Psalms 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Study Note
Study Note
The opening declaration 'The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want' is arguably the most widely memorized and recited verse in all of Scripture. Shepherd imagery for deity is well attested in the ancient Near East, but Israel's use of it personalizes the relationship ('my shepherd') rather than applying it generically. The assertion 'I shall not want' is not a promise of material abundance but a confidence that the shepherd's care renders essential needs met. The psalm has accompanied the dying across traditions and centuries, and Jesus's self-identification as the 'Good Shepherd' in John 10 explicitly evokes its language.
Other Translations
Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
A Psalm of David. Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> my shepherd, I do not lack,
The Lord takes care of me as his sheep; I will not be without any good thing.
Cross References
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in …
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will …
And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be …
Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He …
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living …
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I …
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do …