Psalms 23:1
What does Psalms 23:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 23:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 23:1 means
This verse establishes the foundational relationship between the believer and God: God is a Shepherd, and the believer is His sheep. As a result of this relationship, the psalmist declares a state of complete contentment and provision. The phrase "I shall not want" signifies not just an absence of need, but a deep assurance that all necessary provisions — physical, emotional, and spiritual — are met by the LORD’s faithful care. This is a powerful declaration of trust in God's capacity to supply every need, leaving no room for anxiety about lack.
Psalms 23:1 in context
Psalms 23 — The Lord is My Shepherd
The most-loved psalm in the Bible. David, himself once a shepherd, confesses that the LORD is his shepherd; therefore he shall not want. Green pastures, still waters, paths of righteousness, the dark valley, the prepared table, the overflowing cup, the goodness and mercy that follow him every day, and the house of the LORD forever — every line is the language of trust. The psalm passes from green pastures to the valley of the shadow of death without panic, because the same Shepherd walks both.
- Providence
- God's presence
- Comfort in suffering
- Eternal hope
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord takes care of me as his sheep; I will not be without any good thing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A Psalm of David. Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> my shepherd, I do not lack,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Context
Psalm 23 opens with this definitive statement, grounding the entire psalm in the metaphor of God as a Shepherd. This initial declaration sets the tone for the abundant care and provision described in the following verses. It introduces the intimate, personal relationship that undergirds all subsequent promises of guidance, restoration, and protection, providing the essential framework for understanding the psalmist's complete trust.
v.1This passage
v.2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 5:2
But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.
- John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
- Micah 5:4
And he shall stand, and shall feed his flock in the strength of Jehovah, in the majesty of the name of Jehovah his God: and they shall abide; for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
- Psalms 79:13
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture Will give thee thanks for ever: We will show forth thy praise to all generations.
- Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- Isaiah 40:11
He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 23:1
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 23:1 teaches us about providence
What Psalms 23:1 teaches us about god's presence
What Psalms 23:1 teaches us about comfort in suffering
What Psalms 23:1 teaches us about eternal hope
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