Psalms 37:35
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Original Language Analysis
רָ֭אִיתִי
I have seen
H7200
רָ֭אִיתִי
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
רָשָׁ֣ע
the wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֣ע
the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 6
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וּ֝מִתְעָרֶ֗ה
and spreading
H6168
וּ֝מִתְעָרֶ֗ה
and spreading
Strong's:
H6168
Word #:
4 of 6
to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish
Cross References
Job 5:3I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.Ezekiel 31:18To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.Esther 5:11And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel witnessed powerful tyrants—Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar—whose empires seemed unshakeable. David himself watched Saul's royal power for years. Roman power appeared eternal in Jesus's day. Yet every earthly empire mentioned in Scripture has fallen, confirming this wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- Which contemporary prospering evildoers most challenge your faith in divine justice?
- How does this verse validate honest questioning about why the wicked prosper temporarily?
- What does it mean to see temporal success clearly without letting it define ultimate reality?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have seen the wicked in great power (רָאִיתִי רָשָׁע עָרִיץ, ra'iti rasha 'aritz)—Aritz means terrifying, ruthless, tyrannical. And spreading himself like a green bay tree (וּמִתְעָרֶה כְּאֶזְרָח רַעֲנָן, u-mitra'eh ke-ezrach ra'anan)—Ezrach is a native-born tree, deeply rooted; ra'anan means green, luxuriant, thriving.
David uses vivid natural imagery for the wicked's apparent success. The spreading tree suggests unchallenged growth, deep roots, vibrant health—everything seeming permanent. This creates dramatic tension: how can we trust God's justice when evil so obviously prospers? David names reality honestly, but verse 36 will reveal shocking impermanence.