The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "I shall not want" isn't just about lacking material possessions, but about a deep, soul-level satisfaction that comes from God's personal care. It signifies that as God guides and provides, our deepest needs – for purpose, peace, and belonging – will be met, rendering us truly content.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm is attributed to David, likely written during a time of peace and security after experiencing hardship and settling into his kingship. David is reflecting on his personal relationship with God, viewing Him not just as a national protector but as his individual Shepherd. This intimate perspective sets the stage for the profound trust and contentment expressed in the following verses.
When David wrote "The LORD is my shepherd," he wasn't just using a common metaphor. He was declaring a deeply personal relationship.
A Shepherd's Duty
The ancient world understood the shepherd's role intimately. A shepherd wasn't just a sheep-herder; they were a protector, provider, guide, and healer for their flock. This Psalm begins by declaring that the LORD (Jehovah), the covenant God of Israel, embodies all these roles for David.
When David calls Jehovah 'my shepherd,' he's saying God personally oversees his life with this same kind of vigilant, loving care. It's not a general statement about God's care for all people, but a profound declaration of David's own intimate experience with God.
The phrase "I shall not want" sounds like a promise of never lacking anything. But what kind of 'want' is David talking about?
True Fulfillment vs. Fleeting Desires
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This assurance "I shall not want" isn't a blank check for every desire. It's a declaration rooted in the understanding of who the Shepherd is.
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 directly adopts this imagery, calling Himself the 'good shepherd' who lays down His life for the sheep, reinforcing the deep personal care implied in Psalms 23:1.
Isaiah 40:11This passage echoes the shepherd theme, describing God tenderly gathering and carrying His flock, including the lambs, highlighting the attentive and nurturing aspect of the Lord as shepherd.
Romans 8:28This verse complements the 'shall not want' aspect by assuring believers that all things work together for good for those who love God, underscoring that God's shepherding ensures ultimate provision and well-being.
Philippians 4:19This passage directly promises that God 'will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus,' mirroring the confidence in provision expressed in 'I shall not want'.
Hebrews 13:20This verse refers to Jesus as the 'great shepherd of the sheep' through the blood of the eternal covenant, connecting the shepherd imagery to the redemptive work that secures the flock.
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 phrase "I shall not want" isn't just about lacking material possessions, but about a deep, soul-level satisfaction that comes from God's personal care. It signifies that as God guides and provides, our deepest needs – for purpose, peace, and belonging – will be met, rendering us truly content.
This Psalm is attributed to David, likely written during a time of peace and security after experiencing hardship and settling into his kingship. David is reflecting on his personal relationship with God, viewing Him not just as a national protector but as his individual Shepherd. This intimate perspective sets the stage for the profound trust and contentment expressed in the following verses.
This Psalm is attributed to David, likely written during a time of peace and security after experiencing hardship and settling into his kingship. David is reflecting on his personal relationship with God, viewing Him not just as a national protector but as his individual Shepherd. This intimate perspective sets the stage for the profound trust and contentment expressed in the following verses.
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." — The phrase "I shall not want" isn't just about lacking material possessions, but about a deep, soul-level satisfaction that comes from God's personal care. It signifies that as God guides and provide…
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Last reviewed October 2026