Psalms 23:3
What does Psalms 23:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 23:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 23:3 means
The Shepherd’s care extends beyond physical provision to the inner person. To "restore my soul" signifies spiritual renewal, an emotional and mental revitalization that brings the inner being back to a right state. The Shepherd then guides His flock along "paths of righteousness," leading them in ways that are morally correct and beneficial, not for the sheep's merit, but "for his name’s sake." This emphasizes that God's guidance is rooted in His own character and honor, ensuring that His leading is always good and true, safeguarding His reputation.
Psalms 23:3 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 restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He gives new life to my soul: he is my guide in the ways of righteousness because of his name.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My soul He refresheth, He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name's sake,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Context
Following the descriptions of physical nourishment and rest in green pastures and beside still waters, this verse shifts to the spiritual and moral dimensions of God's shepherding. It moves from outward provision to inward restoration and ethical guidance. This spiritual restoration and divine leading are crucial for navigating the challenges and even the dangers presented in the subsequent verses, showing that God's care is comprehensive.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 8:20
I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;
- Psalms 51:12
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit.
- Ephesians 1:6
to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:
- Jeremiah 31:8
Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall they return hither.
- Psalms 5:8
Lead me, O Jehovah, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; Make thy way straight before my face.
- Psalms 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 23:3
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 23:3 teaches us about providence
What Psalms 23:3 teaches us about god's presence
What Psalms 23:3 teaches us about comfort in suffering
What Psalms 23:3 teaches us about eternal hope
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