Devine Scripture

Psalms 1:2

What does Psalms 1:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 1:2 means

In contrast to avoiding evil influences, the blessed individual actively delights in God's law. This delight isn't a burdensome duty but a profound joy, indicating a deep love for God's revealed will. Furthermore, it's not a fleeting interest but a continuous engagement, with meditation on God's law happening consistently, day and night. This constant pondering and internalizing of God's Word transforms the individual from within, shaping their thoughts, desires, and actions according to divine truth. This foreshadows Jesus' own love for God's law.

Psalms 1:2 in context

Psalms 1 — The Two Ways

The Psalter opens with a portrait of two roads. The blessed man does not stand in the path of sinners; instead he meditates on God's law day and night and is like a tree planted by streams of water, fruitful in its season. The wicked are not so — they are like chaff the wind drives away. The chapter is the doorway to all 150 psalms: prayer and praise grow out of a life rooted in the Word.

  • Meditation on Scripture
  • Two ways
  • Fruitfulness
  • Judgment

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But--in the law of Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> his delight, And in His law he doth meditate by day and by night:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But his delight is in Jehovah's law, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Context

Following the negative definition of the blessed person in verse 1, this verse shifts to a positive description, revealing the true source of their blessedness. It transitions from what they *don't* do to what they *do* do, establishing their deep commitment to God's law. This commitment is the foundation for the flourishing life described in the next verse, providing the reason for their stability and fruitfulness.

v.1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers:

v.2This passage

v.3And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 104:34

    Let my meditation be sweet unto him: I will rejoice in Jehovah.

  • Psalms 112:1

    Praise ye Jehovah. Blessed is the man that feareth Jehovah, That delighteth greatly in his commandments.

  • Joshua 1:8

    This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

  • Psalms 119:92

    Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

  • 1 Timothy 4:15

    Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.

  • 2 Timothy 1:3

    I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day

Sermon ideas from Psalms 1:2

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What Psalms 1:2 teaches us about meditation on scripture

  • What Psalms 1:2 teaches us about two ways

  • What Psalms 1:2 teaches us about fruitfulness

  • What Psalms 1:2 teaches us about judgment

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