Add parallel Print Page Options

Psalm 23

The Divine Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.(A)
    He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;[a](B)
    he restores my soul.[b]
He leads me in right paths[c]
    for his name’s sake.(C)

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[d]
    I fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.(D)

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.(E)
Surely[e] goodness and mercy[f] shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.[g](F)

Footnotes

  1. 23.2 Heb waters of rest
  2. 23.3 Or life
  3. 23.3 Or paths of righteousness
  4. 23.4 Or the valley of the shadow of death
  5. 23.6 Or Only
  6. 23.6 Or kindness
  7. 23.6 Heb for length of days

A Davidic Psalm.

The Lord Shepherds His People

23 The Lord is the one who is shepherding me;
    I lack nothing.
He causes me to lie down in pastures of green grass;
    he guides me beside quiet waters.
He revives my life;
    he leads me in pathways that are righteous
        for the sake of his name.[a]

Even when I walk through a valley of deep darkness,[b]
    I will not be afraid
        because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me,
    even in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Truly, goodness and gracious love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
        and I will remain in[c] the Lord’s Temple forever.[d]

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 23:3 I.e. his reputation
  2. Psalm 23:4 Or valley of the shadow of death
  3. Psalm 23:6 MT DSS 5/6HevPs read will return to; LXX reads and my residing will be
  4. Psalm 23:6 Lit. for the length of days