The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Yea, 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.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Go deeper in Psalm 23
Psalm 23 Meaning
What does Psalm 23 mean? The beloved shepherd psalm — comfort, provision, and God's presence through the valley.
Psalm 23:1 Meaning — The LORD Is My Shepherd
What does 'the LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want' mean? The Bible's best-loved opening line, explained.
About Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Six verses that have accompanied more believers through more valleys than any other words on earth: green pastures, still waters, restored soul, and the rod and staff of a present Shepherd.
Notice the pronoun shift at the valley of the shadow of death: he becomes thou — in the darkest stretch, God is no longer talked about but talked to. The psalm ends at a table among enemies, an anointed head, a running-over cup, and goodness and mercy in pursuit all the days of my life.
The Book of Psalms — summary, themes & key verses
The Bible's prayer book — 150 songs of praise, lament, trust, and honest human need.
