Psalm 23

The Good Shepherd

A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;(A)
I have what I need.(B)
He lets me lie down in green pastures;(C)
he leads me beside quiet waters.(D)
He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths[a]
for his name’s sake.(E)
Even when I go through the darkest valley,[b]
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;(F)
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.(G)

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;(H)
my cup overflows.(I)
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,(J)
and I will dwell in[c] the house of the Lord
as long as I live.[d](K)

Footnotes

  1. 23:3 Or me in paths of righteousness
  2. 23:4 Or the valley of the shadow of death
  3. 23:6 LXX, Sym, Syr, Tg, Vg, Jer; MT reads will return to
  4. 23:6 Lit Lord for length of days; traditionally Lord forever

The Divine Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
    he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;[a]
    he restores my soul.[b]
He leads me in paths of righteousness[c]
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[d]
    I fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
    thy rod and thy staff,
    they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil,
    my cup overflows.
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
    for ever.[g]

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 23:2 Heb the waters of rest
  2. Psalm 23:3 Or life
  3. Psalm 23:3 Or right paths
  4. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
  5. Psalm 23:6 Or Only
  6. Psalm 23:6 Or kindness
  7. Psalm 23:6 Or as long as I live