He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The shepherd doesn't just lead to sustenance, but actively makes the sheep lie down, ensuring they find rest and safety even in a world that constantly urges us to keep moving. He also leads to "still waters," not merely any water, but those that are quiet and refreshing, implying a peace that transcends mere physical thirst.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is painting a picture of complete reliance on God, moving from the general statement of God as his shepherd in verse 1 to specific actions that demonstrate that care. This verse describes the sheep being led to places of rest and sustenance, a gentle and refreshing experience that contrasts with the potential dangers of the wilderness. The following verses will continue to explore the shepherd's protective guidance through various life situations.
Imagine the midday sun beating down. You're weary from the journey. What does it mean to be 'made' to lie down?
The phrase "green pastures" is often pictured as just lush fields for grazing. But scholars suggest it points to something more specific and intentional: "grassy homesteads" or "pastures of tender grass." These weren't just any fields; they were sheltered, safe enclosures. The Hebrew implies a place of deliberate rest, a 'making' or compelling to lie down. This isn't about passive surrender, but about a shepherd's active provision for his flock's deepest need: true, secure rest. It's about finding peace not just in abundance, but in a protected space where weariness can be fully shed.
Why 'still' waters? What's so special about quiet streams when you're thirsty?
The original language for "still waters" often translates closer to 'waters of rest' or 'waters of refreshment.' This wasn't about stagnant pools, nor was it about wild, rushing rivers that could sweep a sheep away. Instead, it speaks of gentle, quiet waters. These are the places where a sheep can safely drink deeply without fear, where thirst is quenched not by a violent torrent, but by a calm, steady supply. It's a picture of profound refreshment that restores the soul, offering peace and tranquility in contrast to the chaos of the world.
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This passage echoes the imagery of the Good Shepherd, promising to lead His flock to 'rich pasture' and 'good grazing ground,' directly aligning with the 'green pastures' in Psalms 23:2.
Isaiah 40:11This verse describes God as a shepherd who 'gently leads' His flock, much like the gentle leading beside 'still waters' mentioned in Psalms 23:2, emphasizing God's tender care.
John 7:37-38Jesus speaks of living water that springs forth to eternal life, connecting the idea of 'still waters' in Psalms 23:2 to a deeper spiritual refreshment and sustenance that God provides.
Revelation 7:17This future vision describes the Lamb as shepherd, leading the redeemed to 'springs of the water of life,' which directly parallels the concept of refreshment and guidance found in the 'still waters' of Psalms 23:2.
clarkePsalms 23:2: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - בנאות דשא binoth deshe, not green pastures, but cottages of turf or sods, such as the shepherds had in open champaign countries; places in which themselves could repose safely; and pens thus constructed where the flock might be safe all the night. They were enclosures, and enclosures where they had grass or provender to eat. Beside the still waters - De…
wesleyPsalms 23:2: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
23:2 Lie down - To repose myself at noon, as the manner was in those hot countries. Green - Where there is both delight and plenty of provisions.
The shepherd doesn't just lead to sustenance, but actively makes the sheep lie down, ensuring they find rest and safety even in a world that constantly urges us to keep moving. He also leads to "still waters," not merely any water, but those that are quiet and refreshing, implying a peace that transcends mere physical thirst.
David is painting a picture of complete reliance on God, moving from the general statement of God as his shepherd in verse 1 to specific actions that demonstrate that care. This verse describes the sheep being led to places of rest and sustenance, a gentle and refreshing experience that contrasts with the potential dangers of the wilderness. The following verses will continue to explore the shepherd's protective guidance through various life situations.
David is painting a picture of complete reliance on God, moving from the general statement of God as his shepherd in verse 1 to specific actions that demonstrate that care. This verse describes the sheep being led to places of rest and sustenance, a gentle and refreshing experience that contrasts with the potential dangers of the wilderness. The following verses will continue to explore the shepherd's protective guidance through various life situations.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." — The shepherd doesn't just lead to sustenance, but actively makes the sheep lie down, ensuring they find rest and safety even in a world that constantly urges us to keep moving. He also leads to "st…
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Last reviewed October 2026