels darkness, fear, and ignorance, bringing clarity, peace, and joy. Embracing His light allows us to perceive truth and navigate life's complexities with divine wisdom, much like Paul prayed for the Ephesians' eyes of understanding to be enlightened.
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Cross-References

  • John 8:12 (53 votes)

    ยถ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

  • John 4:14 (29 votes)

    But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

  • 1 John 1:7 (22 votes)

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • John 4:10 (22 votes)

    Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

  • Revelation 21:6 (13 votes)

    And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

  • John 7:37 (11 votes)

    ยถ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

  • John 7:39 (11 votes)

    (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)