Psalm 23 is probably the best-known chapter of the Bible. It is read at funerals and weddings, memorised by children, painted on walls and prayed in hospital rooms. In just six verses, King David — who had been a shepherd himself — describes God's care for his people in beautiful and comforting pictures.
Here is the psalm in the King James Version, with an explanation of each verse.
Verse 1
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
David begins with a personal confession: the LORD — the covenant God of Israel — is my shepherd. In the ancient world, kings were often called shepherds of their people. David, the shepherd-king, recognises that he himself needs a shepherd.
"I shall not want" means "I shall lack nothing I truly need." It is not a promise of every wish, but of God's faithful provision.
Verse 2
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
In the dry land of Israel, green pastures and calm water were precious. Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, afraid or troubled, and they cannot drink easily from rushing streams. The shepherd leads them to places of rest, nourishment and peace. God knows when we need rest and provides it.
Verse 3
"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
"Restoreth my soul" means God revives and refreshes us when we are weary, and brings us back when we wander. He leads us on "paths of righteousness" — right paths. And he does it "for his name's sake": his reputation and faithfulness are at stake in caring for his sheep.
Verse 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."
Notice the change: until now David has spoken about God ("he"); now he speaks to God ("thou"). In the darkest valley, God feels nearest.
The "valley of the shadow of death" can mean any deep darkness — danger, grief, illness, or death itself. The believer still walks through it, but not alone. The shepherd's rod was a club for defending the sheep from wild animals; the staff was a long stick, often with a hook, used to guide and rescue them. Both bring comfort: protection and guidance.
Verse 5
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
The picture changes from shepherd to host. God sets a banquet for David even while enemies look on — a sign of honour, protection and victory. Anointing a guest's head with oil was a gesture of welcome and refreshment. "My cup runneth over" speaks of abundant, overflowing blessing.
Verse 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."
Instead of enemies pursuing him, David says that God's goodness and mercy will follow him. The Hebrew word for "follow" can mean "pursue" — God's loving-kindness chases after him every day. The psalm ends with the hope of living in God's presence for ever.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Christians read Psalm 23 in the light of Jesus' words:
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11, KJV)
Jesus is the shepherd who knows his sheep by name (John 10:3), seeks the one that is lost (Luke 15:4–7) and lays down his life for them. Hebrews calls him "that great shepherd of the sheep" (Hebrews 13:20), and Peter calls him "the chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4).
Living Psalm 23
- Rest: Do I allow God to lead me to rest?
- Trust: Do I believe he will provide what I truly need?
- Courage: In my "valley", do I remember that he is with me?
- Gratitude: Can I see where my cup is overflowing?
- Hope: Do I look forward to dwelling with him for ever?
Using Psalm 23
- Memorise it — it is short and easy to learn. See how to memorise Bible verses.
- Pray it slowly, one line at a time, turning each phrase into personal prayer.
- Share it with someone who is grieving or afraid.
- Teach it to children — the shepherd and sheep imagery is easy for them to picture.
Continue with understanding the Psalms, or read the life of King David.