Christianity

Psalms 23The Lord Is My Shepherd

Summary

Psalm 23 is the best known psalm, a short poem of trust in which God is pictured as a shepherd who provides green pastures and still waters, restores the soul, and leads in right paths. Through the valley of the shadow of death the psalmist fears no evil. The image then shifts to God as host, preparing a table and anointing the head with oil. It is traditionally ascribed to David and widely read at funerals.

Key verse

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Psalms 23:1

Themes

God as Shepherd
Provision
Comfort in Death
Divine Hospitality

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

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.

Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.

Across traditions

Christianity
John 10: The Good Shepherd
In John 10:11 Jesus calls himself the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, drawing on the shepherd imagery of Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34.
Judaism
Tehillim 23 in the JPS 1917 Tanakh
Many Jewish families sing this psalm at the third Sabbath meal, and it is commonly recited at funerals and memorial services.
Islam
Surah Al-Faatiha (1): Show Us the Straight Path
Al-Fatiha, recited in every Muslim prayer, asks God for guidance on the straight path, a theme close to the psalm's paths of righteousness, though without the shepherd image.

Questions about Psalms 23

Who wrote Psalm 23?

Its heading reads A Psalm of David, and Jewish and Christian tradition credits it to David, who had been a shepherd. Scholars cannot confirm the authorship of individual psalms.

What do the rod and staff mean in Psalm 23?

A shepherd's rod was a club used to defend the flock and the staff a long crook for guiding sheep. Together they picture God's protection and guidance.

Why is Psalm 23 read at funerals?

Verse 4 speaks of walking through the valley of the shadow of death without fear, and verse 6 ends with dwelling in the house of the LORD for ever, offering comfort to mourners.