Psalms 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his nameu2019s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Common Questions About Psalms 23
Who wrote Psalm 23 and why is it called the Shepherd's Psalm?
Psalm 23 is attributed to King David, who worked as a shepherd before he became king. He uses that firsthand experience to picture God as a shepherd who guides, protects, and provides for his people -- which is why it's often called the Shepherd's Psalm or the Good Shepherd Psalm.
What does I shall not want mean?
This phrase means I will not lack anything I truly need. It's an expression of trust that, because the Lord is his shepherd, David can be confident God will provide and care for him, not a promise that he will have everything he wants.
What is the valley of the shadow of death referring to?
This phrase (verse 4) pictures walking through a dark, dangerous, or fearful season of life -- not necessarily literal death, though it can include that. The psalm's point is that even there, God's presence removes the reason to fear.
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Questions to Think About
- Where in your life do you need to trust God as your shepherd right now?
- What would it look like to fear no evil in a specific situation you're facing?
- How have you experienced God's presence or provision during a hard season, even if you didn't recognize it at the time?
Ask the Bible Chat Bot below if you'd like to talk through any of these.