Psalms 23

The LORD is my shepherd. I will not lack anything I need.

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Note"LORD" in small capitals marks the personal name of God in Hebrew, written with four consonants (YHWH). Jewish tradition avoided pronouncing it aloud, and English translations follow that by substituting the title "the LORD." In the King James wording "I shall not want" means "I shall not lack"; "want" in 1611 meant to be short of something, not to desire it. Calling a ruler or a god the "shepherd" of his people was standard language across the ancient Near East for someone who fed, guided and defended those in his charge.

2He makes me lie down in green fields. He leads me beside calm water.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

NoteThe Hebrew behind "still waters" is literally "waters of resting places", water a flock can settle beside and drink from safely, as opposed to a fast or dangerous stream.

3He gives me my life and strength back. He leads me along right paths, for the sake of his own name.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

NoteThe King James "soul" here translates Hebrew *nephesh*, which means a person's life, breath or whole self, not an immaterial part separable from the body; the verb can mean either "brings back" or "revives." A "name" in Hebrew usage stood for a person's reputation and character, so acting "for his name's sake" means acting in a way that upholds who he is known to be.

4Yes, even when I walk through the valley that is dark as death, I will not be afraid of anything that could harm me, because you are with me. Your rod and your staff comfort me.

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.

NoteThe Hebrew word rendered "shadow of death" (*tsalmaveth*) is disputed: it can be read as a compound meaning "death-shadow," or as a single word meaning "deep darkness." Both senses are old, and the phrase covers any place of overwhelming gloom or danger, not only dying. The rod and the staff are the two tools of a working shepherd: a short heavy club carried to beat off predators and thieves, and a long stick used to steer and steady the flock.

5You set a table of food in front of me while my enemies look on. You pour oil on my head. My cup is so full that it spills over.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

NoteIn this culture, seating someone at your table placed them under your protection as host; doing so in full view of their enemies displayed that protection publicly. Pouring perfumed olive oil over a guest's head was a normal mark of honor and welcome at a feast, the same act was also used to install kings and priests, and the word for it gives us "anoint."

6I am sure that goodness and mercy will follow me every day of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

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.

Note"Mercy" here translates Hebrew *chesed*, the loyal, committed kindness owed within a binding relationship (closer to "steadfast loyalty" than to pity for the pitiable. The verb translated "follow" is a strong one, normally used of pursuing or chasing someone down. The "house of the LORD" is the sanctuary where God was worshiped) the tent, and later the temple in Jerusalem. The closing phrase is literally "for length of days," which can mean a whole lifetime or an unending one; the Hebrew leaves it open.