Preface: Psalm 1 simply contrasts the way of the wicked and the righteous; and tells us how this all ends. The key to the life of the righteous is Bible doctrine.

The Bible Summary of Psalm 1 (in 140 characters or less): Blessed is the man who does not walk with the wicked, whose delight is in the law of the LORD. He is like a tree planted by the water.

There are many chapter commentaries on the book of Psalm. This will be the most extensive examination of Psalm 1, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text. Every attempt has been made to make this both a complete and self-contained study. Therefore, all references, vocabulary, and related concepts should be found within this extensive study. Easy access links to more in-depth studies of some vocabulary words, concepts and doctrines are also provided.

Outline of Chapter 1:

Introduction

         vv.     1–

         vv. 

         vv. 

         vv. 

         vv. 

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Psalm 1 (by various commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Psalm 1 (various commentators)

         Introduction         The Occasion of Psalm 1

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Psalm 1

         Introduction         The Prequel of Psalm 1

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Principals of Psalm 1

         Introduction         The Places of Psalm 1

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Psalm 1

         Introduction         Outlines of Psalm 1 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         929 Synopsis of Psalm 1 (Rabbi Dr. David Z. Moster)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Psalm 1 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction         The Headlines of Modern Translation for Psalm 1

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions (for Psalm 1)

         Introduction 

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Psalm 1 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Psalm 1

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Psalm 1

         Summary 

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Psalm 1

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Psalm 1

         Addendum          Word Cloud from a Reasonably Literal Paraphrase of Psalm 1

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Psalm 1

         Addendum 

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An Introduction to Psalm 1

I ntroduction: Psalm 1 is the ideal psalm with which to begin the book of Psalms. It is all about the righteous versus the wicked, the way of the righteous versus the way of the unrighteous; and the end of the malevolent as over against the future of the righteous man.

Interestingly enough, even though there is a contrast set up between the two types of men, there is nothing which clearly delineates the original choice which separates each man. That is, the righteous man has believed in the Revealed God (or Jesus Christ in the New Testament) and the unrighteous man has not.

This is an unusually short psalm, 6 verses in all.

We do not know who wrote this psalm, as no one’s name is affixed to it. David wrote at least 37 of Book One of the Psalms (Psalm 1–41). His name is not found in the superscription for Psalms 1,2, 10 or 33. This does not mean that he is therefore excluded from writing this psalm; it simply means that he is not specifically identified. Others have suggested the Ezra or Jeremiah wrote this psalm. Ezra is thought to have organized the psalms into a group; and therefore, some have suggested that he was so inspired to write this psalm. I don’t know the reasoning behind Jeremiah writing this psalm.

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Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       Note: I compare the Hebrew text to English translations of the Latin, Syriac (= Aramaic) and Greek texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation; George Lamsa’s translation, and Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton’s translation as revised and edited by Paul W. Esposito, respectively. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.). I often use the text of the Complete Apostles’ Bible instead of Brenton’s translation, because it updates the English text.

The Septuagint was the earliest known translation of a book (circa 200 b.c.). Since this translation was made before the textual criticism had been developed into a science and because different books appear to be translated by different men, the Greek translation can sometimes be very uneven.

When there are serious disparities between my translation and Brenton’s (or the text of the Complete Apostles’ Bible), I look at the Greek text of the Septuagint (the LXX) to see if a substantive difference actually exists (and I reflect these changes in the English rendering of the Greek text). I use the Greek LXX with Strong’s numbers and morphology available for e-sword. The only problem with this resource (which is a problem for similar resources) is, there is no way to further explore Greek verbs which are not found in the New Testament. Although I usually quote the Complete Apostles’ Bible here, I have begun to make changes in the translation when their translation conflicts with the Greek and note what those changes are.

The Masoretic text is the Hebrew text with all of the vowels (vowel points) inserted (the original Hebrew text lacked vowels). We take the Masoretic text to be the text closest to the original. However, differences between the Masoretic text and the Greek, Latin and Syriac are worth noting and, once in a great while, represent a more accurate text possessed by those other ancient translators.

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The comparisons which I do are primarily between the English translations which are taken from the ancient tongues. For the most part, the variances are so minor that I rarely investigate them any further than that.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Bracketed portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls are words, letters and phrases lost in the scroll due to various types of damage. Underlined words or phrases are those in the Dead Sea Scrolls but not in the Masoretic text.

I will only list the translation from the Dead Sea Scrolls if it exists and if it is different from the Masoretic text.

The Targum of Onkelos is actually the Pentateuchal Targumim, which are The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan Ben Uzziel. On the Pentateuch With The Fragments of the Jerusalem Targum From the Chaldee by J. W. Etheridge, M.A. From http://www.becomingjewish.org/texts/targum/onkelos_Psalm.html and first published in 1862.

Occasionally, there is an obvious error in the English translation, and I correct those without additional mention or footnoting. For instance, the online version of the Targum of Onkelos which I use has gorund in Ex. 4:9; I simply corrected the text. This may occur once or twice in a chapter.

I attempt to include translations which are different in their vocabulary and phrasing. On many occasions, I may include a translation which is not substantially different than another listed translation.

Most of the translations can be found here.

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text (Hebrew)        Blessings to the man who has not walked in the counsel of malevolent ones; and in the way of sinners he has not stood; and in a seat of scoffers he has not sat. For if in the torah of Y^ehowah [is] his delight; and in His torah he speaks [quietly to himself] day and night.

Dead Sea Scrolls                   .

Targum (Onkelos)                  . Translation for Onkelos and Pseudo-Jonathan by J. W. Etheridge, M.A. (1862).

Targum (Pseudo-Jonathan)   .

Jerusalem targum                  .

The Psalms Targum              Happy the man who has not walked in the council of the wicked, or stood in the paths of sinners, or taken a seat in the band of mockers.

Instead his pleasure is in the law of the Lord, and in his Torah he meditates day and night.

Updated Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence:

But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Aramaic ESV of Peshitta        .

Lamsa’s Peshitta (Syriac)     Blessed is the man that walks not in the way of the evil and does not stand in the counsel of sinners and does not sit on the seat of mockers.

But his pleasure is in the Law of LORD JEHOVAH, and in his Law he will meditate day and night.

Original Aramaic Psalms        Blessed is the man that walks not in the way of the evil and does not stand in the counsel of sinners and does not sit on the seat of mockers.

But his pleasure is in the Law of Lord Jehovah and in his Law he will meditate day and night.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic T.     .

Updated Brenton (Greek)       Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of evil men.

But his pleasure is in the law of the Lord; and in His law will he meditate day and night.

Significant differences:           The Aramaic has way rather than counsel in the first phrase. This is reversed in the second phase.

In the third phrase, the Latin has pestilence rather than mockers. That is an odd difference.

In the first phrase of v. 2, the Latin has will rather than desire, pleasure; but there is not a great distance between them.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Happy is the man who does not go in the company of sinners, or take his place in the way of evil-doers, or in the seat of those who do not give honour to the Lord. 

But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and whose mind is on his law day and night.

Easy English                          The two paths

If someone does not do what wicked people tell him to do,

if he does not join with sinners,

if he does not meet with those who laugh at God,

God has blessed that person!

He is happy when he obeys the Law of the Lord.

Easy-to-Read Version–2001  .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Great blessings belong to those who don't listen to evil advice, who don't live like sinners, and who don't join those who make fun of God.

Instead, they love the LORD'S teachings and think about them day and night.

God’s Word™                         Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers.

Rather, he delights in the teachings of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God.

Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night.

The Message                         How well God must like you—

you don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats,

you don’t stand with the good-for-nothings,

you don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls. Most translations place vv. 1&2 together; but the Message combines vv. 2&3.

Names of God Bible               .

NIRV                                      BOOK I

Psalms 1–41

Psalm 1

Blessed is the person who obeys the law of the Lord.

They don’t follow the advice of evil people.

They don’t make a habit of doing what sinners do.

They don’t join those who make fun of the Lord and his law.

Instead, the law of the Lord gives them joy.

They think about his law day and night.

New Simplified Bible              Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful mockers. But his delight is in the law of Jehovah (YHWH), and on his law he meditates (ponders) (speaks softly with deep thought) (studies) (contemplates) day and night.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible             BOOK 1, PSALMS 1-41

PSALM 1

HAPPY PEOPLE FOLLOW THE LORD

There’s happy and there’s sad

Good people are happy and blessed

Because they ignore advice of bad people,

They don’t hang out with sinners,

And they don’t insult others.

Instead, they love the LORD’s teachings.

They think of his teachings all the time.

College Press paraphrase     .

Contemporary English V.       God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won't follow sinners or join in sneering at God.

Instead, the Law of the LORD makes them happy, and they think about it day and night.

The Living Bible                     Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Life Version                    The Difference between Good and Sinful People

Happy is the man who does not walk in the way sinful men tell him to, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit with those who laugh at the truth. But he finds joy in the Law of the Lord and thinks about His Law day and night.

New Living Translation           Book one (Psalms 1–41)

Psalm 1

Oh, the joys of those who do not

follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

The Passion Translation        Book 1

The Genesis Psalms

Psalms of man and creation

^[a] The Tree of Life

What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways!^[b]

He won’t walk in step with the wicked,

nor share the sinner’s way,

nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat.

His passion is to remain true to the Word of “I AM,”

meditating day and night^[c] on the true revelation of light.^[d]

                                               a.      1 Although we cannot be sure, it is possible that Ezra compiled the Psalms and wrote Ps. 1 as an “introduction” to the Psalter. Others believe Ps. 1 was written by David or Jeremiah.

                                               b.      1:1 Psalm 1 is the contrast of those who follow God’s ways with those who choose their own path. Read through this psalm with the purpose of learning how to live with God in the first place.

                                               c.      1:2 To meditate on the revelation of light day and night means to meditate 24/7 on what is good and delightful. However, day signifies a period of enlightenment (Eph. 1:18) and night signifies a period of obscurity. Both when we have the light of insight and when we seem to be in the dark, meditation is the key to unlock the revelation of God.

                                               d.      1:2 Or “Torah.” From Ps. 1 we learn that the righteous and the wicked are distinguished by what they delight in.

Unfolding Bible (simplified)    How fortunate are those who do not do what the wicked people advise them to do, who do not imitate the behavior of sinful people, and who do not join with people who ridicule God.  

Instead, those with whom Yahweh is pleased delight in understanding what he teaches us. They read and think every day and every night about what Yahweh teaches.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          NOTE: Why Psalm and not Psalms? Recognize that this is the book of IsraElite hymns or sacred music, for ‘psalm’ means ‘sacred hymn.’

Therefore, since each of the Psalms is just a song (not songs) in that book, it is a book of Psalms (songs), but each Chapter is just a Psalm (or song).

Blest is the one that ignores the impious

And will not side with the sinners,

Or sit among the disgusting.

For, he wants to do the Will of Jehovah,

And consider His Laws day and night.

Beck’s American Translation .

Common English Bible           BOOK I

(Psalms 1–41)

Psalm 1

The truly happy person

doesn’t follow wicked advice,

doesn’t stand on the road of sinners,

and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful.

Instead of doing those things,

these persons love the Lord’s Instruction,

and they recite God’s Instruction day and night!.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       Blessed is the man who does not guide his steps by ill counsel, or turn aside where sinners walk, or, where scornful souls gather, sit down to rest; the man whose heart is set on the law of the Lord, on that law, day and night, his thoughts still dwell.

Translation for Translators            This book contains songs that the Israeli people sang.

We call this book Psalms

Book One

1

The people God is pleased with

God is pleased with those who do not do what [MET] wicked people advise them to do,

and who do not imitate the behavior of [MET] sinful people,

and who do not join in with people who ridicule/sneer at God.

instructed/taught us to do.

They read and think about Yahweh’s requirements, day and night.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Berean Study Bible                The Two Paths (Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23)

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.

Conservapedia                       Blessed is he who neither walks with atheists, nor stands with sinners, nor sits with the hateful.

But his joy is in the teachings by the LORD; and in his wisdom does he meditate day and night.

"law" has a different connotation today, and "teachings" is closer to the obvious meaning

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                On the Righteous Man.

Blest is the man who has not walked beneath the sinners' groves And not stood on the path of vice, nor sat where scoffers sit;

Who in JEHOVAH'S Laws delights, And seeks His rules by day and night.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           The Psalmes of David

From the Hebrew David means “beloved”

The First Psalme

O' Blessed is the man that goes not in the counsel of the ungodly: that abides not in the way of sinners, and sits in the seat of the scornful.

But delights in the law of the Lord, and excercises himself in his law, both day and night.

HCSB                                     BOOK I

(Psalms 1–41)

Psalm 1

The Two Ways

How happy is the man

who does not follow [Lit not walk in] the advice of the wicked

or take [Lit stand in] the path of sinners

or join a group [Or or sit in the seat] of mockers!

Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,

and he meditates on it day and night.

International Standard V        The Book of Psalms

BOOK I (Psalms 1-41)

The Righteous and the Wicked

[Note: (1) Verse numbers may be different from MT because the titles of many psalms in MT are part of the first verse. (2) The phrase A song of, which appears in many psalm titles, may also be translated A song by, A song for, or A song to. (3) Psalm title terminologies “a psalm of David,” “a song of David,” etc., may connote—but do not necessarily connote—authorship by Israel’s King David. They are rendered herein as “a Davidic psalm,” “a Davidic song,” etc. (4) The traditionally unpronounced literary term Selah, which may indicate that the oral reader or cantor is to pause briefly after reading the line in which the term appears, is rendered herein as Interlude.]

How blessed is the person,

who does not take [Lit. not walk by] the advice of the wicked,

who does not stand on the path with sinners,

and who does not sit in the seat of mockers.

But he delights in the Lord’s instruction, [Or Law]

and meditates in his instruction [Or Law] day and night..

Jubilee Bible 2000                  .

Lexham English Bible            The Ways of the Righteous and the Wicked

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the advice of the wicked;

nor does he stand in the way of sinners;

nor does he sit in the assembly of mockers.

Instead, in the law of Yahweh is his delight,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Unfolding Bible Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         .

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  Blessed is the one

who does not go where the wicked gather,

or stand in the way of sinners,

or sit where the scoffers sit!

Jer 21:8; Dt 30:15; Pro 4: 18-19; Mt 7: 13-14

Instead, he finds delight in the law of the Lord

and meditates day and night

on his commandments.

Jos 1:8; Ps 119

The Heritage Bible                 1 Oh the righteous happinesses¹ that are to the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law^{2 a} of Jehovah, and in his law he murmurs in pleasure^2 b day and night.

¹ 1;1 Oh the righteous happinesses, esher, is in the plural, and means to be happy because one is straight with God. This word comes from asher which means to be straight, right, upright, erect, and as a result of being upright, happy. It is a different word from the word blessed, barak, to kneel down with goodness to. Barak describes the process of God kneeling down to bestow his goodness on the believer. Esher describes the condition of the believer who is straight and upright with God - happy. Many of us will miss “Blessed” of the KJV in Psa 1, but it is a different word, and we want to be accurate in our understanding of Holy Scripture.

^2a 1:2 law. See Note Gen 26:5.

^2b 1;2 murmurs in pleasure, hagah. Notice the contrast between the righteous and the ungodly. In Psa 1;2, he who is righteously happy murmurs in pleasure in the law of Jehovah day and night. In Psa 2;1, unbelievers

New American Bible (2002)             For whatever reason, the translation of the Psalms is missing from the Vatican’s website (I take the 2002 version from the Vatican website, believe it or not).

New American Bible(2011)    Blessed is the man who does not walk

in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the way* of sinners,

nor sit in company with scoffers.^a

Rather, the law of the LORD* is his joy;

and on his law he meditates day and night.^b

* [1:1] The way: a common biblical term for manner of living or moral conduct (Ps 32:8; 101:2, 6; Prv 2:20; 1 Kgs 8:36).

* [1:2] The law of the LORD: either the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, or, more probably, divine teaching or instruction.

a. [1:1] Ps 26:4–5; 40:5.

b. [1:2] Jos 1:8; Ps 119; Sir 39:1.

New English Bible–1970        .

New Jerusalem Bible             How blessed is anyone who rejects the advice of the wicked and does not take a stand in the path that sinners tread, nor a seat in company with cynics,

but who delights in the law of Yahweh and murmurs his law day and night.

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   HAPPY is the one who does not take the counsel of the wicked for a guide, or follow the path that sinners tread, or take his seat in the company of scoffers.

His delight is in the law of the LORD; it is his meditation day and night.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           Book I: Psalms 1–41

How blessed are those

who reject the advice of the wicked,

don’t stand on the way of sinners

or sit where scoffers sit!

Their delight

is in Adonai’s Torah;

on his Torah they meditate

day and night.

exeGeses companion Bible   .

Hebraic Roots Bible               Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the wicked, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of scorners.

But his delight is only in the Torah of YAHWEH, and he meditates in His Torah day and night.

Israeli Authorized Version      .

The Scriptures 2009              Blessed is the man who shall not walk in the counsel of the wrong, And shall not stand in the path of sinners, And shall not sit in the seat of scoffers, 

But his delight is in the Torah of יהוה, And he meditates in His Torah day and night.

Tree of Life Version                .

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Alpha & Omega Bible            (The Books of Psalms)
(When verse numbers skip or go up & down, it's because some verses were in a different order in the original bibles. It's not a misprint.)
· BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO HAS NOT WALKED IN THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY, AND HAS NOT STOOD IN THE WAY OF SINNERS, AND HAS NOT SAT IN THE SEAT OF EVIL MEN.

BUT HIS PLEASURE IS IN THE LAW OF JESUS; AND IN HIS LAW WILL HE MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT.

Awful Scroll Bible                   Set right is to be the man who - is he to have proceeded in the purpose of they doomed? - is he to have set himself in the manner, of they who are to be made clean? - is he to have sat in the seat of they mocking? -

He is to take delight in the Designation of Jehovah, and in His direction he was to contemplate day and night.

Concordant Literal Version    Happy is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Who neither stands in the way of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of mockers.

But rather his delight is in the law of Yahweh, And he is soliloquizing from His law by day and night.

exeGeses companion Bible   BOOK I

Blithe - the man

who neither walks in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor settles in the settlement of the scornful.

But his delight is in the torah of Yah Veh;

and in his torah he meditates day and night; ...

Orthodox Jewish Bible           TEHILLIM

Blessed is the ish that walketh not in the Etzah (counsel, scheme) of the Resha'im, nor standeth in the Derech Chatta'im, nor sitteth in the Moshav (seat) of the Leitzim (scornful, ones mocking and reviling).

But his delight is in the Torat Hashem; and in His torah doth he meditate yomam v'lailah.

Third Millennium Bible            .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Book One

The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.

^[a]Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example],

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of ^[b]scoffers (ridicules).

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.

^[a] Psalm 1:1 This has been called “The Preface Psalm” because in some respects it introduces the complete book of Psalms as a godly message. It opens with a benediction, “Blessed,” as does the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:3).

^[b] Psalm 1:1 I.e. shallow thinkers who are quick to mock or disdain.

The Expanded Bible              Book 1: Psalms 1–41

Two Ways to Live

·Happy [Blessed] are those who don’t ·listen to [^L walk in the counsel of] the wicked,

who don’t ·go where sinners go [^L stand in the way of sinners],

who don’t ·do what evil people do [^L sit in the seat of mockers].

They ·love [delight in] the Lord’s ·teachings [laws; instructions],

and they ·think about [meditate on] those ·teachings [laws; instructions] day and night..

Kretzmann’s Commentary    Verses 1-6

The Difference Between the Righteous and the Ungodly.

All men are sinners: all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23. No man is able to stand before God, by virtue of his own righteousness, Isaiah 64:6; Daniel 9:7. But all believers have the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ, appropriated to them by faith, Php. 3:9 . And so all true believers are righteous in the eyes of God, while all unbelievers are unrighteous and ungodly in His sight.

Blessed is the man, literally, "blessednesses, or happinesses, of the man," that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, making the plans of the wicked his concern, making it his business to follow out their godless undertakings, nor standeth in the way of sinners, making it a point to linger in the company of those whom he should shun, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, those who scorn the belief in God in the sense of mocking and sneering at true religion. Note the climax in the verse: first comes the meditating of evil, then a wilful performance of that which is sinful, then the suppressing of a good conscience and the mockery of everything sacred; and, on the other hand, first the seeking of the society of the godless, then a somewhat uncertain standing at the outside of their circle, then a deliberate participation in their mockery.

But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, in the meditation and study of the Law, of the Word of Jehovah, he finds full inner satisfaction and happiness; and in His Law doth he meditate day and night, reflecting upon its injunctions, applying its instructions always and in all circumstances. Just how the blessings of Jehovah come upon such a person is now described.

The Pulpit Commentary 

Syndein/Thieme                     There are about four or five writers of the Psalms. The majority of the Psalms were written by David who seems to have also been a musical genius. Only the lyrics were recorded forever and ever. The music itself was not saved.

Moses may also have written a few Psalms, as did Asaph (see Psalm 50 and others), and a few others. The book of Psalms is 'chakmah literature' or 'wisdom literature' - along with three other books - Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

Chapter 1

{Note: Psalm one is an introduction to the book of Psalms. It introduces the two categories of people in this life - believer and unbeliever. The first three verses talk about the believer and the last three verses talk about the unbeliever. Since it is such a very short psalm just one thing is mentioned with regard to the believer and one thing to the unbeliever. What is most important to the believer in time? The principle is Bible doctrine producing inner happiness in the mentality of the soul. And what is the greatest challenge to the unbeliever in time? This is recorded in Hebrews 9:27, "It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment." So the last three verses talk about the judgment of the unbeliever.}

Chapter 1

{Verse 1-3: Happinesses of the Believer - Walking NOT in the 3 Wrong 'Ways'}

Happinesses {'esher} . . . the Noble man {iysh} who walks not in the 'thinking pattern' of the 'unjustified one'/unbeliever {rasha`}

{this would be operating under human viewpoint since no doctrine in the soul},

nor 'is controlled by his old sin nature'

{idiom: literally 'stands in the way/'pattern of thought' of sinners'},

nor sits in the seat of the scornful/ 'babbler who scorns the Truth' { lusts}.

{Note: In the Hebrew singular it is asher. Asher is the name of a tribe, and it simply means happiness. It is in the singular and it is only used for the tribe. However, whenever this word is used for happiness connected with the believer it always is in the plural, esher. It only occurs this way in connection with the believer because the believer cannot have one kind of happiness, he either has two or none. The first of these two happinesses is inner happiness or mental happiness.}

{Note: Luwts is the Hebrew word for scorn that had its roots in 'babbling unintelligibly'. Here we have the picture of apostate people with no doctrine, making fun of those who are positive to God and His Word}.

But, in contrast, . . .delight/'love and desire' {chephets} in the 'code of laws'/doctrines {towrah} of Jehovah/God. And in His law does he memorize {hagah} day and night.

{Note: Chephets means more then to just love. It means you have a strong desire also toward the object of your love. Here, this person's love and desire is in the law of the Lord. The believer's happiness is therefore related to the Word of God. There can be no happiness for the believer apart from Bible doctrine, therefore it is called the law of the Lord or the law which points to the Lord. The Bible is the mind of Christ, it is doctrine which points to the Lord, doctrine which leads to the principle of occupation with the person of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, if you love doctrine you are going to desire doctrine. It is through doctrine that we 'grow in the grace and KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior'.}

{Note: Hagah is the Hebrew word meaning to 'mutter to yourself' . It is a picture of memorizing the Word of God. This means happiness belongs to the believer who accumulates as much divine viewpoint in his norms and standards in the soul that he can.}.

The Voice                               Book One

God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn:

when you don’t follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes,

When you avoid sin’s highway,

when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse.

For you, the Eternal’s Word is your happiness.

It is your focus—from dusk to dawn.

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

College Press Bible Study     .

The Complete Tanach           The praises of a man are that he did not follow the counsel of the wicked, neither did he stand in the way of sinners nor sit in the company of scorners.

But his desire is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

The Geneva Bible                  .

Kaplan Translation                 .

Lexham English Bible            .

NET Bible®                             Book 1

(Psalms 1-41)

Psalm 1¹

How blessed² is the one³ who does not follow⁴ the advice⁵ of the wicked,⁶

or stand in the pathway⁷ with sinners,

or sit in the assembly⁸ of scoffers!⁹

Instead¹⁰ he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands;¹¹

he meditates on¹² his commands¹³ day and night.

^1sn Psalm 1. In this wisdom psalm the author advises his audience to reject the lifestyle of the wicked and to be loyal to God. The psalmist contrasts the destiny of the wicked with that of the righteous, emphasizing that the wicked are eventually destroyed while the godly prosper under the Lord’s protective care.

^2tn The Hebrew noun is an abstract plural. The word often refers metonymically to the happiness that God-given security and prosperity produce (see v. 3; Pss 2:12; 34:9; 41:1; 65:4; 84:12; 89:15; 106:3; 112:1; 127:5; 128:1; 144:15).

^3tn Heb “[Oh] the happiness [of] the man.” Hebrew wisdom literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age. To facilitate modern application, we translate the gender and age specific “man” with the more neutral “one.” (Generic “he” is employed in vv. 2-3). Since the godly man described in the psalm is representative of followers of God (note the plural form צַדִּיקִים [tsadiqim, “righteous, godly”] in vv. 5-6), one could translate the collective singular with the plural “those” both here and in vv. 2-3, where singular pronouns and verbal forms are utilized in the Hebrew text (cf. NRSV). However, here the singular form may emphasize that godly individuals are usually outnumbered by the wicked. Retaining the singular allows the translation to retain this emphasis.

^4tn Heb “walk in.” The three perfect verbal forms in v. 1 refer in this context to characteristic behavior. The sequence “walk–stand–sit” envisions a progression from relatively casual association with the wicked to complete identification with them.

^5tn The Hebrew noun translated “advice” most often refers to the “counsel” or “advice” one receives from others. To “walk in the advice of the wicked” means to allow their evil advice to impact and determine one’s behavior.

^6tn In the psalms the Hebrew term רְשָעִים (rÿsha’im, “wicked”) describes people who are proud, practical atheists (Ps 10:2, 4, 11) who hate God’s commands, commit sinful deeds, speak lies and slander (Ps 50:16-20), and cheat others (Ps 37:21).

^7tn “Pathway” here refers to the lifestyle of sinners. To “stand in the pathway of/with sinners” means to closely associate with them in their sinful behavior.

^8tn Here the Hebrew term מוֹשַב (moshav), although often translated “seat” (cf. NEB, NIV), appears to refer to the whole assembly of evildoers. The word also carries the semantic nuance “assembly” in Ps 107:32, where it is in synonymous parallelism with קָהָל (qahal, “assembly”).

^9tn The Hebrew word refers to arrogant individuals (Prov 21:24) who love conflict (Prov 22:10) and vociferously reject wisdom and correction (Prov 1:22; 9:7-8; 13:1; 15:12). To “sit in the assembly” of such people means to completely identify with them in their proud, sinful plans and behavior.

^10tn Here the Hebrew expression כִּי־אִם (ki-’im, “instead”) introduces a contrast between the sinful behavior depicted in v. 1 and the godly lifestyle described in v. 2.

^11tn Heb “his delight [is] in the law of the Lord.” In light of the following line, which focuses on studying the Lord’s law, one might translate, “he finds pleasure in studying the Lord’s commands.” However, even if one translates the line this way, it is important to recognize that mere study and intellectual awareness are not ultimately what bring divine favor. Study of the law is metonymic here for the correct attitudes and behavior that should result from an awareness of and commitment to God’s moral will; thus “obeying” has been used in the translation rather than “studying.”

^12tn The Hebrew imperfect verbal form draws attention to the characteristic behavior described here and lends support to the hyperbolic adverbial phrase “day and night.” The verb הָגָה (hagag) means “to recite quietly; to meditate” and refers metonymically to intense study and reflection.

^13tn Or “his law.”

New American Bible(2011)    .

New Catholic Bible                 Prologue—Psalms 1–2^[a]

Psalm 1^[b]

True Happiness

Blessed^[c] is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stand in the way of sinners,

nor sit in the company of scoffers.

Rather, his delight is in the law of the Lord,^[d]

and on that law he meditates day and night.

                                               a.      Psalm 1:1 These first two psalms are regarded as a preface to the entire Psalter. Collections of psalms that were originally different were gradually regrouped to comprise the Psalter as we have it; the psalms attributed to David (3–41 and 51–72), the songs of Ascents (120–134), and the chants of the Hallel (105–107, 111–118, 135–150) constitute the most remarkable of these primary collections. But as presently arranged in our Bible, the Book of Psalms is divided like the Pentateuch (the first five Books of the Bible that are called the Law) into five unequal parts, each of which ends with a formula of acclamation.

                                               b.      Psalm 1:1 At the entrance to the collection of the Psalms, we are immediately placed before a life-choice: God or nothingness. This option imposes itself on us throughout all the pages of the Bible. In the historical accounts, law codes, prophecies, prayers, and meditative texts, a line of division is set forth. It distinguishes between righteousness and impiety, self-reliance and faith, good and evil, wickedness and love. The words are varied and the experiences are numerous in order to bear witness to this rupture.

They mark a division between peoples, between individuals, and between the acts and projects of our lives. Appearances may produce change and daily contradict the faithful’s overly naive dreams about prosperity; however, one fact remains: a life of righteousness and truth is a path of happiness, a path to God, whereas those who deaden their conscience for their own ends have no other future but ruin.

Every time a reader prays a psalm, he or she is forced to choose between the “two ways” (see Deut 30:15; Prov 4:18f; Jer 21:8), the difference between which is underscored by Jesus (see Mt 7:13; 25). The righteous are blessed for they are separated from sin, Bible-centered, and prosperous. Unlike them are the wicked who are doomed to judgment.

                                               c.      Psalm 1:1 The Psalter begins by declaring the blessedness of the righteous (v. 1) and concludes by summoning all creation to praise God in heaven and on earth (Ps 150). Human beings are made for happiness, and the revealed moral law is oriented toward that happiness. Blessed: the happy state of life in fellowship with God, revering him and obeying his laws (see Pss 94:12; 112:1; 119:1f; 128:1; Prov 29:18). Scoffers: those who reject God and his law (see Prov 1:10-19).

                                               d.      Psalm 1:2 The law of the Lord: either the first five Books of the Bible, known as the Torah (law), or divine instruction. Meditates: literally, “murmurs,” i.e., assimilates the law of life that incarnates the presence of God and teaches the believer how to attain joyous intimacy with the Lord. Indeed, the law is a judgment of God and a happiness for human beings.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. How happy the man^a

Who hath not walked in the counsel of the lawless,—

And <in the way of sinners> hath not stood,

And <in the seat of scoffers> hath not sat;

But <in the law^b of Yahweh> is his delight,—

And <in his law> doth he talk with himself day and night.^c

^a Cp. Jer. xvii. 7, 8.

^b Or: “direction,” “instruction.”

^c Jos. i. 8, n.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  .

Bond Slave Version               .

Brenner’s Mechanical Trans.......

C. Thompson LXX (updated) .

Charles Thompson OT           .

Context Group Version          Esteemed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked; and does not remain in the path of disgracers [of God], and does not sit in the seat of scoffers.

But rather in the law of YHWH, does he delight; and in his law does he meditate, day and night.

English Standard Version      .

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  {Psa 1-2, 10, 33, 71, 91 **}
The man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers is fortunate,

because his delight is in the law of Jehovah and on his law he meditates day and night.

New American Standard B.    The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.

Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path [Or way] of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

New European Version          Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On His law he meditates day and night.

New King James Version       The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly [wicked],

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates [ponders by talking to himself] day and night.

Niobi Study Bible                   The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly
Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law does he meditate day and night.

Owen's Translation                .

Revised Mechanical Trans.    Happy is the man that does not walk in the counsel of the lost ones, and in the road of the ones of failure he does not stand, and the settling places [That is "dwellings."] of the mockers he does not settle.

Instead, in the teachings of YHWH is his delight, and in his teachings, he will mutter [That is "meditate."] day and night.

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Webster’s Bible Translation  .

World English Bible                .

Young's Literal Translation     .

Young’s Updated LT             O the happiness of that one, who Has not walked in the counsel of the wicked. And in the way of sinners has not stood, And in the seat of scorners has not sat;

But—in the law of Jehovah is his delight, And in His law he does meditate by day and by night: ...

The gist of this passage:     The man who avoids close contact with reprobates and studies the teachings of God will be happy.

Translation: Happinesses are to the man who has not walked in the counsel of the lawless;...

There are three types of people that the happy person needs to avoid (or, more accurately, needs to avoid being influenced by). The first group of men are called r^eshâʿîym (רְשָעִים) [pronounced r^e-shaw-ĢEEM]. This masculine plural noun refers to malevolent ones, lawless ones, criminals, the corrupt; wicked, wicked ones. Strong’s #7563 BDB #957. The believer (or unbeliever who is a divine establishment type) does not need their advice or their human wisdom.

Application: Today, this might be a person who is high up in the Black Lives Matter movement; or someone who is a lifelong socialist/communist. These people have no true wisdom; they will add not a bit of happiness to the lives of those who listen to them.

If you have anyone in your periphery and they suggest that you do “X”; then you should focus on doing “not X.”

Translation: ...and he has not stood in the path of criminals;...

The second group of people are called chaţţâʾ (חַטָּא) [pronounced khat-TAW]. The masculine plural meaning of that word is, sinners, deviates, deviants, transgressors; criminals; those subject to condemnation. Strong’s #2400 BDB #308.

This can sound odd in some translations. Some of them read, don’t stand in the way of sinners. If you are a policeman, isn’t that exactly what you are supposed to do? Stand in their way?

But the idea here is to remain in the path of sinners; to walk and do what they do.

Translation: ...and he has not taken a seat with the scoffers.

The third group of men are called lûwts (לוּץ) [pronounced loots]. The masculine plural, Qal active participle of this verb means, scoffers, scorners; boasters. These words are tied together in this way: such a person has a very high opinion of himself and a very low opinion of others.

The NET Bible: The three perfect verbal forms in v. 1 refer in this context to characteristic behavior. The sequence “walk–stand–sit” envisions a progression from relatively casual association with the wicked to complete identification with them.

Psalm 1:1 Happinesses are to the man who has not walked in the counsel of the lawless; and he has not stood in the path of criminals; and he has not taken a seat with the scoffers.

To some extent, there is a distance established between to the lawless, the reprobates and the scoffers and the man of God. This is not a complete segregation, as that is impossible in this world. However, a close association with such types is avoided by the believer with doctrine.

Application: This does not mean that you avoid all unbelievers; this does not mean that you avoid all family gatherings (or school reunions or whatever).

The writer of this psalm is not talking about cutting oneself off from the outside world; nor is he saying, “When a reprobate talks to you, just run and hide and wait until they are gone.”

The behavior described here is not a complete disassociation with such. The idea is, such a believer avoids the behavior patterns of such people; and does not associate to the point of aping their actions.

Application: You might know someone in your family who deals drugs (or you suspect that he does). This does not mean that you never have a family meal with such a person; or that you avoid talking with them at all costs. However, if the person is going out to buy or sell drugs, then you avoid that completely. Two of the words used here can be understood to describe criminal activity. Never associate with a criminal who you believe is about to commit a crime.

Application: The simple reason why we do not completely disassociate from unbelievers is twofold: (1) even though they have a sin nature and act in accordance with it, every person you know, saved and unsaved, has a sin nature. (2) You need to have some sort of relationship with unbelievers if only to offer them the gospel when such an interaction is called for.

Translation: For his pleasure [is] in the Torah of Y^ehowah;...

Instead of following after or listening to those 3 sets of men, the believer should, instead, focus upon the Torah of God. That is the transliteration of the feminine singular noun tôwrah (טוֹרַה or טֹרַה) [pronounced TOH-rah]. It means, instruction, doctrine; [human and divine] law, direction, regulation, protocol; custom; transliterated Torah. It is knowledge and guidance of divine thinking. In the New Testament, we know this as the mind of Christ.

This can refer to the Old Testament Scriptures (as far as they had been written at this time); and it can refer to the concepts and precepts which come out of the Old Testament.

This does not mean that such a person adheres strictly to a legalistic system. This does not mean to follow the distortions of the rabbis.

Translation: ...he meditates [and studies] His Torah day and night.

In the 1960's, the concept of transcendental meditation began to make inroads into the United States; and, as a result, the understanding of the word meditate has become warped. The psalmist is not suggesting that some gathers up a few pages of Scripture and sit on them or touch them and let their minds go blank. It is quite the opposite. Such a person is to concentrate on the Law of God; they are to think about the precepts and concepts of God. In fact, they should be doing this day and night.

The NET Bible: The Hebrew imperfect verbal form draws attention to the characteristic behavior described here and lends support to the hyperbolic adverbial phrase “day and night.” The verb הָגָה (hagag) means “to recite quietly; to meditate” and refers metonymically to intense study and reflection.

I have been a believer for about 50 years now. I recall being unhappy and angry in my late teens and early 20's and I have journals which I kept from that era which reveals this to me. At this point in my life, I am happier and healthier and more well-balanced than any other person I know. I began by studying the Word of God for an hour a day under R. B. Thieme, Jr. Around the mid 90's, I began to study the Scriptures directly, from the original languages. The time I was putting in also increased. I went from an hour a day to 2 to 3 and now about 4 or 5 hours every day (this is not for everyone, mind you—everyone needs some Bible doctrine, but it is rare for anyone to spend that period of time in the Word).

Psalm 1:2 For his pleasure [is] in the Torah of Y^ehowah; he meditates [and studies] His Torah day and night.

Syndein/Thieme: The believer's happiness is therefore related to the Word of God. There can be no happiness for the believer apart from Bible doctrine, therefore it is called the law of the Lord or the law which points to the Lord. The Bible is the mind of Christ, it is doctrine which points to the Lord, doctrine which leads to the principle of occupation with the person of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, if you love doctrine you are going to desire doctrine. It is through doctrine that we 'grow in the grace and KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior'.

Psalm 1:1–2 A man is happy if he does not listen to the thinking of the lawless, if he has not followed in the steps of criminal types and if he has not been in agreement with those who scoff at divine establishment and the way of God. Such a man takes pleasure in the Law of Jehovah. He studied God’s Law day and night.

——————————

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text (Hebrew)        And he was like a tree planted over a stream of waters which its fruit is given in its time and its leaf does not wither (and fall). And all which he does is successful.

Dead Sea Scrolls                   .

Jerusalem targum                   And he will be like a living tree planted by streams of water, whose fruit ripens in due course, and its leaves do not fall, and all its branches that grow ripen and flourish.

Targum (Onkelos)                  .

Targum (Pseudo-Jonathan)   .

Aramaic Targum                    .

Updated Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) 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 whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

Aramaic ESV of Peshitta        .

Original Aramaic Psalms        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.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic T.     .

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa’s Peshitta (Syriac)     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.

Samaritan Pentateuch           .

Updated Brenton (Greek)       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 prosper.

Significant differences:           In the second phrase, the Jerusalem targum has ripens rather than given. In the third phrase, leaf is in the singular in the Masoretic text. However, expressing it in the plural just may be better sounding in other languages (such as, English). The final phrase is applied to the man with doctrine in the MT. However, it is applied to the tree in the Jerusalem targum.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time, whose leaves will ever be green; and he will do well in all his undertakings.

Easy English                          He will become like a tree that grows beside streams of water.

It gives its fruit at the right season.

Its leaves do not fall off.

Everything that person does will have a good result.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream-- a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.

God’s Word™                         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 Bible (TEV)         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.

The Message                         Instead you thrill to God’s Word,

you chew on Scripture day and night.

You’re a tree replanted in Eden,

bearing fresh fruit every month,

Never dropping a leaf,

always in blossom. V. 2 is included for context.

Names of God Bible               .

NIRV                                      That kind of person is like a tree that is planted near a stream of water.

It always bears its fruit at the right time.

Its leaves don’t dry up.

Everything godly people do turns out well.

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible             They are like trees planted beside streams—

Trees that produce lots of fruit,

Trees whose leaves never wither.

These people always succeed.

College Press paraphrase     .

Contemporary English V.       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.

The Living Bible                     They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Life Version                    This man is like a tree planted by rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time and its leaf never dries up. Whatever he does will work out well for him.

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree

planted^[e] by God’s design,

deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss,

bearing fruit in every season of life.

He is never dry, never fainting,

ever blessed, ever prosperous.^[f]

                                               e.      1:3 Or “transplanted.” That is, God planted our lives from where we were into a place of blessing. See Ps. 92:13–14.

                                               f.       1:3 The metaphors found in this verse can be paraphrased as “No matter what he sets out to do, he brings it to a successful conclusion.”

Unfolding Bible Simplified      They constantly do things that please God, just as fruit trees that have been planted along the banks of a stream produce fruit at the right time every year. Like trees that never wither, they succeed in everything that they do.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          So he’ll be like a tree that’s planted near water,

And he will bear fruit every season…

He’ll thrive and his leaves will not drop.

Beck’s American Translation .

Common English Bible           They are like a tree replanted by streams of water,

which bears fruit at just the right time

and whose leaves don’t fade.

Whatever they do succeeds.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       He stands firm as a tree planted by running water, ready to yield its fruit when the season comes, not a leaf faded; all that he does will prosper.

Translation for Translators     They constantly produce/do things that please God

just like fruit trees that have been planted along the banks of a stream produce fruit at the right time every year.

Like trees that never wither,

they succeed in everything that they do.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Berean Study Bible                .

Conservapedia Translation    And he will be like a fruit-bearing tree planted by a river; he will not lose leaves and will succeed in whatever he does.

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  Like trees beside the flowing stream, Which bear their fruit in season due, Their leaves fade not, and they succeed, In all they undertake to do.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           Such a man is like a tree planted by the water side, that brings forth his fruit in due season.

His leaves shall not fall off, and look whatsoever he does, it shall prosper.

HCSB                                     He is like a tree planted beside streams of watered]

that bears its fruit in season [Lit in its season]

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

International Standard V        .

H. C. Leupold                         .

Lexham English Bible            .

NIV, ©2011                             .

Peter Pett’s translation          .

Unfolding Bible Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         .

Wikipedia Bible Project          And he was as the tree planted by rivulets of water. Which will give its fruit in time, and its leaf will not wilt, and all that he does will succeed.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  He is like a tree beside a brook

producing its fruit in due season,

its leaves never withering.

Everything he does is a success.

Jer 17:8; Ezk 19: 10-11; Rev 22:2

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   He is like a tree^c

planted near streams of water,

that yields its fruit in season;

Its leaves never wither;

whatever he does prospers.

c. [1:3] Ps 52:10; 92:13–15; Jer 17:8.

New English Bible–1970        He is like a tree

planted beside a watercourse,

which yields its fruit in season

and its leaf never withers:

in all that he does he prospers.

New Jerusalem Bible             Such a one is like a tree planted near streams; it bears fruit in season and its leaves never wither, and every project succeeds.

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   He is like a tree planted beside water channels; it yields its fruit in season and its foliage never fades. So he too prospers in all he does.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           They are like trees planted by streams —

they bear their fruit in season,

their leaves never wither,

everything they do succeeds.

exeGeses companion Bible   .

Hebraic Roots Bible               .

Hebrew Transliteration S.      .

The Israel Bible                      .

Israeli Authorized Version      .

Kaplan Translation                 .

The Scriptures–2009              .

Tree of Life Version                He will be like a planted tree over streams of water, producing its fruit during its season. Its leaf never droops—but in all he does, he succeeds.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Alpha & Omega Bible            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.

Awful Scroll Bible                   He is to be as to a tree being planted by the canals of water, surely was it to render its fruit in its seasons - was its leaf to fall down? - That he was to effect was to prosper!

Concordant Literal Version    So he comes to be like a tree transplanted by rillets of water, That yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not decay; Hence all that he does shall prosper

exeGeses companion Bible   ...and being as a tree

transplanted by the rivulets of water,

giving his fruit in his time:

his leaf withers not;

and whatever he works, prospers.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And he shall be like an etz planted by the streams of mayim, that bringeth forth its p’ri in its season; the leaf thereof also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. So doth he become like a treeʹ planted by streams of waters,—

That yieldeth ||its fruit|| in its seasonˎ

||Whose leaf|| also doth not wither.

And ||whatsoever he doeth|| prospereth..

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The 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].

The Expanded Bible              They are like a tree planted by ·a river [^L streams of water; ^C full of life, strong, vibrant].

The tree produces fruit in season,

and its leaves don’t ·die [wither].

Everything they do will ·succeed [prosper].

Kretzmann’s Commentary    And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, where his roots reach deep down to the hidden reservoirs of moisture, where he has a never-ending supply of vitality and power, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, as the result of a faith grounded deep in the power of Jehovah, which never disappoints the hopes of the great Gardener above, Luke 13:7; his leaf also shall not wither, not be affected by the drought of hostility or adversity; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper, with a prosperity at least in the sight of God, no matter how little the world thinks of his success. Not an outward good fortune in amassing the riches of this earth counts in the sight of Jehovah, but the possession of a trusting faith abounding in real good works

Lexham English Bible            .

The Pulpit Commentary 

Syndein/Thieme                     {Illustration of Verse 2}

And he will be like a tree having been firmly planted by rivers of water, which yields its fruit {divine good production} in its season {at the right time, the production comes because the necessary doctrine already resides in the soul for application to the experience/pressure in life}, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatsoever he 'manufactures out of doctrine' {`asah}, he is caused to have success/'break through'.

{Note: A tree is analogous to a believer with inner happiness. The roots of the tree draw nourishment. The tree may blow in the storm and wave and bend but if it has roots - Bible doctrine resulting in inner happiness -it can be in a great storm and may bend and lose a branch or two, and if the roots are deep the tree remains firm. When the wind dies down and the storm is over the tree is upright again, minus a few leaves and a branch or two. This, then, is the stability of the Christian life. Actually, God has so designed phase two for the believer so that he will have inner happiness as his stability, but inner happiness depends in Bible doctrine so we have a tree planted by rivers of water - the waters of the Word. And, rivers is plural - there are many doctrines to learn, not just one.}

{Note: The leaf refers to the faith-rest technique. The leaf is a sign that there is fruit on the tree. The faith-rest technique is a sign that there is doctrine in the soul, that you as a believer under the greatest adversities of life have inner resources. 'Shall not wither' means that in time of pressure - you do NOT become disoriented to the adversities of life and fall apart - if you did, then your leaf has withered and you are acting like any unbeliever would act in similar circumstances and you have no impact for the Lord Jesus Christ. }

{Note: `asah means to manufacture something out of something. Here it means to produce divine good from the doctrine resident in your soul. Side Note: In the Church Age, this is done under the filling of the Holy Spirit.}

The Voice                               You are like a tree,

planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry.

Your fruit ripens in its time;

your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun.

No matter what you do, you prosper.

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

College Press Bible Study     .

The Complete Tanach           He shall be as a tree planted beside rivulets of water, which brings forth its fruit in its season, and its leaves do not wilt; and whatever he does prospers.

The Geneva Bible                  .

Kaplan Translation                 .

NET Bible®                             He is like¹⁴ a tree planted by flowing streams;¹⁵

it¹⁶ yields¹⁷ its fruit at the proper time,¹⁸

and its leaves never fall off.¹⁹

He succeeds in everything he attempts.²⁰

^14tn The Hebrew perfect verbal form with vav (ו) consecutive here carries the same characteristic force as the imperfect in the preceding verse. According to the psalmist, the one who studies and obeys God’s commands typically prospers.

^15tn Heb “channels of water.”

^16tn Heb “which.”

^17tn The Hebrew imperfect verbal forms in v. 3 draw attention to the typical nature of the actions/states they describe.

^18tn Heb “in its season.”

^19tn Or “fade”; “wither.”

^sn The author compares the godly individual to a tree that has a rich water supply (planted by flowing streams), develops a strong root system, and is filled with leaves and fruit. The simile suggests that the godly have a continual source of life which in turn produces stability and uninterrupted prosperity.

^20tn Heb “and all which he does prospers”; or “and all which he does he causes to prosper.” (The simile of the tree does not extend to this line.) It is not certain if the Hiphil verbal form (יַצְלִיחַ, yatsliakh) is intransitive-exhibitive (“prospers”) or causative (“causes to prosper”) here. If the verb is intransitive, then כֹּל (kol, “all, everything”) is the subject. If the verb is causative, then the godly individual or the Lord himself is the subject and כֹּל is the object. The wording is reminiscent of Josh 1:8, where the Lord tells Joshua: “This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper (literally, “cause your way to prosper”) and be successful.”

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 He is like a tree planted near streams of water,

which bears fruit in its season,

and whose leaves never wither.^[e]

In the same way,

everything he does will prosper.

                                               e.      Psalm 1:3 Like a tree . . . never wither: the righteous are able to withstand the rigors of life. Like a tree planted on fertile ground, they are able to enhance their spiritual life.

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  .

Bond Slave Version               .

C. Thompson (updated) OT   .

Charles Thompson OT           And he will be like the tree planted by the streams of water, which will yield its fruit in due season, and its fruit shall not fall untimely. In all that he doth he shall be prospered.

Context Group Version          .

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Holy Bible Improved Edition   .

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.

Modern English Version         .