Psalm 1:3
New International Version
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

New Living Translation
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

English Standard Version
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

New American Standard Bible
He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

NASB 1995
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

NASB 1977
And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Amplified Bible
And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].

Christian Standard Bible
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

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.

Contemporary English Version
They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He is like a tree planted beside streams- a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.

Good News Translation
They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.

International Standard Version
He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither. He will prosper in everything he does.

Majority 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.

NET Bible
He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.

New Heart English Bible
He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he doeth shall prosper.

World English Bible
He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he has been as a tree, "" Planted by streams of water, "" That gives its fruit in its season, "" And its leaf does not wither, "" And all that he does he causes to prosper.

Young's Literal Translation
And he hath been as a tree, Planted by rivulets of water, That giveth its fruit in its season, And its leaf doth not wither, And all that he doth he causeth to prosper.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he was as a tree planted by the streams of water which will give its fruit in its time; his leaf shall not fall away, and all which he shall do shall be prospered.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whosoever he shall do shall prosper.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he will be like a tree that has been planted beside running waters, which will provide its fruit in its time, and its leaf will not fall away, and all things whatsoever that he does will prosper.

New American Bible
He is like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever he does prospers.

New Revised Standard Version
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he shall be like a tree planted by a stream of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaves fall not off; and whatsoever he begins he accomplishes.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He will be like a tree planted upon a stream of waters, it gives its fruit in its time, his leaves will not wither; all that he does he accomplishes.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, And whose leaf doth not wither; And in whatsoever he doeth he shall prosper.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he shall be as a tree planted by the brooks of waters, which shall yield its fruit in its season, and its leaf shall not fall off; and whatsoever he shall do shall be prospered.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD Blesses Job
2But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. 3He 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. 4Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.

John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

Ezekiel 47:12
Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.”

Matthew 7:17-18
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

Revelation 22:1-2
Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb / down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

Colossians 1:10
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Isaiah 61:3
to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

Matthew 13:23
But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.”

Hosea 14:5-6
I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon. / His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Philippians 1:11
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Psalm 92:12-14
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,


Treasury of Scripture

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

tree

Job 14:9
Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

Isaiah 44:4
And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

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.

bringeth

Psalm 92:14
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Matthew 21:34,41
And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it…

shall not

Isaiah 27:11
When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

Matthew 13:6
And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

Matthew 21:19
And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

wither.

Psalm 128:2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Psalm 129:8
Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.

Genesis 39:3,23
And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand…

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Psalm 1
1. The happiness of the godly
4. The unhappiness of the ungodly














He is like a tree
The imagery of a tree is a powerful symbol in biblical literature, representing life, growth, and stability. In Hebrew, the word for tree is "עֵץ" (etz), which is often used to signify strength and endurance. Trees are deeply rooted, drawing sustenance from the earth, much like a righteous person draws spiritual nourishment from God. This metaphor suggests that a person who delights in the law of the Lord is firmly established and resilient, able to withstand life's challenges.

planted by streams of water
The phrase "planted by streams of water" evokes the image of a tree intentionally placed in a location where it can thrive. The Hebrew word for "planted" is "שָׁתוּל" (shatul), indicating a deliberate act of positioning. This suggests that the righteous are not left to chance but are purposefully situated by God in environments where they can flourish. The "streams of water" symbolize the constant and life-giving presence of God's Word and Spirit, providing the necessary resources for spiritual growth and vitality.

yielding its fruit in season
The concept of yielding fruit "in season" highlights the natural and timely productivity of a life rooted in God. The Hebrew word for "yielding" is "יִתֵּן" (yitten), which implies giving or producing. This suggests that a righteous person will naturally produce good works and virtues at the appropriate time, as a result of their connection to God. The idea of "in season" underscores the importance of patience and timing in the spiritual life, recognizing that growth and fruitfulness occur according to God's perfect timing.

whose leaf does not wither
The phrase "whose leaf does not wither" speaks to the enduring vitality and resilience of the righteous. In Hebrew, "wither" is "יִבּוֹל" (yibbol), which means to fade or decay. This imagery suggests that those who are rooted in God remain vibrant and alive, even in adverse conditions. The unfading leaf symbolizes the perpetual freshness and vigor of a life sustained by God's presence, contrasting with the temporary and fragile nature of worldly pursuits.

and who prospers in all he does
The final phrase, "and who prospers in all he does," conveys the idea of success and well-being in every aspect of life. The Hebrew word for "prospers" is "יַצְלִיחַ" (yatsliach), which means to succeed or thrive. This prosperity is not merely material but encompasses spiritual and moral dimensions, reflecting a life aligned with God's will. The assurance of prosperity in all endeavors underscores the comprehensive blessing that comes from living a life rooted in God's Word and guided by His principles.

(3) And he.--Better, So is he. For the image so forcible in an Eastern clime, where vegetation depends on proximity to a stream, comp. Psalm 52:8; Psalm 92:12; Isaiah 44:4; and its development in Jeremiah 17:7-8. The full moral bearing of the image appears in our Lord's parabolic saying, "a good tree cannot bring forth corrupt fruit, nor an evil tree good fruit." The physical growth of a tree has in all poetry served as a ready emblem of success, as its decay has of failure. (Recall Wolsey's comment on his fall in Shakespeare's Henry VIII.) Nor has the moral significance of vegetable life been ignored. "If," says a German poet, "thou wouldest attain to thy highest, go look upon a flower, and what that does unconsciously do thou consciously." In Hebrew poetry a moral purpose is given to the grass on the mountain side and the flower in the field, and we are taught that "there is not a virtue within the widest range of human conduct, not a grace set on high for man's aspiration, which has not its fitting emblem in vegetable life."--Bible Educator, ii, p. 179.

For the general comparison of a righteous man to a tree, comp. Psalm 3:8 (the olive), Psalm 128:3 (vine); Hosea 14:6 (olive and cedar). Naturally the actual kind of tree in the poet's thought interests us. The oleander suggested by Dean Stanley (Sinai and Palestine, 146), though answering the description in many ways, fails from its want of fruit to satisfy the principal condition. For, as Bishop Hall says, "Look where you will in God's Book, you shall never find any lively member of God's house, any true Christian, compared to any but a fruitful tree." Probably the palm meets all the conditions best. (Comp. Psalm 92:12.) . . .

Verse 3. - And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. The comparison of a man to a. tree is frequent in the Book of Job (Job 8:16, 17; 14:7-10; 15:32, 33, etc.), and occurs once in the Pentateuch (Numbers 24:6). We find it again in Psalm 92:12-14, and frequently in the prophets. The "rivers of water" spoken of (פַּלְגַ־מָיִם) are undoubtedly the "streams" (Revised Version) or "canals of irrigation" so common both in Egypt and in Babylonia, by which fruit trees were planted, as especially date-palms, which need the vicinity of water. That such planting of trees by the waterside was known to the Israelites is evident, both from this passage and from several others, as Numbers 24:6; Ecclesiastes 2:5; Jeremiah 17:8; Ezekiel 17:5, 8, etc. It is misplaced ingenuity to attempt to decide what particular tree the writer had in his mind, whether the palm, or the oleander, or any other, since he may not have been thinking of any particular tree. That bringeth forth his fruit in his season. Therefore not the oleander, which has no fruit, and is never planted in the East, but grows naturally along the courses of streams. His leaf also shall not wither. Compare the contrary threat of Isaiah against the wicked of his time, "Ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water" (Isaiah 1:30). And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper; rather, perhaps, in whatsoever he doeth he shall prosper.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He is
וְֽהָיָ֗ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

like a tree
כְּעֵץ֮ (kə·‘êṣ)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

planted
שָׁת֪וּל (šā·ṯūl)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 8362: To transplant

by
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

streams
פַּלְגֵ֫י (pal·ḡê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6388: A channel, canal

of water,
מָ֥יִם (mā·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

yielding
יִתֵּ֬ן (yit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

its fruit
פִּרְי֨וֹ ׀ (pir·yōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6529: Fruit

in season,
בְּעִתּ֗וֹ (bə·‘it·tōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

whose leaf
וְעָלֵ֥הוּ (wə·‘ā·lê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5929: A leaf, foliage

does not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

wither,
יִבּ֑וֹל (yib·bō·wl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5034: To wilt, to fall away, fail, faint, to be foolish, wicked, to despise, disgrace

and
וְכֹ֖ל (wə·ḵōl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who prospers
יַצְלִֽיחַ׃ (yaṣ·lî·aḥ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6743: To push forward

in all he does.
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make


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OT Poetry: Psalm 1:3 He will be like a tree planted (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 1:2
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