Bible Strands
Psalms 37:35
I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the community of Israel, contrasting the temporary prosperity of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of those who trust God. This observation occurs within a wisdom psalm urging patience and righteous conduct amid perceived injustice.
The words — The Hebrew verb רָאִיתִי (Ra.'i.ti) literally means "I have seen," establishing the psalmist's direct observation. It is paired with רָשָׁע (ra.Sha'), translated here as "a wicked [person]," to identify the subject of the vision.
The thread — This motif of observing the wicked's apparent success appears in Job 21:7 and Psalm 73:3, where similar experiences provoke envy or questioning. The psalmist later notes in Psalm 37:36 that the observed figure ultimately vanishes without trace.
Why it lands — The verse demands acknowledgment that earthly prosperity does not guarantee divine favor or permanent security. It requires the reader to suspend immediate judgment and wait for the stated outcome.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Cross-references
- Job 5:3 I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed.
- Job 21:7 Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?
- Psalms 73:3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
- 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.
- Job 8:13 Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish.
- Isaiah 14:14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
- Ezekiel 31:6 All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.
- Ezekiel 31:18 Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”
- Daniel 4:20 The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth,