Psalms 23:6
What does Psalms 23:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 23:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 23:6 means
This verse concludes the psalm with a confident affirmation of God's enduring faithfulness. The psalmist declares that "goodness and lovingkindness" (God's steadfast love and mercy) will relentlessly pursue him, not just intermittently, but "all the days of my life." This is a powerful statement of divine pursuit and care. The ultimate blessing is the promise to "dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever," signifying an eternal dwelling and intimate fellowship with God. This points to a hope that extends beyond earthly life, assuring a perpetual presence in God’s glorious presence.
Psalms 23:6 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 · 2000Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Truly, blessing and mercy will be with me all the days of my life; and I will have a place in the house of the Lord all my days.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Only--goodness and kindness pursue me, All the days of my life, And my dwelling <FI>is<Fi> in the house of Jehovah, For a length of days!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Surely, goodness and loving-kindness shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of Jehovah for the length of the days.
Context
As the concluding verse of the psalm, this offers a final, resounding declaration of assurance, drawing together the themes of God's continuous provision, protection, and abundant blessing. It extends the promise of God's goodness from the present life into eternity, solidifying the believer's ultimate security. The expectation of dwelling in God's house forever provides a climactic and hopeful ending, cementing the comprehensive and eternal nature of the Shepherd's care.
v.5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
v.6This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 103:17
But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children’s children;
- Psalms 73:24
Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
- 2 Timothy 4:18
The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
- Philippians 1:23
But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
Sermon ideas from Psalms 23:6
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 23:6 teaches us about providence
What Psalms 23:6 teaches us about god's presence
What Psalms 23:6 teaches us about comfort in suffering
What Psalms 23:6 teaches us about eternal hope
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