Psalm 23
Purpose: To express confidence in YHWH's provision and protection.
Content: Like a shepherd and a host, YHWH provides for me and protects me even when danger is near.
Message: I lack nothing and fear nothing because YHWH is with me!
Author: David
Videos
Overview Video
Poetic Features Video
Video forthcoming
Exegetical Issues Video
Overview
Translation
Click 'Expand' to the right to see our Close-but-Clear translation of Psalm 23.
- 1. A psalm by David.
- YHWH is my shepherd; I will never lack [anything].
- 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
- He leads me to water where I can rest.
- 3. He restores my life.
- He leads me in paths of righteousness
- for the sake of his name.
- 4. Even when I walk in a valley of darkness,
- I will not fear harm,
- because you are with me.
- Your rod and your staff,
- they comfort me.
- 5. You arrange a table before me
- in the presence of my adversaries.
- You have anointed my head with oil.
- My cup is overflowing.
- 6. Surely goodness and loyalty will pursue me
- all the days of my life,
- and I will dwell in YHWH's house
- for as long as I live.
The Close-but-clear translation (CBC) exists to provide a window into the Hebrew text according to how we understand its syntax and word-to-phrase-level semantics. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone translation or base text, but as a supplement to Layer-by-Layer materials to help users make full use of these resources.
For links to other translations of Psalm 23, click here.
Verse-by-Verse
Click the link to view all of Psalm 23 Verse-by-Verse, or click on an individual verse below.
Layer-by-Layer
Exegetical Issues
Guardian: Mari Strube