Psalms 37:35

³³ the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.

³⁴ Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,

³⁶ yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.

³⁷ Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
KJV: I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
WEB: I have seen the wicked in great power, spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
ASV: I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
DARBY: I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading like a green tree in its native soil:
BLB: I have seen a wicked, ruthless one spread out like a luxuriant native tree.

ÅB: Jeg så en ugudelig som var mektig
og bredte seg som et grønt, rotfast tre;
OTB: Jeg har sett en ugudelig og brutal person
Blomstre som et frodig innfødt tre.
B1930: Jeg så en ugudelig som var veldig og utbredte sig som et grønt tre som ikke er flyttet;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Job 5:3
I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed.
Read in context
Psalms 73:3–11
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Read in context
Job 21:7–17
Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?
Read in context
Ezekiel 31:6–10
All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.
Read in context
Isaiah 14:14–19
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
Read in context
Job 8:13–19
Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish.
Read in context
Ezekiel 31:18
Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”
Read in context
Esther 5:11
Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants.
Read in context