The Shepherd Psalm

The words

1. Anoint

   The psalmist’s head is anointed with oil beside the prepared table; the NET renders the action as refreshing the head.

   Psalm 23:5 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab)

2. Comfort

   The rod and staff comfort the psalmist in the valley of the shadow of death, alongside the assurance “thou art with me.”

   Did you know?

   The psalm first speaks about the LORD as “he,” then addresses him as “thou” in the verse naming rod and staff.

   Psalm 23:4 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 23:1 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 23:2 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 23:3 (opens a new tab)

3. Dwell

   The KJV closes with dwelling in the LORD’s house “for ever”; the NET renders the duration “for the rest of my life.”

   Did you know?

   Psalm 27:4 also expresses the wish to dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of the speaker’s life.

   Psalm 23:6 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 27:4 (opens a new tab)

4. Enemies

   A table is prepared in the presence of the psalmist’s enemies; the oil and cup continue the scene of welcome.

   Psalm 23:5 (opens a new tab)

5. Evil

   Danger, in the NET’s rendering.

   The psalmist says “I will fear no evil” while walking through the valley, giving the reason “for thou art with me.”

   Psalm 23:4 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab)

6. Goodness

   Goodness is paired with mercy as following the psalmist all the days of life, before the closing promise of dwelling.

   Psalm 23:6 (opens a new tab)

7. Mercy

   Faithfulness, in the NET’s rendering.

   Mercy and goodness follow the psalmist throughout life; the NET pictures the pair as pursuing rather than simply following.

   Psalm 23:6 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab)

8. Pastures

   The shepherd makes the psalmist lie down in green pastures, then leads beside still waters, joining rest with provision.

   Psalm 23:2 (opens a new tab)

9. Righteousness

   The phrase is rendered “the right paths” in the NET.

   After restoring the psalmist’s soul, the shepherd leads in “the paths of righteousness” for his name’s sake.

   Psalm 23:3 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab)

10. Runneth

    Runneth over is rendered overflows in the NIV.

    The KJV’s cup “runneth over” beside the table and oil; the NET instead describes the cup as completely full.

    Psalm 23:5 (opens a new tab) · NIV: Psalm 23:5 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab)

11. Shadow

    The NET renders the whole phrase “the darkest valley.”

    The valley of the shadow of death marks the psalm’s dark passage; the psalmist still speaks of the LORD’s presence and comfort.

    Psalm 23:4 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab)

12. Shepherd

    The opening names the LORD as the psalmist’s shepherd; the next lines develop that image through pasture, water and leading.

    Did you know?

    Psalm 80:1 uses the wider title “Shepherd of Israel” and pictures Joseph being led like a flock.

    Psalm 23:1 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 23:2 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 23:3 (opens a new tab) · Psalm 80:1 (opens a new tab)

13. Soul

    The KJV says “He restoreth my soul,” then turns to guidance along paths; the NET expresses the restoration as renewed strength.

    Psalm 23:3 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab)

14. Staff

    The staff is named beside the rod as a source of comfort during the valley passage, where the psalmist addresses the LORD directly.

    Psalm 23:4 (opens a new tab)

15. Waters

    Still waters accompany the green pastures in the shepherd’s care; the NET renders them as refreshing water.

    Psalm 23:2 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Psalm 23:1-6 (opens a new tab)