Psalm 23
King James Version
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.
World Bible Guide plain reading
1The Divine guides me; I lack nothing.
2He gently guides me to rest in lush meadows, and leads me to calm, peaceful waters.
3He rejuvenates my spirit, guiding me on the road of goodness, all for the honor of His name.
4Even as I journey through the darkest, most dangerous paths, I won't be scared because I know you're with me. Your guidance and support bring me peace.
5You set a feast for me, even when surrounded by foes. You bless me, filling my life with abundance, more than I could ever need.
6Without a doubt, kindness and compassion will be my companions every day of my life, and I will forever find my home in the presence of the Lord.
Reading is free. Listening is in the iPhone and iPad app, with a subscription.
Reading Psalm 23
- It begins by speaking about the LORD — “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” — and in the valley it turns to speak to him: “for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:2–4).
- Its pictures come one after another: green pastures and still waters, the paths of righteousness, the valley of the shadow of death, a table prepared in the presence of enemies, and the house of the LORD (Psalm 23:2–6).
- Jesus takes up the same picture in John’s Gospel: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
The plain reading is a companion paraphrase for reflection, set beside the King James text so you can compare the two. About our content
Bring a question about Psalm 23
Ask Simon Peter, Paul, Philip, John the Baptist, Judas Iscariot or Jesus. When an answer rests on a passage, you see which one. Each person is an interpretation drawn from the text, never the person.
More verses people look up