Psalm 23 · KJV
Psalm 23
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23 pictures God as a shepherd who provides, leads, and stays close — even through "the valley of the shadow of death." Its message is quiet confidence: because the Lord is caring for me, I lack nothing and fear nothing.
Psalm 23 (KJV)
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, 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.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
What Psalm 23 means
David, a shepherd before he was a king, writes from the sheep's point of view. God leads to green pastures and still waters, restores the soul, and guides "in the paths of righteousness." Every image is one of provision and rest — the anxious striving of life answered by a Shepherd who knows the way.
The psalm's turning point is the valley. David does not say the valley is avoided; he says God is present in it: "thou art with me." Rod and staff, a prepared table, an overflowing cup, and "goodness and mercy" following all the days of life — this is the most beloved psalm in the world because it meets people exactly where grief and fear are, and answers them with presence.
Key verses
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1 · KJV — The line that anchors the whole psalm.
“Yea, 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.”
Psalm 23:4 · KJV — Read at more funerals and hospital bedsides than any other verse.
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A prayer from Psalm 23
Lord, my Shepherd, lead me beside still waters and restore my soul. When I walk through dark valleys, remind me that You are with me, and let Your goodness and mercy follow me all my days. Amen.
Themes in this passage
Related passages
Frequently asked
What does Psalm 23 mean?
Psalm 23 pictures God as a shepherd who provides, leads, and stays close — even through "the valley of the shadow of death." Its message is quiet confidence: because the Lord is caring for me, I lack nothing and fear nothing.
What is Psalm 23 about?
David, a shepherd before he was a king, writes from the sheep's point of view. God leads to green pastures and still waters, restores the soul, and guides "in the paths of righteousness." Every image is one of provision and rest — the anxious striving of life answered by a Shepherd who knows the way.
What is the key verse in Psalm 23?
Psalm 23:1 — “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Is Psalm 23 in the King James Version?
Yes. The full text of Psalm 23 on this page is the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain.