Bible Strands
Psalms 23:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David composes this psalm as a personal declaration, framing divine care through the metaphor of a shepherd’s provision.
The words — The Hebrew יְהוָ֥ה (Yahweh) is identified as רֹ֝עִ֗/י (ro'i), meaning "my shepherd," with a first-person possessive suffix. The statement of sufficiency combines two distinct words: לֹא (lo'), "not," and אֶחְסָֽר ('echsar), "I lack."
The thread — John 10:11 applies the shepherd image to Christ’s sacrificial role, while Isaiah 40:11 describes God gathering His flock. Philippians 4:19 extends this provision motif to God meeting all needs through Christ.
Why it lands — The verse demands acknowledgment of personal dependence on God’s care rather than self-sufficiency.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Cross-references
- Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
- John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
- Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
- John 10:27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.
- John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
- Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
- Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
- 1 Peter 2:25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
- Ezekiel 34:11 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.
- Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”