Psalms 37:35 — Word Study
WLCרָ֭אִיתִי רָשָׁ֣ע עָרִ֑יץ וּ֝מִתְעָרֶ֗ה כְּאֶזְרָ֥ח רַעֲנָֽן׃
BSAI have seenrâʼâh■ [with my own eyes, observed] a wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, guilty of sin] ruthless manʻârîyts [inspiring fear, awe, human being, individual] flourishingraʻănân [prospering, thriving] like a well-rootedʻârâh [stable, firmly established] native treeʼezrâch [born in the land, indigenous, green and growing, luxuriant]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| רָ֭אִיתִי | I have seen | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| רָשָׁ֣ע | a wicked [person] | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| עָרִ֑יץ | ruthless | Adj |
| וּ֝מִתְעָרֶ֗ה | and spreading himself | Conjunction, verb hithpael participle (active) masculine singular |
| כְּאֶזְרָ֥ח | like a native tree | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| רַעֲנָֽן׃ | luxuriant | Adj |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, |
| KJV | I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. |
| ASV | I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil. |
| YLT | I have seen the wicked terrible, And spreading as a green native plant, |
| WEB | I have seen the wicked in great power, spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil. |
| BBE | I have seen the evil-doer in great power, covering the earth like a great tree. |
The translations agree on the depiction of the wicked man flourishing.
The verse presents a main observation followed by a participial phrase describing the state of the wicked man, with a simile enhancing the imagery.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbרָאָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 37:35
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Fate of the Wickedgenerated
Psalm 37:35 reflects on the observation of the psalmist regarding the flourishing of the wicked. This verse is situated within a broader context that contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, emphasizing that while the wicked may appear prosperous, their end will ultimately lead to destruction. The psalmist encourages the faithful to trust in the Lord and remain steadfast in their ways, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 73:3–11 | For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
| 2 | Esther 5:11 | Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. |
| 3 | Job 5:3 | I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed. |
| 4 | Job 21:7–17 | Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? |
| 5 | Isaiah 14:14–19 | I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — רָאָה, Ra.'i.tigenerated
The verb רָאָה (ra'ah) means 'to see' and encompasses a range of visual actions, from literal sight to figurative understanding. It is used here in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action: the psalmist has seen the wicked man flourishing.
This word carries a sense of personal observation, suggesting that the psalmist has witnessed this flourishing firsthand. The use of this verb emphasizes the reality of the wicked's temporary success, contrasting it with the eventual outcome of their lives.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree that the psalmist has seen a wicked man flourishing.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is רָ֭אִיתִי, I have seen, which governs the observation made by the psalmist. The structure includes a noun phrase as the object, describing the wicked man, and a prepositional phrase that elaborates on the comparison to a native tree.
The sentence is constructed to emphasize the psalmist's personal experience and observation, which lends weight to the assertion about the wicked man's flourishing.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates רָאָה as εἶδον, which also means 'I saw.' This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew meaning, maintaining the personal observation aspect of the psalmist's statement.
The Greek word used for 'wicked' is ἀσεβῆ, which carries a similar moral weight as the Hebrew, indicating someone who is ungodly or sinful.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 37:35 expresses the psalmist's observation of a wicked man who seems to thrive like a strong tree. This verse reminds the reader that despite the appearance of success, the wicked ultimately face judgment.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Flourishing refers to the wicked man's apparent prosperity and success in life, despite his moral failings.
This verse contrasts the temporary success of the wicked with the enduring fate of the righteous, who are encouraged to trust in the Lord.
The psalmist emphasizes his personal observation to lend credibility to his claims about the wicked's flourishing.
The tree symbolizes stability and strength, suggesting that the wicked may seem secure, but their end is ultimately destruction.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some examples of wickedness that you see flourishing in the world today?
- How can you remind yourself of the ultimate fate of the wicked when you see them prospering?
- In what ways can you encourage others to remain steadfast in their faith despite the apparent success of the wicked?
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of justice and prosperity?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the fate of the wicked and the nature of true righteousness. Their insights are provided here.
It is right and holy therefore, men and brethren, rather to obey God than to follow those who, through pride and sedition, have become the leaders of a detestable emulation.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Finally, listen to him saying: I saw the wicked one exalted and raised above the cedars of Lebanon. And I passed by, and behold, he was not.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
You see a cedar raised to a great height on the loftiest peak, yet it can be shattered by the wind; it can be burned down by fire; it can grow old and decay. Such are the rich in this world.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 37:35 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleI have seen the wicked in great power,.... Meaning some particular person invested with great power, in great authority among men, one of the spiritual wickednesses in high places; such a man as
Read John Gill on Psalms 37 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryI have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. I have ... great power - `in formidable power' [ `aariyts (H6184)] (cf. Job 5:3).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 37 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIn great power, or formidable; not only himself out of danger, as it seemed, but terrible to others. And spreading himself; and therefore firmly and deeply rooted. Like a green bay tree, which is continually green and flourishing, yea, even in the winter season. Or, like a green tree in its own native soil, where trees flourish much better than when they are transplanted into another soil.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 37 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.Ver. 35. I have seen the wicked in great power] Or, formidable to others; first, a terror, and, shortly after, a scorn. And spreading himself like a green bay tree] Or, cedars of Lebanon, as the Greek hath it, i.e. priding himself in his great prosperity.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 37 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(35) In great power.—Terrible, like a tyrant. Green bay tree.—The Hebrew word elsewhere implies a “native” as opposed to “a foreigner.” So here an indigenous tree. “It may be questioned whether any particular tree is intended by the psalmist; but if so, it must have been an evergreen, and may possibly be the Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis), which is a native of Palestine. We met with it near Hebron; on Mount Carmel in great plenty; on Tabor, and in various glades of Galilee and Gilead” (Tristram, Natural History of Bible, 338). The LXX. and Vulg., by slightly altering the text, have, “as cedars of Lebanon.”
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 37 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 35. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay-tree.] Does not this refer to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and to the vision he had of the great tree which was in the midst of the earth, the head of which reached up to heaven? See Daniel 4:10, &c.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 37 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleI have seen - I have had an opportunity, in my long life Psalms 37:25, of witnessing the accuracy of the statement just made, that a righteous man may live to see a confirmation of the truth that
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 37 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible35. Like a green bay tree—The word rendered “bay tree” means an indigenous, native born tree, one that has never been checked in its growth by transplanting or change of climate, hence vigorous, strong, and flourishing.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 37 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
I have seen the wicked in great power, spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
I have seen ruthless evil men growing in influence, like a green tree grows in its native soil.
Tyndale line
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
I haue seene the wicked strong, and spreading himselfe like a greene bay tree.
Strictly literal
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading like a green tree in its native soil:
I have seen the wicked terrible, And spreading as a green native plant,
I have seen the wicked terrible, || And spreading as a green native plant,
I have seen the wicked terrible in power, and striking root like a green tree in its native soil.
I have seen the wicked and terrifying person spread out like a green tree in its native soil.
Simplified
I have watched the wicked acting brutally, spreading like a large tree in its native land.
I have seen the evil-doer in great power, covering the earth like a great tree.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with five of the six words matched. The Septuagint's translation reflects the same essential meaning as the Hebrew text, though its word order differs.
רָ֭אִיתִי רָשָׁ֣ע עָרִ֑יץ וּ֝מִתְעָרֶ֗ה כְּאֶזְרָ֥ח רַעֲנָֽן׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 37:35
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
רָשָׁע (rasha`) refers to someone who is wicked or criminal, encompassing meanings such as guilty and ungodly. It is derived from a root that implies moral wrongdoing. The term is used to describe individuals who are hostile to God or guilty of sin against others.
רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal
base
H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal
7563 rasha` raw-shaw'
from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad
person:--+ condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did
wrong.
see HEBREW for 07561
רָשָׁע (ra.sah) — wicked.
1) wicked, criminal
1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst)
1b) wicked (hostile to God)
1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Adj — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
עָרִיץ (ariyts) describes something that is awe-inspiring or terror-stricken, with connotations of being powerful, ruthless, or tyrannical. It is built from the root associated with fearfulness and strength. The range of meanings includes mighty, oppressive, and violent, reflecting a sense of great power.
עָרִיץ adj. awe-inspiring, terror-stricken
base
H6184 עָרִיץ awe-inspiring, terror-stricken
6184 `ariyts aw-reets'
from 6206; fearful, i.e. powerful or tyrannical:--mighty,
oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent.
see HEBREW for 06206
עָרִיץ (a.rits) — ruthless.
awe-inspiring, terror-striking, awesome, terrifying, ruthless, mighty
Adj — AdjHAamsa
עָרָה (arah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be naked or bare, and it encompasses a range of actions including uncovering, emptying, and pouring out. It appears in various forms, such as making oneself naked or laying bare by removing contents. Notably, it can also refer to sexual offenses. The word is used in contexts that suggest exposure or destitution.
[עָרָה] vb. be naked, bare
Pi.
lay bare
lay bare by removing contents, empty, water-jar
pour out
Hiph.
make naked, of sexual offences
pour out
Niph. until there be poured upon us a spirit from on high
Hithp.
thou shalt make thyself naked
usu. pouring himself, i.e. spreading himself out like a tree
base
H6168 עָרָה be naked, bare . . lay bare
. lay bare by removing contents, empty, water-jar
. pour out
. . make naked, of sexual offences
. pour out
. until there be poured upon us a spirit from on high
. . thou shalt make thyself naked
. usu. pouring himself, i.e. spreading himself out like a tree
6168 `arah aw-raw'
a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to
empty, pour out, demolish:--leave destitute, discover, empty,
make naked, pour (out), rase, spread self, uncover.
עָרָה (a.rah) — to uncover.
1) to be bare, be nude, uncover, leave destitute, discover, empty, raze, pour out
1a) (Piel)
1a1) to bare, lay bare
1a2) to lay bare by emptying, empty
1a3) to pour out
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to make naked, strip bare (of sexual offences)
1b2) to pour out
1c) (Niphal) to be poured out, be exposed
1d) (Hithpael)
1d1) to expose oneself, make oneself naked
1d2) pouring oneself, spreading oneself (participle)
Conj | V-Hithpael — Conjunction · verb hithpael participle (active) masculine singularHC/Vtrmsa
אֶזְרָח (ezrach) refers to a native, someone or something that arises from the soil, indicating a sense of belonging to a place. It can describe native Israelites or trees that are indigenous to Israel. The word is built from the concept of spontaneous growth, as noted in the entries.
אֶזְרָח n.m. a native (one arising from the soil = ‘free tribesman’)
base
H249 אֶזְרָח a native (one arising from the soil = ‘free tribesman’)
249 'ezrach ez-rawkh'
from 2224 (in the sense of springing up); a spontaneous
growth, i.e. native (tree or persons):--bay tree, (home-)born
(in the land), of the (one's own) country (nation).
see HEBREW for 02224
אֶזְרָח (ez.rach) — born.
1) a native (one rising from the soil)
1a) of man, native Israelites
1b) of tree, native (to Israel)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
The Hebrew word רָעַן (*ra`an*) is a verb meaning to be or grow luxuriant, fresh, or green, while רַעֲנָן (*ra`anan*) is an adjective describing something as luxuriant or fresh. It is derived from an unused root meaning to be green and can also imply prosperity. The verb appears in Job 15:32.
[רָעַן] vb. only Pa‛lel be or grow luxuriant, fresh, green;—Jb 15:32
ref
רַעֲנָן adj. luxuriant, fresh
base
H7488a רָעַן only Pa‛lal be or grow luxuriant, fresh, green H7488b רַעֲנָן luxuriant, fresh
7488 ra`anan rah-an-awn'
from an unused root meaning to be green; verdant; by analogy,
new; figuratively, prosperous:--green, flourishing.
רָעַן (ra.an) — be fresh.
v
(Palel) to be or grow luxuriant or fresh or green
רַעֲנָן (ra.a.nan) — luxuriant.
adj
luxuriant, fresh
Aramaic equivalent: ra.a.nan (רַעֲנַן "luxuriant" H7487)
Adj — AdjHAamsa