Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
NIV · New International Version
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
WEB · World English Bible
A Psalm by David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.
What does Psalms 23:1 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd,.... This is to be understood not of Jehovah the Father, and of his feeding the people of Israel in the wilderness, as the Targum paraphrases it, though the character of a shepherd is sometimes given to him, Psalm 77:20; but of Jehovah the Son, to whom it is most frequently ascribed, Genesis 49:24. This office he was called and appointed to by his Father, and which through his condescending grace he undertook to execute, and for which he is abundantly qualified; being omniscient, and so knows all his sheep and their maladies, where to find them, what is their case, and what is to be done for them; and being omnipotent, he can do everything proper for them; and having…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 23:1–4
1. Jehovah is my shepherd. Although God, by his benefits, gently allures us to himself, as it were by a taste of his fatherly sweetness, yet there is nothing into which we more easily fall than into a forgetfulness of him, when we are in the enjoyment of peace and comfort. Yea, prosperity not only so intoxicates many, as to carry them beyond all bounds in their mirth, but it also engenders insolence, which makes them proudly rise up and break forth against God.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 23:1–4 (WEB)
1A Psalm by David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Cross references
- Philippians 4:19
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
- Isaiah 40:11
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.
- John 10:27–30
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
- John 10:14
I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own;
- Revelation 7:17
for the Lamb who is in the middle of the throne shepherds them and leads them to springs of life-giving waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
- Matthew 6:33
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
- 1 Peter 2:25
For you were going astray like sheep; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.