Psalm 23

Easy-to-Read Version

A song of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd.
    I will always have everything I need.^[a]
²He gives me green pastures to lie in.
    He leads me by calm pools of water.
³He restores my strength.
    He leads me on right paths^[b] to show that he is good.
⁴Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave,^[c]
    I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me.
    Your rod and staff^[d] comfort me.
⁵You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies.
    You welcomed me as an honored guest.^[e]
    My cup is full and spilling over.
⁶Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life,
    and I will live in the Lord’s house^[f] a long, long time.^[g]

Footnotes

Psalm 23:1 I will … need Literally, “I will lack nothing.”
Psalm 23:3 right paths Or “paths of goodness.”
Psalm 23:4 valley … grave Or “death’s dark valley” or “a very dark valley.”
Psalm 23:4 rod and staff The club and walking stick a shepherd uses to protect and guide his sheep.
Psalm 23:5 You welcomed … guest Literally, “You anointed my head with oil.”
Psalm 23:6 house Or “Temple.” See “Temple” in the Word List.
Psalm 23:6 I … long time Or “I will return again and again to the Lord’s Temple for as long as I live.”