Psalms 23:2
What does Psalms 23:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 23:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 23:2 means
The Shepherd leads His sheep to places of nourishment and rest. "Green pastures" symbolize sustenance and flourishing, ensuring the sheep have ample food. "Still waters" speak of refreshment and peace, as sheep are known to be fearful of turbulent water. This imagery paints a picture of God providing not just basic necessities, but also a serene environment where His people can find true rest and be sustained without fear. It highlights God's tender care in guiding His own to places of safety and abundant provision.
Psalms 23:2 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 · 2000He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He makes a resting-place for me in the green fields: he is my guide by the quiet waters.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862In pastures of tender grass He causeth me to lie down, By quiet waters He doth lead me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside still waters.
Context
Building on the initial declaration of God as Shepherd, this verse elaborates on the practical implications of that relationship, detailing how the Shepherd provides for the sheep's fundamental needs. It provides concrete examples of the "not wanting" described in verse 1. This provision of rest and sustenance naturally leads into the theme of spiritual restoration that follows, demonstrating the holistic care offered by the LORD.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 46:4
There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
- Revelation 21:6
And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
- Isaiah 49:9
saying to them that are bound, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and on all bare heights shall be their pasture.
- Revelation 22:1
And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
- Job 34:29
When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether it be done unto a nation, or unto a man:
- Revelation 7:17
for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 23:2
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 23:2 teaches us about providence
What Psalms 23:2 teaches us about god's presence
What Psalms 23:2 teaches us about comfort in suffering
What Psalms 23:2 teaches us about eternal hope
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