Psalms 92:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall still bring forth fruit {H5107}{H8799)} in old age {H7872}; they shall be fat {H1879} and flourishing {H7488};

Complete Jewish Bible

Even in old age they will be vigorous, still full of sap, still bearing fruit,

Berean Standard Bible

In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,

American Standard Version

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and green:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 92:14, situated within a psalm that exalts God's righteous character and the enduring nature of His faithful, vividly proclaims the sustained vitality and spiritual fruitfulness of those deeply rooted in the Lord's presence. It paints a compelling picture of believers who, even in advanced years, continue to thrive, bearing abundant spiritual fruit and remaining robustly vigorous, serving as a powerful testament to God's unfailing faithfulness and their profound, abiding connection to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 92 is uniquely designated "A Song for the Sabbath day," indicating its intended use in worship and its profound focus on God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness, particularly as manifested in creation and His dealings with humanity. The psalm commences with an earnest invitation to praise God for His magnificent works and unwavering faithfulness (verses 1-5). It then establishes a stark contrast between the fleeting prosperity and ultimate destruction of the wicked and the enduring strength and flourishing of the righteous (verses 6-9). This foundational contrast meticulously prepares the reader for the rich imagery of the righteous, who are likened to majestic, flourishing trees—specifically the palm and the cedar of Lebanon—firmly "planted in the house of the Lord" (verses 12-13). Verse 14 serves as a powerful culmination of this botanical metaphor, emphatically stating that the vitality and productivity of the righteous do not diminish with the passage of time but persist and even intensify into old age, ultimately serving to declare God's unimpeachable righteousness (verse 15). The psalm thus seamlessly transitions from a general hymn of praise to a specific, deeply personal application, illuminating the blessed and enduring outcome for those who remain steadfastly faithful.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, "old age" (Hebrew, _sêybâh_) was generally esteemed as a profound blessing and a clear indication of God's favor, often associated with accumulated wisdom, profound respect, and a life lived in accordance with divine principles. However, it was also universally understood to bring the natural decline of physical strength and productivity. The imagery employed in the psalm, particularly that of the palm tree and the cedar of Lebanon, carries significant cultural weight. Date palm trees were celebrated for their extraordinary longevity, often living for over a century, and their remarkable ability to bear fruit continuously, providing essential sustenance even in their advanced years. Cedars of Lebanon, conversely, were revered for their immense stature, deeply entrenched root systems, unparalleled durability, and majestic beauty, symbolizing unwavering strength, permanence, and regal splendor. The phrase "planted in the house of the Lord" would immediately evoke the sacred temple courts, a consecrated space of divine presence, intimate communion, and abundant provision, thereby signifying a deep, intimate, and sustained relationship with God. The Sabbath context further underscores the theme of resting in God's completed work and the sustained blessing that flows from His sovereign provision, rather than from human striving or effort.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly enriches several pivotal themes interwoven throughout Psalms 92 and the broader collection of the Psalter. Foremost, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Sustenance**, unequivocally demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to nourish, uphold, and empower His people, ensuring their spiritual vitality endures through every season of life. It also starkly highlights the **Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked**, a pervasive motif within the Psalms, where the temporary, fleeting success of the ungodly is sharply juxtaposed with the lasting prosperity, profound blessing, and enduring fruitfulness of those who place their trust implicitly in the Lord, as vividly portrayed in [Psalms 1](/psalms/1 "Psalms 1 - The Two Ways of Life"). Furthermore, the verse intricately develops the theme of **Spiritual Fruitfulness**, portraying a life that consistently yields good works, profound wisdom, and a powerful, living testimony to God's righteous character, even as physical strength naturally wanes. This concept of enduring fruitfulness is beautifully echoed in other wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 11:30](/proverbs/11-30 "Proverbs 11:30 - The Fruit of the Righteous"). The evocative imagery of being "fat and flourishing" speaks to a holistic well-being and abundance, transcending mere material wealth to encompass a robust spiritual and emotional health that emanates directly from a deep, abiding connection to the divine source of all life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring forth fruit (Hebrew, _nûwb'_):** From H5107, a primitive root meaning "to germinate," or figuratively, "to flourish." It also carries the sense of "to utter" (of words), "make cheerful," or "increase." In this context, it signifies active, continuous spiritual productivity and the generation of spiritual good, much like a healthy tree consistently yielding its produce. It implies a sustained output of wisdom, good deeds, and a vibrant testimony.
* **old age (Hebrew, _sêybâh'_):** From H7872, a feminine noun meaning "old age," or "gray (hoary) hairs." This term refers to the natural progression of life into advanced years, typically associated with physical decline. The psalm's use of this word highlights the extraordinary nature of the promise: spiritual vitality and fruitfulness persist even when physical vigor diminishes.
* **fat (Hebrew, _dâshên'_):** From H1879, meaning "fat"; figuratively, "rich" or "fertile." This word carries connotations of richness, abundance, and being well-nourished. It is often used in contexts of fertile ground or the richness of offerings. Here, it signifies a state of being spiritually well-fed, robust, and full of vigor, indicating a thriving spiritual condition that defies the typical decline associated with aging.
* **flourishing (Hebrew, _raʻănân'_):** From H7488, meaning "verdant," "new," or figuratively, "prosperous." This term literally means "fresh," "green," or "vigorous," frequently used to describe lush, verdant vegetation. When applied to people, it suggests a vibrant, youthful energy and an absence of decay or dryness. Combined with "fat," it paints a vivid picture of sustained spiritual vigor, freshness, and continuous productivity, irrespective of chronological age.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;":** This clause presents a profound and counter-intuitive promise. "They" refers to the righteous, specifically those who are "planted in the house of the Lord" (verse 13). The phrase "bring forth fruit" denotes active spiritual productivity, positive impact, and good works, mirroring a tree yielding its harvest. The critical addition "in old age" directly challenges the natural expectation of physical and productive decline, asserting that spiritual usefulness and vitality will not wane with physical aging. Instead, accumulated wisdom, rich experience, and deepened faith can paradoxically lead to even greater spiritual output and influence.
* **"they shall be fat and flourishing;":** This second clause describes the remarkable *condition* of the righteous who continue to bear fruit. "Fat" (dâshên) indicates a state of spiritual richness, abundance, and being profoundly nourished by God's constant presence and generous provision. "Flourishing" (raʻănân) powerfully reinforces this, portraying them as perpetually fresh, vibrant, and vigorous, akin to a perpetually green and thriving tree. This potent imagery emphasizes a robust, healthy, and vibrant spiritual life that remarkably defies the typical signs of physical decay, serving as a compelling demonstration of God's sustaining power and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 92:14 masterfully employs powerful **Metaphor** and vivid **Imagery** to convey its profound message. The righteous are implicitly compared to the long-lived palm trees and majestic cedars of Lebanon, previously mentioned in verses 12-13, renowned for their longevity, deep roots, and continuous fruitfulness. This extended metaphor brilliantly highlights the enduring spiritual vitality and unwavering stability of those who are deeply rooted in God. The specific imagery of being "fat and flourishing" evokes a rich sensory experience of lushness, abundance, and vibrant health, standing in stark **Contrast** to the common perception of old age as a period of inevitable decline and diminished capacity. The verse also subtly utilizes **Hyperbole** by suggesting a level of sustained vigor that defies natural human experience, thereby emphasizing the supernatural nature of God's sustaining power. This vivid and evocative language serves to deepen the theological truth that God's unwavering faithfulness sustains His people in a way that transcends and even defies natural limitations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 92:14 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to sustain, nourish, and empower His faithful people throughout every stage of their lives, irrespective of chronological age. It reveals a foundational truth: spiritual vitality is not contingent upon physical strength or youthful vigor, but rather on a deep, abiding, and intimate connection to God, who is the ultimate and inexhaustible source of all life and nourishment. This verse powerfully challenges the prevalent notion that one's period of usefulness or capacity for divine service diminishes with age, instead affirming that a life deeply rooted in divine truth will continue to yield abundant spiritual fruit, profound wisdom, and a vibrant testimony. It speaks to the holistic well-being—encompassing spiritual, emotional, and even physical dimensions—that God graciously bestows upon those who remain steadfast in their devotion, reflecting His immutable character as a faithful provider and sustainer of life in all its fullness.

* [Psalms 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalms 1:3 - The Blessed Man Like a Tree Planted by Streams")
* [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7-8 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - Trust in the Lord, Like a Tree by Water")
* [Isaiah 40:30-31](/isaiah/40-30-31 "Isaiah 40:30-31 - Renewed Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 92:14 offers profound encouragement and a powerful, counter-cultural vision for every believer, especially those who may feel that their most productive years of service are behind them, or those who fear the diminishing returns of aging. It serves as a vital reminder that our capacity for spiritual contribution, continued growth, and impactful influence is not inherently limited by our physical age or the natural processes of aging. On the contrary, a life deeply rooted in God's abiding presence, consistently nourished by His unchanging truth, and perpetually sustained by His indwelling Spirit, can paradoxically lead to an increase in wisdom, grace, and effectiveness, enabling us to continue bearing rich fruit for His kingdom throughout our entire lives. This verse issues a compelling call to cultivate a lifelong, intimate, and dependent relationship with God, trusting implicitly that He will faithfully sustain our spiritual vigor. This divine sustenance empowers us to remain vibrant witnesses to His goodness, power, and faithfulness, even as our physical bodies naturally age. Ultimately, it challenges us to redefine "old age" not as a period of inevitable decline or irrelevance, but as a season potentially rich with accumulated wisdom, deepened faith, and continued spiritual productivity, all for the greater glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "fat and flourishing" challenge your preconceived notions about aging and spiritual usefulness within the church or in your personal life?**
* **In what practical and profound ways can believers, particularly in their later years, continue to "bring forth fruit" for God's kingdom and demonstrate His faithfulness?**
* **What specific spiritual practices or attitudes can you cultivate to ensure you remain "planted in the house of the Lord," thereby experiencing sustained spiritual vitality throughout your life's journey?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to view and value the accumulated wisdom, rich experience, and ongoing spiritual contributions of older believers in your community and beyond?**

### FAQ
**Does "fat and flourishing" imply material wealth or physical health?**

Answer: While the Hebrew terms "fat" (dâshên) and "flourishing" (raʻănân) can, in certain biblical contexts, encompass aspects of physical well-being and even material prosperity, in Psalms 92:14, the primary and overarching emphasis is on spiritual vitality, abundance, and vigor. "Fat" signifies being profoundly well-nourished and robust in a holistic sense, which often extends to spiritual richness. "Flourishing" speaks to a continuous state of freshness, vitality, and ongoing growth, much like a healthy, verdant plant. Therefore, while God's comprehensive blessing can certainly include physical health and provision, the core message here is about a thriving spiritual condition that remarkably defies the natural decline associated with old age. This spiritual robustness enables sustained fruitfulness and a powerful, living testimony to God's unwavering faithfulness. This spiritual richness is the true "fatness" and "flourishing" promised to the righteous, as clearly seen in the broader context of the psalm's stark contrast between the enduring righteous and the fleeting, temporary prosperity of the wicked.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 92:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very essence and true source of all spiritual life and enduring fruitfulness. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser," instructing His disciples, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me" ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in the Vine")). The enduring fruitfulness promised to the righteous in Psalms 92 is not merely an aspiration but a glorious reality for believers through their vital union with Christ and the transformative indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is by His inexhaustible life flowing through us that we are empowered to "still bring forth fruit in old age," as the Spirit graciously enables us for renewed service, profound wisdom, and sacrificial love, even when physical strength naturally wanes ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). The promise of being "fat and flourishing" points directly to the abundant life that Christ came to bestow ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), a life characterized by deep spiritual health, vibrant vigor, and an unwavering testimony to God's righteousness. This life is fully rooted in the finished work of the Lamb of God, who was planted in the earth, died for our sins, and rose again to grant us eternal life and newness of life in Him ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). Thus, the psalm's vision of enduring vitality and flourishing is ultimately a magnificent reflection of Christ's own inexhaustible life and His divine power to sustain His people through every season and circumstance.

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

Isaiah 46:4

And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.

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.

Philippians 1:11

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

John 15:2

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Psalms 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.