He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "still waters" doesn't just mean calm water, but implies a place of deep refreshment, contrasting with the turbulent, noisy waters of great rivers that could be dangerous. This gentle, life-giving source is where the Shepherd leads his sheep for true rest and restoration.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with a powerful declaration of trust in God as a personal shepherd. The verses immediately following (2-3) describe the shepherd's gentle care for the flock, providing both rest and nourishment in peaceful, life-sustaining places, contrasting with the dangers of the wilderness. This imagery sets the stage for understanding how this divine guidance leads to safety and restoration, moving from moments of repose to continued journeying under God's watchful eye.
When God calls His sheep to 'green pastures,' it's about more than just a scenic view. It points to a deeper provision for our well-being.
The phrase 'green pastures' (or 'grassy homesteads' and 'pastures of tender grass') isn't just about lush scenery. It signifies places of safety, abundance, and rest. These weren't just fields where sheep could eat, but enclosed areas offering security and respite, especially during the heat of the day. Think of it as a divine invitation to pause, to be shielded from the harshness of the world, and to find true sustenance and peace.
The 'still waters' are more than just a watering hole; they represent a specific kind of divine provision that calms the soul.
The Hebrew phrase for 'still waters' literally means 'waters of rests' or 'waters of refreshment.' These weren't rushing, dangerous rivers that could sweep a sheep away, nor were they stagnant, potentially harmful pools. Instead, they were gentle, quiet waters, often found in troughs or small channels, providing safe and soothing refreshment. This imagery points to the 'waters of the sanctuary' and the 'consolations of God' – the deep, quiet peace and soul-reviving joy that only He can provide, distinct from the chaotic and overwhelming 'floods of worldly enjoyment.'
Understand the original words
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nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The inner person, life force, or whole being of an individual; it signifies the totality of human life, appetite, and emotional capacity.
tsedeq · Hebrew Noun
Rightness or conformity to a standard; in a biblical context, it refers to acting in accordance with God’s will, moral character, and covenantal requirements.
This passage echoes the imagery of green pastures and good grazing, directly linking God's shepherding care to His people's nourishment and rest.
John 10:9Jesus identifies Himself as the 'gate' and the 'good shepherd,' implying that entering through Him leads to abundant life, mirroring the provision found in the green pastures and still waters.
Matthew 11:28Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest, aligning with the shepherd leading the sheep to repose in quiet places, offering solace from life's burdens.
Isaiah 40:11This verse describes God as a shepherd who gently leads His flock, carrying the lambs and guiding the ewes with care, reinforcing the tender, guiding aspect of the shepherd in Psalm 23:2.
Revelation 7:17This future vision of God's dwelling with His people directly fulfills the ultimate provision and peace symbolized by the still waters and green pastures, where God Himself will be their shepherd.
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 phrase "still waters" doesn't just mean calm water, but implies a place of deep refreshment, contrasting with the turbulent, noisy waters of great rivers that could be dangerous. This gentle, life-giving source is where the Shepherd leads his sheep for true rest and restoration.
This psalm begins with a powerful declaration of trust in God as a personal shepherd. The verses immediately following (2-3) describe the shepherd's gentle care for the flock, providing both rest and nourishment in peaceful, life-sustaining places, contrasting with the dangers of the wilderness. This imagery sets the stage for understanding how this divine guidance leads to safety and restoration, moving from moments of repose to continued journeying under God's watchful eye.
This psalm begins with a powerful declaration of trust in God as a personal shepherd. The verses immediately following (2-3) describe the shepherd's gentle care for the flock, providing both rest and nourishment in peaceful, life-sustaining places, contrasting with the dangers of the wilderness. This imagery sets the stage for understanding how this divine guidance leads to safety and restoration, moving from moments of repose to continued journeying under God's watchful eye.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." — The phrase "still waters" doesn't just mean calm water, but implies a place of deep refreshment, contrasting with the turbulent, noisy waters of great rivers that could be dangerous. This gentle, lif…
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Last reviewed October 2026