Psalms 37:35
What does Psalms 37:35 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:35 means
David provides another personal observation, recalling a specific instance of a wicked person flourishing with impressive power and vitality. "I have seen the wicked in great power" acknowledges the undeniable, sometimes intimidating, outward strength and influence of evil-doers. The vivid simile, "And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil," illustrates their seemingly robust growth, deep roots, and established presence, suggesting an unshakeable and natural prosperity. This verse candidly presents the very scenario that tempts the righteous to fret, setting the stage for the dramatic and sudden reversal to follow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have seen the evil-doer in great power, covering the earth like a great tree.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have seen the wicked terrible, And spreading as a green native plant,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading like a green tree in its native soil:
Context
After the renewed exhortation to wait for the Lord and keep His way in verse 34, David returns to providing personal, empirical evidence for the psalm's claims. He recounts observing the wicked in their zenith of power, vividly painting a picture of their apparent success. This observation of their temporary flourishing sets up the dramatic contrast of their sudden disappearance in the very next verse, reinforcing the theme of divine justice.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 14:14
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.
- Psalms 73:3
For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
- Job 5:3
I have seen the foolish taking root: But suddenly I cursed his habitation.
- Ezekiel 31:6
All the birds of the heavens made their nests in its boughs; and under its branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young; and under its shadow dwelt all great nations.
- Job 21:7
Wherefore do the wicked live, Become old, yea, wax mighty in power?
- Daniel 4:20
The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;
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