The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Here’s a verse-by-verse explanation of Psalm 23, one of the most well-known and comforting passages in the Bible. It’s attributed to King David, written from the perspective of someone who trusts God completely.

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Psalm 23:1

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

Meaning:
God is like a shepherd, and the speaker is His sheep. Just as a shepherd provides everything a sheep needs—food, water, safety—God provides for His people. “I shall not want” means “I lack nothing.” This is a statement of full trust that God meets all needs.

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Psalm 23:2

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”

Meaning:
God gives peace, rest, and refreshment. “Green pastures” represent nourishment and rest. “Still waters” are safe, calm places to drink—unlike rushing waters that could drown a sheep. It’s about being led to a place of peace, not chaos.

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Psalm 23:3

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Meaning:
God brings renewal—emotionally, spiritually, mentally. “Restores my soul” suggests healing from exhaustion, grief, or despair. “Paths of righteousness” means God guides in the right direction—morally, spiritually. “For His name’s sake” shows He does this to honor His nature: faithful, good, and just.

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Psalm 23:4

“Even 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.”

Meaning:
This is about facing danger, loss, or even death—but without fear, because God is present. The “valley of the shadow of death” is a metaphor for dark and difficult times. The “rod and staff” are tools a shepherd uses: the rod to defend against threats, the staff to guide and rescue. God’s presence gives courage and comfort.

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Psalm 23:5

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

Meaning:
Now the metaphor shifts from shepherd to host. God honors the speaker with a feast, even when enemies are near—He’s not just protecting, He’s celebrating you. “Anointing with oil” was a sign of blessing and being chosen. “My cup overflows” means abundant blessing—more than enough.

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Psalm 23:6

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Meaning:
This final verse is a confident declaration: God’s goodness and mercy will stay with the speaker for life, and beyond. “Dwell in the house of the Lord” means living in God’s presence—forever. It’s not just about life now, but eternal peace and security with God.

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🎶 Music Trust in God by Awake Worship ft. Mark Gutierrez :-

In short: Psalm 23 paints a picture of total trust in God as protector, provider, and guide—through peace, hardship, and into eternity.

Amen.