Psalms 23:1

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 23:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalms 23:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The Lord [is] my shepherd, etc.] 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, (<197720>Psalm 77:20 80:1); but of Jehovah the Son, to whom it is most frequently ascribed, (<014924>Genesis 49:24 <234011> Isaiah 40:11) (<263423>Ezekiel 34:23 37:24 <381307>Zechariah 13:7 <431011>John 10:11,14 <600225>1 Peter 2:25 5:4). 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…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Under a metaphor borrowed from scenes of pastoral life, with which David was familiar, he describes God's providential care in providing refreshment, guidance, protection, and abundance, and so affording grounds of confidence in His perpetual favor. (Psa 23:1-6) Christ's relation to His people is often represented by the figure of a shepherd (Joh 10:14; Heb 13:20; Pe1 2:25; Pe1 5:4), and therefore the opinion that He is the Lord here so described, and in Gen 48:15; Psa 80:1; Isa 40:11, is not without some good reason.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“Pss 23–28 These psalms develop the importance of integrity (25:4-7, 12-14, 21; 26:6, 11; 27:7-12), God’s shepherding care (23:1; 28:9), God’s guidance (23:2-3; 25:5; 27:11), God’s goodness (23:6; 25:7-8; 27:13), and living in his house (23:6; 26:8; 27:4, 8). Ps 23 This psalm of trust and confidence in the Lord has been a favorite of God’s people for generations. It expresses assurance of God’s presence in the midst of adversity. It evokes images of the Good Shepherd (23:1-3; see Ezek 34:12; John 10:11) and of the messianic banquet (Ps 23:5-6; see Isa 25:6; Rev 19:9). 23:1-3 People in the ancient Near East commonly viewed their rulers as shepherds. 23:1 The Lord promises to take care of his…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“my: Psa 79:13, Psa 80:1; Isa 40:11; Jer 23:3, Jer 23:4; Eze 34:11, Eze 34:12, Eze 34:23, Eze 34:24; Mic 5:2, Mic 5:4; Joh 10:11, Joh 10:14, Joh 10:27-30; Heb 13:20; Pe1 2:25, Pe1 5:4; Rev 7:17 I shall: Psa 34:9, Psa 34:10, Psa 84:11; Mat 6:33; Luk 12:30-32; Rom 8:32; Phi 4:19; Heb 13:5, Heb 13:6 Psalms 23:2”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The poet calls Jahve רעי, as He who uniformly and graciously provides for and guides him and all who are His. Later prophecy announces the visible appearing of this Shepherd, Isa 40:11, Eze 34:23, and other passages. If this has taken place, the רעי ה from the mouth of man finds its cordial response in the words ἐγὼ εἰμὶ ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός. He who has Jahve, the possessor of all things, himself has all things, he lacks nothing; viz., כּ־טוב, whatever is good in itself and would be good for him, Psa 34:11; Psa 84:12. נאות דּשׁא are the pastures of fresh and tender grass, where one lies at ease, and rest and enjoyment are combined. נאה (נוה), according to its primary meaning, is a…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification