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What is the Psalm 23 Meaning? (Psalm 23 Explained Beautifully!)

November 1, 2015 by Mary 15 Comments

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Have you ever wondered about the Psalm 23 meaning or wanted to hear Psalm 23 explained beautifully? You may be wondering, “What does Psalm 23 mean? And how does it relate to us as children of God today?”

A sheep's face with text overlay about "Psalm 23"

This psalm of David is loved the world over for its calming and healing wisdom. A study of Psalm 23 is sure to leave you feeling secure and wrapped in God’s loving arms.

Diving deep into each line of Scripture, we see a picture of a loving father who cares for His children in precious ways. If you’re wondering what is Psalm 23 all about, let’s take a close look at this amazing part of God’s word by breaking it down, verse by verse.

Special Note: Are you a Christian? If you want to make sure you are a child of God (ready for heaven), read our post How to Be Saved According to the Bible.

Post updated on July 17, 2020

When Psalm 23 became personal

While meditating on Psalm 23 today, I gained some brand new insights. I’ve read and listened to this Psalm all my life, so popular that it is the passage of Scripture known by most everyone, even non-believers.

While this is a Psalm 23 commentary of sorts, I’ve put a personal spin on this passage and the way it hit my heart personally. Each verse has a deep meaning for me, and I pray it will resonate with you, as well.

After experiencing some difficulties in my life, I saw this Psalm from a different perspective. May you identify with it and be encouraged. I’ve paraphrased each bible verse in my own words, then added some additional thoughts.

Below is my personal interpretation of this beloved Psalm. Scriptures are in bold & italics, my words are in regular font.

Read Next: How to Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

A small lamb closing its eyes, just like in the Psalm 23 meaning

Psalm 23 Meaning Explained Beautifully 

♥A Personal Narrative of Psalm 23♥

verse 1: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

My words: God is taking care of and watching over me. I have everything I need now, and everything I need in the future will be provided.

Since God is our Father, we have assurance He will provide and no need to fear any danger.

verse 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still waters.”

My words: God gives me blessing upon blessing – physical provisions and spiritual salvation. He has laid the groundwork in my life to endure whatever I am led through.

Not only does He give me what I need, He gives even more. Green pastures. Still waters. The best of the best. This verse reminds me of my absolute favorite Scripture of all time, Psalm 103.

Verses 2-5 state, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” I engraved this passage recently on my new silver ring to remind me of God’s goodness toward me.

A bible opened to the book of Psalm with verses underlined, with an engraved silver ring sitting on top

verse 3: “He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake.”

My words: God is the only one who can refresh my soul and spirit. He led me to Him through His Word and those who taught it to me. I am so thankful He gave me instruction on how to live a godly life to glorify Him.

verse 4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

My words: Even though I go through darkness and difficulties painful to bear, I am not afraid of Satan. You have defeated him and You are on my side. Day by day, You provide whatever I need to endure any pain or difficult I encounter. Simply having your presence beside me is everything I need for comfort in the storm.

verse 5a: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

My words: You are using these struggles to prepare me for something great. Satan sees You changing his evil plan into something good instead. Anyone who would laugh at or mock me for being a Christian, they will one day see me blessed and honored as your child.

verse 5b: “You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.”

My words: You honor me when I am brought through the darkness into the light. I realize how many amazing blessings I have and how Your love and faithfulness sustain me. If I try to count all your blessings toward me, they are more than can be numbered.

verse 6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”

My words: Here’s what I have learned – no matter the situations I find myself in, God is good all the time! I am with Him now and will forever be in His presence of peace.

To sum up the entire Psalm 23 meaning: God is good. Always.

What is the primary theme of Psalm 23?

The main theme of Psalm 23 is about God’s loving care for his children. The shepherd and sheep analogy is used to depict God’s gentleness and guidance throughout our lives, and the love of a Shepherd who is willing to lay down His life for his sheep.

Who wrote Psalm 23?

King David of Israel, the youngest son of Jesse, wrote this beloved Psalm. He was anointed as king of Israel as a young boy. David was chosen by God because God saw the goodness of his heart. When selecting who would be the king and passing over one of the older brothers, God stated to Samuel “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

David was also a shepherd boy who took care of sheep for years, and it shows a depth of humility for him to use a metaphor of himself as a sheep and God as the Shepherd.

Why is Psalm 23 meaningful for Christians today?

This Psalm teaches us how to be content in any circumstance— whether in a valley of difficulty or in green pastures of ease. No matter what we are going through, we can trust the Shepherd’s plan for us.

For a vivid and encouraging story that makes Psalm 23 come to life, check out Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. It is a touching story that follows a wounded character who wants to leave the valley and go to the High Places, but has to go through a long journey and trials (with the Shepherd always there to guide). The watercolor illustrated version is beautiful.

The reason Psalm 23 is used so often at funerals?

Psalm 23 applies both to the loved one who has passed away, and those are who are still living. In a few short verses it covers the needs of all.

If we walk through the valley of death, God is there. If we are alive and facing challenges or peaceful times, God is there. And He helps us face the difficult valley of losing a loved one.

Additional Resources:

  • Another interpretation of Psalm 23 can be found here, “Praying the 23rd Psalm.”
  • For creating deeper intimacy with Jesus, read my guide on How to Grow Spiritually When You Don’t Feel Close to God.
  • Listen to this beautiful song titled “Psalm 23” by the Zoe Group.

You might also like: Trusting God – 5 Ways You Try But Fail (+ how to fix it) 

What meaning from Psalm 23 have you gained from this study?

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Filed Under: Faith, Healthy Spirit Tagged With: psalm 23, psalm 23 commentary, psalm 23 explained beautifully, psalm 23 for kids, psalm 23 meaning, psalm 23 verse

About Mary

Mary is a minister's wife, mom of two boys, and former missionary to Scotland. She’s also the creator of Healthy Christian Home, where she points to God's spiritual and physical nourishment through the natural world He has created. In her free time, you can find her with a cup of hot tea and a stack of books -- or watching a new BBC series.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judy Beckwith says

    November 1, 2015 at 10:27 pm

    For most of my life I associated Psalm 23 with death and funerals. But, it s life, love and protection. Thank you for your observations. It is one of my favorite passages.

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 2:55 am

      Thank you Judy! I agree – it was one I memorized as a child and just sort of said the words. I love how Scriptures come alive during various life experiences. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Louise says

    November 2, 2015 at 11:13 am

    I love your positivity, Mary xx

    Reply
    • [email protected] says

      November 2, 2015 at 1:01 pm

      Thanks for reading, Louise! Miss you guys!

      Reply
  3. Marigold Vivian Mingle says

    January 8, 2019 at 10:04 am

    I love this psalm much more God bless you Mary

    Reply
    • Mary says

      January 8, 2019 at 1:14 pm

      God bless you, the Psalms are such a blessing!

      Reply
  4. OLIA MARSHALL says

    September 10, 2019 at 6:21 am

    CONTINUE TO DO THE WORK OF THE LORD. YOU ARE TRULY A BLESSING!

    Reply
    • Mary says

      September 10, 2019 at 6:48 am

      Thank you Olia, May God bless you!

      Reply
  5. Barbara says

    January 18, 2020 at 6:09 am

    This is one of my favorite psalms.
    It is always portrayed in movies at funerals but yes, it is do much more. It is a reminder of the Lord’s daily blessings and love for each of us

    Reply
    • Mary says

      January 18, 2020 at 9:21 am

      I agree, it is so comforting and precious. God is so good!

      Reply
  6. Debbie says

    February 22, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    Love the wisdom God has given you regarding this beloved psalm.
    Don’t forget another wonderful resource, A Shepherd Looks At The 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller. It was published a while ago but is full of God given insights as the author tends his own flocks.
    I am leading a small study at an assisted living with about 6 seniors with dementia, looking at this psalm, and it is a joy to hear the depth of comfort that His voice through David gives, down through the ages & to all who look to Him!

    Reply
    • Mary says

      February 22, 2020 at 1:19 pm

      Psalm 23 truly is wonderful! I have not heard of that book yet. Blessings to you Debbie.

      Reply
  7. Shirley says

    December 31, 2020 at 5:55 am

    I truly believe Psalm 23, because God had truly be my provider and protector. God is truly a Good Shepherd!

    Reply
  8. David Tovovur says

    April 18, 2021 at 1:36 am

    I have read through this beautiful study and believe God has so much for us to understand about His love for us

    Reply
  9. Jeff says

    December 15, 2022 at 9:05 pm

    Stumbled upon your Website looking for Psalms 23 references for an up coming Communion Meditation! So glad I did, I read your post about what one has to do and obey for salvation and you guys were dead on the mark!!! Thanks for Spreading the True Gospel! Blessed

    Reply

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