Skip to main content
Psalmlog Logo
Read

Psalm 23:1

A Psalm by David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.

1A Psalm by David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
World English BibleRead in NIV in Psalmlog →
Psalm 23:2 →
Notice

The words “my shepherd” make David’s claim personal, tying his confidence about what he needs to YHWH who cares for him.

Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.

What seems most significant to you about David calling YHWH “my shepherd”?

Write on this

Where does “I shall lack nothing” meet a concrete concern about having enough?

Write on this

What do the green pastures and still waters add to your understanding of the shepherd’s care?

Write on this
Connect

Where else Scripture says this

12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.

This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Philippians 4:19My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.David’s confidence that he will lack nothing shares Paul’s assurance that God will supply every need.
John 10:11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.Both use the shepherd image for divine care; Jesus describes the good shepherd laying down his life for the sheep.
Isaiah 40:11He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.Isaiah describes the shepherd’s care through feeding, carrying, and leading, making concrete the care David trusts.
John 10:27–30My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.David calls the LORD his shepherd; Jesus speaks of sheep who hear his voice and follow him.
John 10:14I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own;The personal bond in “my shepherd” also appears in Jesus’ words about knowing his sheep and being known by them.
Revelation 7:17for the Lamb who is in the middle of the throne shepherds them and leads them to springs of life-giving waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their …Both portray divine care through a shepherd, with Revelation describing the Lamb leading his people to life-giving waters.
Matthew 6:33But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.Both speak with confidence about God’s provision; Matthew also directs the hearer to seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness first.
1 Peter 2:25For you were going astray like sheep; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.Both describe belonging to a shepherd; Peter speaks of people returning after going astray like sheep.
Ezekiel 34:11–12“‘For the Lord GOD says: “Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.The LORD whom David names as his shepherd speaks in Ezekiel of seeking out his own sheep.
Hebrews 13:5–6Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.”David’s confidence in the LORD’s care shares a foundation with Hebrews’ teaching on contentment: God’s commitment to his people.
Psalm 34:9–10Oh fear the LORD, you his saints, for there is no lack with those who fear him.Both psalms connect belonging to the LORD with freedom from lack, while Psalm 34 speaks of fearing him.
1 Peter 5:4When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.Both name a shepherd who cares for his people; Peter adds the promise of an unfading crown of glory.
Where this verse fits

Job loss or money fear. fear for the future. gratitude.

What the Bible says about money →What the Bible says about fear →What the Bible says about gratitude →
One step

Something small to carry out of this verse

Read Psalm 23:1–3 aloud before breakfast this week

scripturedailylight
Encouragement

David’s confidence rests on who his shepherd is. Your needs are real, and this confession directs your trust toward YHWH: the care of his sheep belongs to him.

Now put it in your words.

Start an entry on Psalm 23:1. Write what it stirs. Psalmlog sets your words beside Scripture and gives you one next step. Your first entry is free, no account needed.

Keep goingPsalm 23 · the whole chapter with its connection mapPsalms · every chapterBuild a reading plan through Psalms

Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).