Psalms 23:4
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.
Study Note
Study Note
The fourth verse of Psalm 23 marks a turning point where the metaphor shifts from the pastoral landscape to the darkest imaginable terrain — 'the valley of the shadow of death' (tsalmaveth, also rendered 'deep darkness'). The shift from third person ('He leads me') to second person ('you are with me') suggests an intensification of intimacy at the point of greatest danger. The 'rod and staff' were standard shepherd implements — the staff for guiding, the rod for protection against predators — both now understood as sources of 'comfort.' The verse has become the most commonly read funeral text in Western religious practice, testifying to a presence that accompanies rather than prevents suffering.
Other Translations
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.
Also--when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou <FI>art<Fi> with me, Thy rod and Thy staff--they comfort me.
Yes, though I go through the valley of deep shade, I will have no fear of evil; for you are with me, your rod and your support are my comfort.
Cross References
Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: …
Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is …
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; …
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: …
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: …
Neither said they, Where is the Lord that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us …
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, …
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto …
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.