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King James Version · read & reflect

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is the best-loved psalm in the Bible — David's picture of the Lord as a shepherd who leads, feeds, and stays close through the darkest valley. In six short verses it moves from green pastures and still waters, through 'the valley of the shadow of death,' to a table set in the presence of enemies and finally to the house of the Lord 'for ever.' A whole life is held here inside a shepherd's care.

Key verses

  • The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

    Psalms 23:1

  • 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.

    Psalms 23:4

  • Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

    Psalms 23:6

Psalm 23 in full (KJV)

  1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
  2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
  3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
  4. 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.
  5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
  6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Frequently asked questions

What does Psalm 23 mean?
It portrays God as a shepherd and the believer as a sheep who 'shall not want' — lacking nothing under a good shepherd's care. Its comfort is presence: even in the valley of the shadow of death, 'thou art with me.'
Who wrote Psalm 23?
David, who had been a shepherd himself before he was king, which is why the shepherd imagery rings so true.
Why is Psalm 23 read at funerals?
Its promise of God's presence through 'the valley of the shadow of death,' and of dwelling in the house of the Lord for ever, speaks directly to grief and hope, so it has long been read for comfort in loss.
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