Psalms 23:4
What does Psalms 23:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 23:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 23:4 means
Even in the darkest and most perilous circumstances, described as "the valley of the shadow of death," the psalmist expresses complete fearlessness. This is not due to a lack of danger, but to the unwavering presence of the Shepherd. The "rod" and "staff" — tools used by a shepherd for protection and guidance — provide comfort. The rod could defend against predators, and the staff could guide or rescue. Christ Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, ultimately confronts death and triumphs over it, granting His followers eternal security (John 10:11, Hebrews 2:14-15).
Psalms 23:4 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 · 2000Yea, 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yea, 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yea, 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Yes, though I go through the valley of deep shade, I will have no fear of evil; for you are with me, your rod and your support are my comfort.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Also--when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou <FI>art<Fi> with me, Thy rod and Thy staff--they comfort me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Yea, 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.
Context
This verse presents a stark contrast to the peaceful imagery of the preceding verses, introducing a scene of potential danger and fear. However, it immediately asserts triumphant trust in God's constant presence and protection, even in the direst circumstances. The assurance of God's companionship and comfort in the valley of death prepares the reader for the surprising picture of celebration and blessing that follows, demonstrating the Shepherd's faithfulness in all situations.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 15:55
O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?
- Psalms 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
- Isaiah 41:10
fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Zechariah 11:10
And I took my staff Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the peoples.
- Acts 18:9
And the Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace:
- Job 10:21
Before I go whence I shall not return, Evento the land of darkness and of the shadow of death;
Sermon ideas from Psalms 23:4
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 23:4 teaches us about providence
What Psalms 23:4 teaches us about god's presence
What Psalms 23:4 teaches us about comfort in suffering
What Psalms 23:4 teaches us about eternal hope
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