Psalm 23 is attributed to David. The imagery of shepherding is particularly fitting because David himself had been a shepherd before becoming king. Psalm 78:70-71 records that God chose David from tending sheep and later entrusted him with shepherding the nation of Israel. Because of this experience, David understood both the responsibility and devotion required of a shepherd.
The exact historical setting of Psalm 23 is unknown. Some commentators suggest David wrote it later in life as he reflected on God’s guidance through years of hardship and leadership. Others believe it may have been composed earlier during his years as a shepherd in the Judean hills. Regardless of the date, the Psalm reflects a mature understanding of God’s care and guidance.
The Psalm develops the relationship between the Lord and His people using the shepherd metaphor, a common biblical image for leadership and divine care (Isaiah 40:11).
“The LORD”
The word translated “LORD” represents the covenant name of God (YHWH), often pronounced Jehovah or Yahweh. In English translations it appears in small capital letters to distinguish it from the more general term “Lord.”
This name emphasizes God’s self-existence and eternal nature. He is the One who depends on no other for His existence. The concept is reflected in God’s self-designation as “I AM” (John 8:58).
The use of the covenant name highlights the personal relationship between God and His people. David is not referring to a distant deity but to the covenant God who has revealed Himself and entered into relationship with His people.
Theologically, the Shepherd of Psalm 23 is the same God who created and sustains the universe (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16). David’s statement therefore links divine sovereignty with personal care.
“is”
The verb indicates a present and continuing relationship. David describes the Lord not merely as someone who once acted as a shepherd, but as one who continually fulfills that role.
The statement expresses an ongoing reality rather than a temporary experience. God’s shepherding care is constant.
“my”
The possessive pronoun is central to the meaning of the verse. David does not simply affirm that the Lord is a shepherd, but that He is his shepherd.
This language indicates personal relationship and covenant belonging. In biblical shepherd imagery, the sheep belong to the shepherd and are under his care and protection.
The same relational concept appears in Christ’s teaching about the shepherd and the sheep (John 10:11, 10:14). There the shepherd knows his sheep and the sheep recognize his voice.
“shepherd”
The shepherd metaphor communicates several aspects of God’s relationship with His people.
In ancient Israel, shepherds were responsible for guiding, protecting, feeding, and caring for their flocks. Sheep depended entirely on the shepherd for survival. Because sheep were prone to wander and easily frightened, they required constant supervision.
The image therefore emphasizes several theological truths:
-
Guidance - the shepherd leads the flock to proper pasture and water.
-
Protection - the shepherd defends the sheep from predators and danger.
-
Provision - the shepherd ensures the flock has what it needs to live.
-
Oversight - the shepherd continually watches over the sheep.
Throughout Scripture, God is described as the Shepherd of His people (Isaiah 40:11). In the New Testament, Christ identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Hebrews refers to Him as the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and Peter calls Him the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
Thus Psalm 23 ultimately anticipates the shepherding ministry of Christ.
Psalm 23:1 expresses a profound theological truth: the sovereign Creator of the universe personally cares for His people.
David’s declaration connects three ideas:
-
Divine sovereignty - the Shepherd is the eternal covenant God.
-
Personal relationship - the Shepherd belongs to the believer and the believer belongs to Him.
-
Continual care - God actively guides and protects His people.
The verse therefore serves as the foundation for the rest of the Psalm. Everything that follows-provision, restoration, guidance, protection, and eternal fellowship-flows from the reality that the Lord Himself is the Shepherd of His people.
“I shall not want”
The phrase expresses the idea of complete provision. Because the Lord is the Shepherd, the sheep lack nothing essential for life.
Psalm 34:9-10 reflects the same principle: those who fear the Lord do not lack what is truly good.
The statement does not suggest that believers possess every possible desire but that the Shepherd supplies everything necessary for their well-being.
The idea of divine provision appears throughout Scripture. Abraham referred to God as Jehovah-Jireh, meaning “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). Likewise, the New Testament affirms that God supplies the needs of His people according to His riches (Philippians 4:19).
Thus Psalm 23:1 introduces the theme of divine sufficiency that unfolds throughout the Psalm.
The Provision of the Shepherd
The remainder of Psalm 23 illustrates how the Shepherd provides for the needs of His sheep.
God’s provision extends beyond material needs to include spiritual care and guidance. Scripture teaches that God provides everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Provision for the Soul
The greatest need of humanity is spiritual restoration. Scripture describes humanity as sheep that have wandered away from the Shepherd (Isaiah 53:6).
Christ came to restore that relationship. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, people may return to the Shepherd of their souls (1 Peter 2:25).
Faith in Christ provides the ultimate provision for the soul-salvation and reconciliation with God.
Provision for Daily Needs
God’s care also includes the daily needs of His people.
Jesus taught that believers should not live in anxiety about physical necessities such as food, clothing, or material provision (Matthew 6:25-33). Instead, they are called to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that God knows and provides for their needs.
This principle reflects the shepherd-sheep relationship: the shepherd assumes responsibility for the welfare of the flock.
The Satisfaction of the Sheep
Because the Shepherd provides for His sheep, believers experience contentment and satisfaction.
Human nature often seeks fulfillment in wealth, possessions, or success. Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches that material abundance cannot satisfy the human heart (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
True satisfaction is found not in possessions but in relationship with God.
Satisfaction in God’s Purpose
Some interpret passages such as Psalm 37:4 as a promise that God grants every personal desire. However, the biblical emphasis is different.
Delighting in the Lord transforms the desires of the heart. As believers grow in relationship with God, their desires align with His will.
In Christ believers are described as spiritually complete (Colossians 2:9-10). Their identity and fulfillment are found in Him rather than in external circumstances.
Satisfaction in God’s Presence
Contentment is closely connected to the presence of God.
Scripture encourages believers to live without covetousness because God Himself promises His continual presence (Hebrews 13:5).
The presence of God provides comfort, guidance, and security. The Shepherd remains with His flock through every circumstance of life.
Security Along the Journey
Psalm 23 ultimately describes the journey of God’s people under the guidance of their Shepherd.
The experience of Israel in the wilderness illustrates this shepherding care. God led His people like a flock, guiding them safely and bringing them to the land He had prepared for them (Psalm 78:52-55).
Although Israel often failed to trust their Shepherd, God remained faithful to guide them toward their destination.
The same principle applies to believers today. God shepherds His people throughout life’s journey, guiding them safely to their eternal home.
Psalm 23:1 introduces the central theme of the Psalm: the sufficiency of God’s shepherding care.
Three key ideas emerge from the verse:
Provision - The Shepherd supplies what His sheep need.
Satisfaction - The sheep find contentment in the Shepherd.
Security - The Shepherd safely guides His flock throughout life’s journey.
Because the Lord Himself is the Shepherd, the believer ultimately lacks nothing essential.
“The Lord is my shepherd.” What condescension is this, that the Infinite Lord assumes towards his people the office and character of a Shepherd! It should be the subject of grateful admiration that the great God allows himself to be compared to anything which will set forth his great love and care for his own people. David had himself been a keeper of sheep, and understood both the needs of the sheep and the many cares of a shepherd. He compares himself to a creature weak, defenceless, and foolish, and he takes God to be his Provider, Preserver, Director, and, indeed, his everything. No man has a right to consider himself the Lord’s sheep unless his nature has been renewed, for the scriptural description of unconverted men does not picture them as sheep, but as wolves or goats. A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. There is no “if” nor “but,” nor even “I hope so;” but he says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” We must cultivate the spirit of assured dependence upon our heavenly Father. The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, “My.” He does not say, “The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock,” but “The Lord is my shepherd;” if he be a Shepherd to no one else, he is a Shepherd to me; he cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. Whatever be the believer’s position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah.
The next words are a sort of inference from the first statement-they are sententious and positive-“I shall not want.” I might want otherwise, but when the Lord is my Shepherd he is able to supply my needs, and he is certainly willing to do so, for his heart is full of love, and therefore “I shall not want.” I shall not lack for temporal things. Does he not feed the ravens, and cause the lilies to grow? How, then, can he leave his children to starve? I shall not want for spirituals, I know that his grace will be sufficient for me. Resting in him he will say to me, “As thy day so shall thy strength be.” I may not possess all that I wish for, but “I shall not want.” Others, far wealthier and wiser than I, may want, but I shall not.” “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” It is not only “I do not want,” but “I shall not want.” Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, “I shall not want.” Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. I have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because “The Lord is my Shepherd.” The wicked always want, but the righteous never; a sinner’s heart is far from satisfaction, but a gracious spirit dwells in the palace of content.
Psalm 23 is attributed to David. The imagery of shepherding is particularly fitting because David himself had been a shepherd before becoming king. Psalm 78:70-71 records that God chose David from tending sheep and later entrusted him with shepherding the nation of Israel. Because of this experience, David understood both the responsibility and devotion required of a shepherd.
The exact historical setting of Psalm 23 is unknown. Some commentators suggest David wrote it later in life as he reflected on God’s guidance through years of hardship and leadership. Others believe it may have been composed earlier during his years as a shepherd in the Judean hills. Regardless of the date, the Psalm reflects a mature understanding of God’s care and guidance.
The Psalm develops the relationship between the Lord and His people using the shepherd metaphor, a common biblical image for leadership and divine care (Isaiah 40:11).
“The LORD”
The word translated “LORD” represents the covenant name of God (YHWH), often pronounced Jehovah or Yahweh. In English translations it appears in small capital letters to distinguish it from the more general term “Lord.”
This name emphasizes God’s self-existence and eternal nature. He is the One who depends on no other for His existence. The concept is reflected in God’s self-designation as “I AM” (John 8:58).
The use of the covenant name highlights the personal relationship between God and His people. David is not referring to a distant deity but to the covenant God who has revealed Himself and entered into relationship with His people.
Theologically, the Shepherd of Psalm 23 is the same God who created and sustains the universe (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16). David’s statement therefore links divine sovereignty with personal care.
“is”
The verb indicates a present and continuing relationship. David describes the Lord not merely as someone who once acted as a shepherd, but as one who continually fulfills that role.
The statement expresses an ongoing reality rather than a temporary experience. God’s shepherding care is constant.
“my”
The possessive pronoun is central to the meaning of the verse. David does not simply affirm that the Lord is a shepherd, but that He is his shepherd.
This language indicates personal relationship and covenant belonging. In biblical shepherd imagery, the sheep belong to the shepherd and are under his care and protection.
The same relational concept appears in Christ’s teaching about the shepherd and the sheep (John 10:11, 10:14). There the shepherd knows his sheep and the sheep recognize his voice.
“shepherd”
The shepherd metaphor communicates several aspects of God’s relationship with His people.
In ancient Israel, shepherds were responsible for guiding, protecting, feeding, and caring for their flocks. Sheep depended entirely on the shepherd for survival. Because sheep were prone to wander and easily frightened, they required constant supervision.
The image therefore emphasizes several theological truths:
Guidance - the shepherd leads the flock to proper pasture and water.
Protection - the shepherd defends the sheep from predators and danger.
Provision - the shepherd ensures the flock has what it needs to live.
Oversight - the shepherd continually watches over the sheep.
Throughout Scripture, God is described as the Shepherd of His people (Isaiah 40:11). In the New Testament, Christ identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Hebrews refers to Him as the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and Peter calls Him the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
Thus Psalm 23 ultimately anticipates the shepherding ministry of Christ.
Psalm 23:1 expresses a profound theological truth: the sovereign Creator of the universe personally cares for His people.
David’s declaration connects three ideas:
Divine sovereignty - the Shepherd is the eternal covenant God.
Personal relationship - the Shepherd belongs to the believer and the believer belongs to Him.
Continual care - God actively guides and protects His people.
The verse therefore serves as the foundation for the rest of the Psalm. Everything that follows-provision, restoration, guidance, protection, and eternal fellowship-flows from the reality that the Lord Himself is the Shepherd of His people.
“I shall not want”
The phrase expresses the idea of complete provision. Because the Lord is the Shepherd, the sheep lack nothing essential for life.
Psalm 34:9-10 reflects the same principle: those who fear the Lord do not lack what is truly good.
The statement does not suggest that believers possess every possible desire but that the Shepherd supplies everything necessary for their well-being.
The idea of divine provision appears throughout Scripture. Abraham referred to God as Jehovah-Jireh, meaning “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). Likewise, the New Testament affirms that God supplies the needs of His people according to His riches (Philippians 4:19).
Thus Psalm 23:1 introduces the theme of divine sufficiency that unfolds throughout the Psalm.
The Provision of the Shepherd
The remainder of Psalm 23 illustrates how the Shepherd provides for the needs of His sheep.
God’s provision extends beyond material needs to include spiritual care and guidance. Scripture teaches that God provides everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Provision for the Soul
The greatest need of humanity is spiritual restoration. Scripture describes humanity as sheep that have wandered away from the Shepherd (Isaiah 53:6).
Christ came to restore that relationship. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, people may return to the Shepherd of their souls (1 Peter 2:25).
Faith in Christ provides the ultimate provision for the soul-salvation and reconciliation with God.
Provision for Daily Needs
God’s care also includes the daily needs of His people.
Jesus taught that believers should not live in anxiety about physical necessities such as food, clothing, or material provision (Matthew 6:25-33). Instead, they are called to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that God knows and provides for their needs.
This principle reflects the shepherd-sheep relationship: the shepherd assumes responsibility for the welfare of the flock.
The Satisfaction of the Sheep
Because the Shepherd provides for His sheep, believers experience contentment and satisfaction.
Human nature often seeks fulfillment in wealth, possessions, or success. Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches that material abundance cannot satisfy the human heart (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
True satisfaction is found not in possessions but in relationship with God.
Satisfaction in God’s Purpose
Some interpret passages such as Psalm 37:4 as a promise that God grants every personal desire. However, the biblical emphasis is different.
Delighting in the Lord transforms the desires of the heart. As believers grow in relationship with God, their desires align with His will.
In Christ believers are described as spiritually complete (Colossians 2:9-10). Their identity and fulfillment are found in Him rather than in external circumstances.
Satisfaction in God’s Presence
Contentment is closely connected to the presence of God.
Scripture encourages believers to live without covetousness because God Himself promises His continual presence (Hebrews 13:5).
The presence of God provides comfort, guidance, and security. The Shepherd remains with His flock through every circumstance of life.
Security Along the Journey
Psalm 23 ultimately describes the journey of God’s people under the guidance of their Shepherd.
The experience of Israel in the wilderness illustrates this shepherding care. God led His people like a flock, guiding them safely and bringing them to the land He had prepared for them (Psalm 78:52-55).
Although Israel often failed to trust their Shepherd, God remained faithful to guide them toward their destination.
The same principle applies to believers today. God shepherds His people throughout life’s journey, guiding them safely to their eternal home.
Psalm 23:1 introduces the central theme of the Psalm: the sufficiency of God’s shepherding care.
Three key ideas emerge from the verse:
Provision - The Shepherd supplies what His sheep need.
Satisfaction - The sheep find contentment in the Shepherd.
Security - The Shepherd safely guides His flock throughout life’s journey.
Because the Lord Himself is the Shepherd, the believer ultimately lacks nothing essential.
The Lord is my shepherd. Comp. Gen. 49:24, “From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel;” Ps. 80:1, “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel.” See also Notes on John 10:1-14. The comparison of the care which God extends over his people to that of a shepherd for his flock is one that would naturally occur to those who were accustomed to pastoral life. It would be natural that it should suggest itself to Jacob (Gen. 49:24), and to David, for both of them had been shepherds. David, in advanced years, would naturally remember the occupations of his early life; and the remembrance of the care of God over him would naturally recall the care which he had, in earlier years, extended over his flocks. The idea which the language suggests is that of tender care; protection; particular attention to the young and the feeble (comp. Isa. 40:11); and providing for their wants. All these things are found eminently in God in reference to his people.
I shall not want. This is the main idea in the psalm, and this idea is derived from the fact that God is a shepherd. The meaning is, that, as a shepherd, he would make all needful provision for his flock, and evince all proper care for it. The words shall not want, as applied to the psalmist, would embrace everything that could be a proper object of desire, whether temporal or spiritual; whether pertaining to the body or the soul; whether having reference to time or to eternity. There is no reason for supposing that David limited this to his temporal necessities, or to the present life, but the idea manifestly is that God would provide all that was needful for him always. Comp. Ps. 34:9, “There is no want to them that fear him.” This idea enters essentially into the conception of God as the shepherd of his people, that all their real wants shall be supplied.
“The Lord is my shepherd.” What condescension is this, that the Infinite Lord assumes towards his people the office and character of a Shepherd! It should be the subject of grateful admiration that the great God allows himself to be compared to anything which will set forth his great love and care for his own people. David had himself been a keeper of sheep, and understood both the needs of the sheep and the many cares of a shepherd. He compares himself to a creature weak, defenceless, and foolish, and he takes God to be his Provider, Preserver, Director, and, indeed, his everything. No man has a right to consider himself the Lord’s sheep unless his nature has been renewed, for the scriptural description of unconverted men does not picture them as sheep, but as wolves or goats. A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. There is no “if” nor “but,” nor even “I hope so;” but he says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” We must cultivate the spirit of assured dependence upon our heavenly Father. The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, “My.” He does not say, “The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock,” but “The Lord is my shepherd;” if he be a Shepherd to no one else, he is a Shepherd to me; he cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. Whatever be the believer’s position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah.
The next words are a sort of inference from the first statement-they are sententious and positive-“I shall not want.” I might want otherwise, but when the Lord is my Shepherd he is able to supply my needs, and he is certainly willing to do so, for his heart is full of love, and therefore “I shall not want.” I shall not lack for temporal things. Does he not feed the ravens, and cause the lilies to grow? How, then, can he leave his children to starve? I shall not want for spirituals, I know that his grace will be sufficient for me. Resting in him he will say to me, “As thy day so shall thy strength be.” I may not possess all that I wish for, but “I shall not want.” Others, far wealthier and wiser than I, may want, but I shall not.” “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” It is not only “I do not want,” but “I shall not want.” Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, “I shall not want.” Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. I have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because “The Lord is my Shepherd.” The wicked always want, but the righteous never; a sinner’s heart is far from satisfaction, but a gracious spirit dwells in the palace of content.