Psalm 37:35-36
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The Hebrew word for "spreading himself" suggests a tree not just growing, but actively pushing outwards and taking up space, like a powerful tyrant whose influence infiltrates everywhere. This isn't just about being successful, but about aggressively dominating the landscape, all while appearing lush and vibrant, making their eventual, sudden downfall even more striking.
I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist is reflecting on his lifelong observation that while wicked people may achieve immense power and seemingly thrive like a robust, deep-rooted tree, their prosperity is ultimately temporary. This verse is the setup for the stark contrast in the following verse, where the Psalmist declares that he will look for this once-mighty individual but find no trace of him.
Have you ever seen someone seemingly successful, yet their methods are brutal and oppressive? This verse addresses that very paradox.
The psalmist describes the wicked person as 'terrible' (or 'formidable' and 'inspiring terror'). This isn't just about being strong, but about wielding power cruelly.
Power with Terror
This Hebrew word points to someone who instills fear. They aren't just powerful; they are a source of dread to others. Think of rulers or individuals who use their influence to intimidate and control, rather than to serve or protect.
The Illusion of Stability
Despite this terror, they appear to be flourishing, 'spreading himself.' This suggests a deep-rooted, expansive presence, like a tree firmly established and growing outward. It’s a picture of outward success and dominance, but the foundation is built on fear and injustice.
What does it mean for someone's success to be like a 'green laurel tree'? And why is that image so important here?
The metaphor of the 'green laurel tree' (or 'native tree' in its own soil) paints a vivid picture of flourishing. It signifies deep roots, vitality, and a seemingly secure, established presence.
Native Strength
This tree isn't struggling in foreign soil; it's thriving where it belongs, in its native ground. This suggests that the wicked person has built their life and power on what seems like solid, natural ground. Their success appears legitimate, stable, and self-sustaining.
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Fleeting Vitality
However, the surrounding verses (36) reveal the stark contrast: this flourishing is temporary. The 'green' appearance is deceptive, hiding an impending doom. The image highlights the contrast between the outward show of prosperity and the ultimate, inevitable end.
The imagery of a powerful, flourishing wicked man like a 'green bay tree' likely resonated with the experience of seeing empires rise and fall, particularly in the context of the Babylonian exile and the downfall of figures like Nebuchadnezzar, demonstrating that outward prosperity is temporary.
c. 6th century BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Vision
The prophet Daniel interprets a dream for King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, which includes a vision of a massive tree that shelters all the earth, only to be cut down. This vision is often linked to the imagery of a powerful but ultimately doomed ruler.
c. 6th century BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Fall
Following his dream, Nebuchadnezzar is struck with madness and driven from his kingdom, living like a wild animal for seven years before his restoration. This event serves as a stark, real-world example of divine judgment on pride and power.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile
The period of Jewish exile in Babylon, following multiple deportations, saw the rise and fall of powerful figures within the Babylonian empire and its subsequent conquest by the Persians.
This passage describes Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great, spreading tree, which the commentaries suggest might be the very image in Psalm 37:35, illustrating immense power and prosperity.
Job 5:3Like Psalm 37, Job 5 contrasts the seemingly secure prosperity of the wicked with their eventual, sudden destruction, reinforcing the psalmist's observation.
Jeremiah 12:2The prophet Jeremiah also questions God's allowance of the wicked to prosper and spread, echoing the psalmist's perplexity and observation of their flourishing.
Luke 12:16-19Jesus' parable of the rich fool describes a man whose immense prosperity and focus on his earthly abundance mirrors the image of the wicked man spreading out, only to have it all taken away.
clarkePsalms 37:35: "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 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 , etc.
barnesPsalms 37:35: "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree."
I have seen - I have had an opportunity, in my long life Psalm 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 wickedness, however prosperous the wicked man may be, will lead to ultimate ruin - as I have had an opportunity of seeing Psalm 37:25-26 the effect of a course of righteousness on the ultimate prosperity…
The Hebrew word for "spreading himself" suggests a tree not just growing, but actively pushing outwards and taking up space, like a powerful tyrant whose influence infiltrates everywhere. This isn't just about being successful, but about aggressively dominating the landscape, all while appearing lush and vibrant, making their eventual, sudden downfall even more striking.
The Psalmist is reflecting on his lifelong observation that while wicked people may achieve immense power and seemingly thrive like a robust, deep-rooted tree, their prosperity is ultimately temporary. This verse is the setup for the stark contrast in the following verse, where the Psalmist declares that he will look for this once-mighty individual but find no trace of him.
The Psalmist is reflecting on his lifelong observation that while wicked people may achieve immense power and seemingly thrive like a robust, deep-rooted tree, their prosperity is ultimately temporary. This verse is the setup for the stark contrast in the following verse, where the Psalmist declares that he will look for this once-mighty individual but find no trace of him.
"I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found." — The Hebrew word for "spreading himself" suggests a tree not just growing, but actively pushing outwards and taking up space, like a powerful tyrant whose influence infiltrates everywhere. This isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026
