Psalm 23:1 Verse Text
• King James Version (KJV): “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
• Hebrew (Masoretic Text): יְהוָה רֹעִי לֹא אֶחְסָר
Transliterated: “Adonai ro’i lo echsar.”
Psalm 23:1: Original Hebrew Translation and Syntax
• “יְהוָה” (YHWH): The Tetragrammaton refers to God’s covenantal name, often pronounced as Yahweh or translated as “The Lord.” This name emphasizes God’s personal, relational, and eternal nature.
• “רֹעִי” (ro’i): Translated as “my shepherd.” The possessive suffix “-i” indicates a deeply personal relationship, implying care, guidance, and provision. In Hebrew, “ro’eh” (shepherd) is often associated with leadership, protection, and nurturing.
• “לֹא” (lo): A negation, meaning “not” or “no.”
• “אֶחְסָר” (echsar): Derived from the root חסר (chasar), meaning “to lack” or “be in need.” Together with “lo,” it means “I shall not lack.”
Psalm 23:1 Syntax Observations:
The verse is structured as a declaration of trust. The subject (YHWH) is linked to the predicate (ro’i), emphasizing the Shepherd’s sufficiency. The second clause, “I shall not want,” reinforces this sufficiency by negating any sense of deficiency.
Commentary on Psalm 23:1
The Metaphor of the Shepherd
• The image of a shepherd was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, where shepherding was a common profession. A shepherd’s role included guiding, feeding, protecting, and rescuing sheep. By referring to God as a shepherd, the psalmist (traditionally attributed to David) underscores God’s intimate and continuous care for His people.
Psalm 23:1 Cross-references:
• Genesis 48:15: Jacob refers to God as the Shepherd who has guided him throughout his life.
• John 10:11: Jesus calls Himself the “Good Shepherd,” linking this Psalm to New Testament themes of divine care.
“I Shall Not Want”
• This phrase signifies complete sufficiency in God’s provision. It does not imply the absence of difficulties but rather the assurance that all needs will be met according to God’s will.
• Theologically, this aligns with:
• Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you.”
• Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours.”
Psalm 23:1 Alternative Views
• Material Sufficiency vs. Spiritual Provision: While some interpret this verse as promising material abundance, others see it as a declaration of spiritual contentment, where one’s needs are aligned with God’s will.
• Universal Shepherd vs. Personal Shepherd: The possessive “my” highlights an individual relationship with God, but the shepherd metaphor can also extend to God’s care for His people collectively, as seen in Ezekiel 34:11-16, where God promises to shepherd His flock.
Applications of Psalm 23:1
Personal Application
• Trust in God’s Guidance: Believers are encouraged to view God as the ultimate guide in life’s uncertainties. This trust can bring peace amid life’s challenges.
• Contentment in God’s Provision: The phrase “I shall not want” serves as a reminder to find sufficiency in God, reducing anxiety over material or temporal needs.
Corporate Application
• Church Leadership: Pastors (from the Latin “pastor,” meaning shepherd) are often seen as earthly reflections of God’s shepherding role, tasked with guiding their congregations with care and wisdom.
• Community Care: This verse inspires acts of compassion and provision within faith communities, echoing God’s role as Shepherd.
Devotional Reflection
• Memorizing and meditating on Psalm 23:1 can instill a sense of peace and assurance.
• It is often used in pastoral care, particularly during moments of grief, as a reminder of God’s sustaining presence.
Psalm 23:1 Alternative Interpretations
Some scholars and theologians offer additional perspectives:
• Literary Context: Psalm 23 as a whole shifts between metaphors (shepherd, host), suggesting that the Shepherd metaphor in verse 1 sets the tone for understanding God’s role in the psalm as both guide and provider.
• Cultural Context: In David’s time, kings were often described as shepherds of their people. This may suggest a subtle acknowledgment of God as the supreme King and Shepherd.
Psalm 23:1:Key Points
What is Psalm 23:1?
Psalm 23:1 declares God’s role as a Shepherd who provides and cares for His people.
What does “The Lord is my Shepherd” mean?
It highlights God’s intimate, personal relationship with His followers.
What does “I shall not want” mean?
It emphasizes the sufficiency of God’s provision, both materially and spiritually.
How to apply Psalm 23:1?
Trust in God’s guidance and find contentment in His provision.
Psalm 23:1 Conclusion
Psalm 23:1 is a profound declaration of trust and contentment in God’s care, rooted in the shepherding metaphor that resonates throughout Scripture.
By understanding the original Hebrew language, syntax, and theological implications, readers can deepen their appreciation for this beloved verse.
Whether applied personally or corporately, Psalm 23:1 serves as a timeless reminder of God’s unfailing provision and guidance.