Psalms 1:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְֽהָיָ֗ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כְּעֵץ֮
H6086
And he shall be like a tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#3
שָׁת֪וּל
H8362
planted
to transplant
#4
עַֽל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
פַּלְגֵ֫י
H6388
by the rivers
a rill (i.e., small channel of water, as in irrigation)
#6
מָ֥יִם
H4325
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
פִּרְי֨וֹ׀
H6529
his fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#9
יִתֵּ֬ן
H5414
that bringeth forth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
בְּעִתּ֗וֹ
H6256
in his season
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#11
וְעָלֵ֥הוּ
H5929
his leaf
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
#12
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יִבּ֑וֹל
H5034
also shall not wither
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
#14
וְכֹ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
H6213
and whatsoever he doeth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
יַצְלִֽיחַ׃
H6743
shall prosper
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection