Psalm 23:1-3
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Psalm 23[a]
The Lord, Shepherd and Host
1 A psalm of David.
I
The Lord is my shepherd;[b]
there is nothing I lack.(A)
2 In green pastures he makes me lie down;
to still waters he leads me;
3 (B)he restores my soul.
He guides me along right paths[c]
for the sake of his name.
Footnotes
- Psalm 23 God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).
- 23:1 My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11–16; Jn 10:11–18).
- 23:3 Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”
Psalm 23:3-4
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
3 (A)he restores my soul.
He guides me along right paths[a]
for the sake of his name.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,(B)
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff comfort me.
Footnotes
- 23:3 Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”
Psalm 23:5
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
II
5 [a]You set a table before me
in front of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;(A)
my cup overflows.(B)
Psalm 23:6
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
6 Indeed, goodness and mercy[a] will pursue me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the Lord(A)
for endless days.
Footnotes
- 23:6 Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel.
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.