Psalm 23 (KJV): Full Text, Meaning & Prayer
Psalm 23, "The LORD is my shepherd," in the King James Version, with a verse-by-verse meaning, a short prayer based on it, and common questions answered.
Psalm 23 (King James Version)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23:1-6, King James Version
A Prayer Based on Psalm 23
Lord, you are my shepherd, and I am your sheep. Thank you for caring for me when I did not know I needed it.
Lead me today to quiet places. Restore my soul where it is tired, and show me the right path when I cannot see it. If I must walk through a dark valley, let me feel you beside me, and let your presence be my comfort.
Thank you for the table you prepare and the cup you fill. Let your goodness and mercy follow me, and bring me at last to your house, where I will stay forever. Amen.
Short Version
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
What Psalm 23 Means
Psalm 23 is one of the best-known and most loved passages in the Bible. Its heading in most Bibles reads "A Psalm of David," and tradition connects it with David's years as a shepherd boy, though the exact date is not known. In it the speaker compares God to a shepherd, and himself to a sheep who is fully looked after.
Verses 1-3: rest and provision. "I shall not want" means the sheep has what it needs. The shepherd leads it to green pastures and still waters, places of rest and refreshing. He restoreth my soul and guides it on the right paths. Here God is the one who provides and who leads.
Verse 4: the dark valley. The tone changes. The sheep walks through the valley of the shadow of death and the psalm switches from "he" to "thou." God is no longer talked about but spoken to, because He is close. The rod and staff were a shepherd's tools for defending and guiding the flock, and they comfort the sheep. This is why the psalm is so often read at funerals and in sickness.
Verses 5-6: the host. The picture becomes a banquet, with a table, anointing oil and an overflowing cup, all in the presence of enemies. God is now the generous host. The psalm ends with goodness and mercy following the believer all their days, and a home in the house of the LORD forever.
When to pray it: people pray Psalm 23 for comfort in grief, fear and illness, at bedtime, and at moments when they need to remember that they are not alone. It is short enough to learn by heart.
Scripture to Pray With
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:11 (KJV)
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:3 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Psalm 23?
Its heading calls it "A Psalm of David," and tradition credits King David, who had been a shepherd in his youth.
What is the meaning of Psalm 23?
It describes God as a shepherd who provides, guides, protects and comforts, even through the darkest valley, and who welcomes us into His house forever.
Why is Psalm 23 read at funerals?
Because of verse 4: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." It gives comfort in grief and in facing death.
What does "I shall not want" mean?
It means "I will lack nothing." Because the Lord is the shepherd, His sheep have all that they truly need.
What is the best Bible version of Psalm 23?
Many people love the King James Version for its familiar, beautiful wording, which is used on this page. Any translation can be prayed.
Last updated 2026-10-08