Psalms 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Psalms 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The assurance "I shall not want" isn't just a statement of having plenty; it's a declaration of completeness in God. It suggests that because the LORD is the Shepherd, the deepest needs—not just material ones, but spiritual and existential ones too—are already met, leaving nothing truly essential missing.
{ "studyTitle": "God Our Shepherd: Trusting His Provision", "timeMinutes": 7, "concepts": [ { "title": "The Shepherd's Unfailing Care", "hook": "Why did David immediately call God his shepherd? This ancient image reveals a profound truth about God's intimate and constant care for us.", "teaching": "### A Shepherd's Duty\n\nIn ancient Israel, shepherds were more than just caretakers; they were protectors, guides, and providers. David, who had been a shepherd himself, knew this intimately. He understood the immense responsibility involved in leading a flock, protecting them from predators, finding the best pastures, and ensuring they had water.\n\nWhen David declares, "The LORD is my shepherd," he's not just using a pretty metaphor. He's confessing that God actively performs all these vital roles for him. God leads him (Psalm 23:2), protects him from danger (Psalm 23:4), and provides for all his needs.\n\n### Divine Sufficiency\n\nThis intimate knowledge of a shepherd's work allows David to make the bold statement, "I shall not want." This isn't about never experiencing lack in a worldly sense. Instead, it's a deep confidence that God, who has all power and resources, will provide everything truly necessary for David's well-being – both for this life and the life to come. He knows God's provision is sufficient and that God's wisdom ensures he won't be given things that would ultimately harm him.", "readItAgain": "Notice how David uses the personal "my shepherd" and the direct declaration "I shall not want," showing a deeply personal trust in God's provision.", "reflectionPrompt": "In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to trust that God, your Shepherd, will provide what you truly need?", "supportingReferences": [ { "reference": "John 10:11", "connection": "Jesus calls himself the "good shepherd" who lays down his life for his sheep, highlighting the protective and sacrificial aspect of God's care." }, { "reference": "Matthew 6:33", "connection": "Jesus echoes this sentiment, urging us to seek God's kingdom first, with the promise that God will provide all these necessary things." } ] }, { "title": "David's Personal Experience", "hook": "This psalm isn't just a general statement about God; it's deeply personal. What does David's own life story tell us about why he felt this way?", "teaching": "### From Shepherd Boy to King\n\nMany scholars believe this psalm was written by David during a time of settled peace after facing significant dangers and turmoil. Having experienced God's faithfulness firsthand, David could speak with authority and deep personal conviction.\n\nAs a young shepherd, David protected his flock from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). He understood the risks and the constant vigilance required. Later, as king, he faced intense opposition, betrayal, and wars. Through all these experiences, he saw God's hand guiding, protecting, and providing for him, just as a shepherd cares for his sheep.\n\n### A Foundation for Faith\n\nDavid's declaration isn't just a wish or a hope; it's a testimony born out of his lived experience. He knew God's character and had seen it demonstrated in his own life. This personal history with God gave him the confidence to declare he would lack nothing. This psalm invites us to reflect on our own experiences with God's provision and protection, building our faith on the solid ground of His past faithfulness.", "readItAgain": "Consider the context implied by "my shepherd" – David is speaking from his own life of trials and God's deliverance.", "reflectionPrompt": "Think of a time when God provided for you or protected you in a way that felt like a shepherd's care. How can you recall and lean on that experience now?", "supportingReferences": [ { "reference": "1 Samuel 17:34-36", "connection": "David's courage in facing a lion and a bear demonstrates his early experience with God's protective power in his shepherding duties." }, { "reference": "Psalm 7:1-5", "connection": "This earlier psalm shows David crying out to God for deliverance in times of intense danger, revealing the trials that likely led him to a deep trust in God's shepherding care." } ] } ] }
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 23:1 is available in the Sola app.
David doesn't just say 'The Lord is a shepherd,' but 'The Lord is my shepherd.' What does this intimate, personal connection mean for you?
The opening words of Psalm 23 reveal a profound intimacy between God and the believer. By calling Jehovah 'my shepherd,' David declares a personal relationship, not just a general understanding of God's care for His people.
A Known, Faithful Caretaker
David's background as a shepherd himself likely sharpened his appreciation for this metaphor. He knew firsthand the constant vigilance, the tender care, and the deep responsibility required to protect and provide for a flock.
When he applies this to God, he's saying that the Creator of the universe fulfills this role with even greater skill, love, and faithfulness. God isn't a distant deity; He is actively involved, personally guiding, protecting, and providing for those who belong to Him.
If God is your shepherd, what does that guarantee about your needs? It's more than just material things.
The powerful conclusion of the first verse, 'I shall not want,' flows directly from the truth that 'The LORD is my shepherd.' This isn't a promise of endless riches or the absence of all difficulty. Instead, it speaks to a deep, underlying sufficiency.
Divine Provision Beyond Measure
Because the Shepherd is Jehovah – the all-powerful, all-knowing God – He has everything needed to care for His flock. This includes not only physical sustenance and protection but also spiritual guidance, peace, and ultimate fulfillment.
When we trust God as our shepherd, we can be confident that He will provide what is truly necessary for our well-being, both for this life and for the life to come. What we think we need might differ from what God knows is best, but His provision ensures we will lack nothing essential for His purposes.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, signifying His eternal, self-existent, and faithful nature.
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
One who tends, guides, protects, and provides for a flock, frequently used in Scripture to describe God’s relationship with His people and the role of spiritual leaders.
Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the 'good shepherd' who lays down his life for his sheep, directly linking to the Psalmist's declaration of the Lord as his shepherd.
Isaiah 40:11This passage echoes the shepherd imagery, describing the Lord as one who 'gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom,' highlighting His tender care for even the weakest of His flock.
Romans 8:32This verse powerfully reinforces the 'shall not want' aspect by stating that if God did not spare His own Son, He will 'graciously give us all things,' emphasizing the completeness of His provision for believers.
Philippians 4:19This passage directly assures believers that God will 'supply every need' according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus, mirroring the confidence expressed in Psalm 23:1 that no good thing will be lacking.
Ezekiel 34:22-31This prophecy details God's indictment of false shepherds and His promise to seek out and care for His own sheep Himself, fulfilling the role of the Shepherd described in the Psalm and ensuring they will 'no more be a prey.'
clarkePsalms 23:1: "A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
The Lord is my shepherd - There are two allegories in this Psalm which are admirably well adapted to the purpose for which they are produced, and supported both with art and elegance. The first is that of a shepherd; the second, that of a great feast, set out by a host the most kind and the most liberal. As a flock, they have the most excellent pasture; as guests, they have the most nutritive and abundant fare. God cond…
pulpitPsalms 23:1: "<> The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Verse 1. - The Lord is my Shepherd. This metaphor, so frequent in the later Scriptures (Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 49:9, 10; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:6-19; John 10:11-19, 26-28; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 7:17), is perhaps implied in Genesis 48:15, but first appears, plainly and openly, in the Davidical psalms (see, besides the present passage, Psalm 74:1; Psalm 77:20; Psalm 78:53; 79:14; 80:1 - psalms which, if…
The assurance "I shall not want" isn't just a statement of having plenty; it's a declaration of completeness in God. It suggests that because the LORD is the Shepherd, the deepest needs—not just material ones, but spiritual and existential ones too—are already met, leaving nothing truly essential missing.
{ "studyTitle": "God Our Shepherd: Trusting His Provision", "timeMinutes": 7, "concepts": [ { "title": "The Shepherd's Unfailing Care", "hook": "Why did David immediately call God his shepherd? This ancient image reveals a profound truth about God's intimate and constant care for us.", "teaching": "### A Shepherd's Duty\n\nIn ancient Israel, shepherds were more than just caretakers; they were protectors, guides, and providers. David, who had been a shepherd himself, knew this intimately. He understood the immense responsibility involved in leading a flock, protecting them from predators, finding the best pastures, and ensuring they had water.\n\nWhen David declares, "The LORD is my shepherd," he's not just using a pretty metaphor. He's confessing that God actively performs all these vital roles for him. God leads him (Psalm 23:2), protects him from danger (Psalm 23:4), and provides for all his needs.\n\n### Divine Sufficiency\n\nThis intimate knowledge of a shepherd's work allows David to make the bold statement, "I shall not want." This isn't about never experiencing lack in a worldly sense. Instead, it's a deep confidence that God, who has all power and resources, will provide everything truly necessary for David's well-being – both for this life and the life to come. He knows God's provision is sufficient and that God's wisdom ensures he won't be given things that would ultimately harm him.", "readItAgain": "Notice how David uses the personal "my shepherd" and the direct declaration "I shall not want," showing a deeply personal trust in God's provision.", "reflectionPrompt": "In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to trust that God, your Shepherd, will provide what you truly need?", "supportingReferences": [ { "reference": "John 10:11", "connection": "Jesus calls himself the "good shepherd" who lays down his life for his sheep, highlighting the protective and sacrificial aspect of God's care." }, { "reference": "Matthew 6:33", "connection": "Jesus echoes this sentiment, urging us to seek God's kingdom first, with the promise that God will provide all these necessary things." } ] }, { "title": "David's Personal Experience", "hook": "This psalm isn't just a general statement about God; it's deeply personal. What does David's own life story tell us about why he felt this way?", "teaching": "### From Shepherd Boy to King\n\nMany scholars believe this psalm was written by David during a time of settled peace after facing significant dangers and turmoil. Having experienced God's faithfulness firsthand, David could speak with authority and deep personal conviction.\n\nAs a young shepherd, David protected his flock from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). He understood the risks and the constant vigilance required. Later, as king, he faced intense opposition, betrayal, and wars. Through all these experiences, he saw God's hand guiding, protecting, and providing for him, just as a shepherd cares for his sheep.\n\n### A Foundation for Faith\n\nDavid's declaration isn't just a wish or a hope; it's a testimony born out of his lived experience. He knew God's character and had seen it demonstrated in his own life. This personal history with God gave him the confidence to declare he would lack nothing. This psalm invites us to reflect on our own experiences with God's provision and protection, building our faith on the solid ground of His past faithfulness.", "readItAgain": "Consider the context implied by "my shepherd" – David is speaking from his own life of trials and God's deliverance.", "reflectionPrompt": "Think of a time when God provided for you or protected you in a way that felt like a shepherd's care. How can you recall and lean on that experience now?", "supportingReferences": [ { "reference": "1 Samuel 17:34-36", "connection": "David's courage in facing a lion and a bear demonstrates his early experience with God's protective power in his shepherding duties." }, { "reference": "Psalm 7:1-5", "connection": "This earlier psalm shows David crying out to God for deliverance in times of intense danger, revealing the trials that likely led him to a deep trust in God's shepherding care." } ] } ] }
{ "studyTitle": "God Our Shepherd: Trusting His Provision", "timeMinutes": 7, "concepts": [ { "title": "The Shepherd's Unfailing Care", "hook": "Why did David immediately call God his shepherd? This ancient image reveals a profound truth about God's intimate and constant care for us.", "teaching": "### A Shepherd's Duty\n\nIn ancient Israel, shepherds were more than just caretakers; they were protectors, guides, and providers. David, who had been a shepherd himself, knew this intimately. He understood the immense responsibility involved in leading a flock, protecting them from predators, finding the best pastures, and ensuring they had water.\n\nWhen David declares, "The LORD is my shepherd," he's not just using a pretty metaphor. He's confessing that God actively performs all these vital roles for him. God leads him (Psalm 23:2), protects him from danger (Psalm 23:4), and provides for all his needs.\n\n### Divine Sufficiency\n\nThis intimate knowledge of a shepherd's work allows David to make the bold statement, "I shall not want." This isn't about never experiencing lack in a worldly sense. Instead, it's a deep confidence that God, who has all power and resources, will provide everything truly necessary for David's well-being – both for this life and the life to come. He knows God's provision is sufficient and that God's wisdom ensures he won't be given things that would ultimately harm him.", "readItAgain": "Notice how David uses the personal "my shepherd" and the direct declaration "I shall not want," showing a deeply personal trust in God's provision.", "reflectionPrompt": "In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to trust that God, your Shepherd, will provide what you truly need?", "supportingReferences": [ { "reference": "John 10:11", "connection": "Jesus calls himself the "good shepherd" who lays down his life for his sheep, highlighting the protective and sacrificial aspect of God's care." }, { "reference": "Matthew 6:33", "connection": "Jesus echoes this sentiment, urging us to seek God's kingdom first, with the promise that God will provide all these necessary things." } ] }, { "title": "David's Personal Experience", "hook": "This psalm isn't just a general statement about God; it's deeply personal. What does David's own life story tell us about why he felt this way?", "teaching": "### From Shepherd Boy to King\n\nMany scholars believe this psalm was written by David during a time of settled peace after facing significant dangers and turmoil. Having experienced God's faithfulness firsthand, David could speak with authority and deep personal conviction.\n\nAs a young shepherd, David protected his flock from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). He understood the risks and the constant vigilance required. Later, as king, he faced intense opposition, betrayal, and wars. Through all these experiences, he saw God's hand guiding, protecting, and providing for him, just as a shepherd cares for his sheep.\n\n### A Foundation for Faith\n\nDavid's declaration isn't just a wish or a hope; it's a testimony born out of his lived experience. He knew God's character and had seen it demonstrated in his own life. This personal history with God gave him the confidence to declare he would lack nothing. This psalm invites us to reflect on our own experiences with God's provision and protection, building our faith on the solid ground of His past faithfulness.", "readItAgain": "Consider the context implied by "my shepherd" – David is speaking from his own life of trials and God's deliverance.", "reflectionPrompt": "Think of a time when God provided for you or protected you in a way that felt like a shepherd's care. How can you recall and lean on that experience now?", "supportingReferences": [ { "reference": "1 Samuel 17:34-36", "connection": "David's courage in facing a lion and a bear demonstrates his early experience with God's protective power in his shepherding duties." }, { "reference": "Psalm 7:1-5", "connection": "This earlier psalm shows David crying out to God for deliverance in times of intense danger, revealing the trials that likely led him to a deep trust in God's shepherding care." } ] } ] }
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." — The assurance "I shall not want" isn't just a statement of having plenty; it's a declaration of completeness in God. It suggests that because the LORD is the Shepherd, the deepest needs—not just mate…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.