“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water.” (Psalm 1:3)
Only the NASB of the English translations inserts the word “firmly”. The question is why? The “NAS Exhaustive Concordance” defines the word as simply “planted”. I believe it is an interpretative translation (1) based on the good watering (“by streams of water”) and other Scriptures that confirm the idea by similar metaphors. For example, Psalm 92:12-14 speaks of the “righteous…planted” as flourishing, being substantial tree palms and cedars, yielding fruit, full of sap, and green. Such vigor supports the idea of being firmly planted. Jeremiah 17:7-8 uses similar language with the addition of “extends its roots by the stream”. (v.8) “It is planted in good soil beside abundant waters.” (Ezekial 17:8) And all of the references tout the fruitfulness and drought resistance of this planting. I think the metaphors support the idea but the Hebrew does not support the addition of the word.
- I do not like it. Why not have a side note with reasons and other Scriptures supporting why the planting is substantial, as I have done, rather than adding to the Word with an interpretation.
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