BibleWord.ai› Bible› Psalms› Chapter 23› Verse 5

Psalms 23:5

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 23:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
Psalms 23:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name`s sake.
4Yea, thou 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.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever. Psalm 24 A Psalm of David.
← Psalms 23:4Psalms 23:6 →
← Full Chapter 23 Psalms Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Another figure expresses God's provided care. a table--or, "food," anointing oil--the symbol of gladness, and the overflowing cup--which represents abundance--are prepared for the child of God, who may feast in spite of his enemies, confident that this favor will ever attend him. This beautiful Psalm most admirably sets before us, in its chief figure, that of a shepherd, the gentle, kind, and sure care extended to God's people, who, as a shepherd, both rules and feeds them. The closing verse shows that the blessings mentioned are spiritual. Next: Psalms Chapter 24”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A table - Thou furnishest me with plenty of provisions and comforts. Oil - With aromatic ointments, which were then used at great feasts; thy comforts delight my soul. Runneth over - Thou hast given me a plentiful portions, signified by the cup, given to the guests by the master of the feast. Next: Psalms Chapter 24”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“23:5 A feast demonstrates the Lord’s care and mercy toward his people (see 22:26, 29). Although enemies can watch, they cannot trouble the guests. • The ritual of anointing the head with oil showed guests honor (92:9-11), hospitality, and refreshment (104:15; 133:2).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“preparest: Psa 22:26, Psa 22:29, Psa 31:19, Psa 31:20, Psa 104:15; Job 36:16; Isa 25:6; Joh 6:53-56; Joh 10:9, Joh 10:10, Joh 16:22 thou anointest: Heb. makest fat, Psa 45:7, Psa 92:10; Amo 6:6; Mat 6:17; Co2 1:21; Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:27 my cup: Psa 16:5, Psa 116:13; Co1 10:16; Eph 3:20 Psalms 23:6”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Psalms 23 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification