Psalms 97:11

Is sown. From the Heb. zara‘, “to sow [as of seed in the field]”. The word is used figuratively with reference to moral subjects, as to sow “righteousness” (Prov. 11:18), “iniquity” (Prov. 22:8), “wickedness” (Job 4:8)—things which, when sown, may produce a corresponding harvest. “Light” may here be conceived of as a seed sown, ready to spring forth and bear fruit for the honest seeker after truth. “Every truly honest soul will come to the light of truth. ‘Light is sown for the righteous.’ And no church can advance in holiness unless its members are earnestly seeking for truth as for hid treasure”.

Instead of zara‘ one Hebrew manuscript has zarach, “to shine forth.” This reading is supported by the LXX, the Syriac, and the Targums. Zarach is used in Ps. 112:4 in the statement, “Unto the upright there ariseth light.”