Holy Bible: Faith VersePsalm 23: the Lord is my shepherd, full KJV text and meaning
By Sophie · November 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Psalm 23 is the Bible's best-loved psalm of trust, in which David pictures God as a shepherd who provides, guides and stays close even in the darkest valley.
Below is the full text in the King James Version, divided into three parts, with the meaning of each line, its history and a prayer drawn from it.
Verses 1-3: the LORD is my shepherd
“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.”
David knew this work first-hand: before he was king, he kept his father's sheep. A shepherd gives the flock everything it needs: rest in green pastures, water that is still enough to drink, and a path to follow. He does it for his name's sake, out of faithfulness to who he is.
Verse 4: the valley of the shadow of death
“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.”
The tone changes. Until now David has spoken about God; in the darkest valley he speaks to Him: thou art with me. The rod and the staff are the shepherd's tools, one to protect the sheep and the other to guide them. The promise is God's company through the valley.
Verses 5-6: the table and the house
“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.”
The picture shifts from shepherd to host. God sets a table for David even in front of his enemies. Anointing a guest's head with oil was a sign of honor, and the overflowing cup speaks of plenty. The Hebrew word translated follow can also mean pursue: God's goodness and mercy chase after the believer every day of life.
Jesus, the good shepherd
In John's Gospel, Jesus takes up the image of the psalm and applies it to Himself:
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
Christians therefore read Psalm 23 in the light of Christ, the shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.
Who wrote Psalm 23 and why
The title credits it to David, the shepherd boy who became king of Israel. The psalm gives no date or event. Many readers hear in it the trust of someone who had faced real danger, as David did, and found God faithful through it.
When to pray Psalm 23
- At funerals and in grief. It is among the most read passages at memorial services, for the promise of verse 4.
- In illness or a season of fear.
- At night, to hand the day to the shepherd.
- As a first psalm to memorize: six verses is a good place to start.
A prayer from Psalm 23
Lord, You are my shepherd, and I have all I need. Lead me today toward what restores my soul. When I walk through a dark valley, remind me that You are with me. Thank You for the table You set before me each day. Let Your goodness and mercy follow me all my life. Amen.
For more, read our article on Psalm 91 or Bible verses for comfort.
Holy Bible offers a prayer and a verse every day, and can read Scripture and prayers aloud.
Questions
What does the Lord is my shepherd mean?
That God cares for the believer the way a shepherd cares for sheep: He feeds, leads, protects and stays close. The psalm draws the conclusion at once: I shall not want.
What are the promises in Psalm 23?
Provision (I shall not want), rest and restoration, guidance, God's presence in the darkest valley, honor in front of enemies, and goodness and mercy for every day of life.
Why is Psalm 23 read at funerals?
For verse 4, which speaks of the valley of the shadow of death and of God's presence, and for the last verse, which speaks of dwelling in the house of the LORD for ever.
