A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

PSALMS 23:1KJV
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Psalms 23:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 23:1 mean?

Psalms 23:1 describes how David sees the LORD as his shepherd, meaning God cares for him, guides him, and provides for his needs so that he lacks nothing truly necessary. The verse expresses deep trust that with God as his protector and provider, David will not be left in want.

David, the writer, uses the image of a shepherd because he himself had been one, and he knew firsthand how much attention and care sheep require. By calling the LORD his shepherd, David is saying that God personally looks after him, just as a shepherd looks after each sheep. The verse sets the tone for the whole psalm, which is about God’s faithful care in every part of life.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 23:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship rather than a distant or generic deity.
  • shepherd (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word means to tend, pasture, or care for sheep. In ancient Israel, a shepherd’s job was hands-on and involved constant attention, which highlights the idea of God’s active, ongoing care.
  • want (חָסֵר, chaser): This word means to lack or be in need. The verse does not promise every desire will be met, but rather that nothing truly necessary will be missing when God is the shepherd.

Why Psalms 23:1 matters

  • Psalms 23:1 clears up the idea that faith in God means a life without hardship; instead, it promises God’s presence and care even when needs arise.
  • The verse highlights the personal relationship between God and the believer, using the shepherd image to show closeness and daily involvement.
  • Psalms 23:1 sets up the rest of the psalm, which describes God’s guidance, protection, and provision in every circumstance, not just in easy times.

Where else these words appear

“want” Hebrew H2637 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Deuteronomy 15:8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“shepherd” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 49:14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
  • Jeremiah 33:12 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.