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23
A song of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd.
I will always have everything I need.* I will … need Literally, “I will lack nothing.”
2 He gives me green pastures to lie in.
He leads me by calm pools of water.
3 He restores my strength.
He leads me on right paths† right paths Or “paths of goodness.” to show that he is good.
4 Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave,‡ valley … grave Or “death’s dark valley” or “a very dark valley.”
I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me.
Your rod and staff§ rod and staff The club and walking stick a shepherd uses to protect and guide his sheep. comfort me.
5 You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies.
You welcomed me as an honored guest.* You welcomed … guest Literally, “You anointed my head with oil.”
My cup is full and spilling over.
6 Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life,
and I will live in the LORD’S house† house Or “Temple.” See “Temple” in the Word List. a long, long time.‡ I … long time Or “I will return again and again to the LORD’S Temple for as long as I live.”

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*23:1 I will … need Literally, “I will lack nothing.”

†23:3 right paths Or “paths of goodness.”

‡23:4 valley … grave Or “death’s dark valley” or “a very dark valley.”

§23:4 rod and staff The club and walking stick a shepherd uses to protect and guide his sheep.

*23:5 You welcomed … guest Literally, “You anointed my head with oil.”

†23:6 house Or “Temple.” See “Temple” in the Word List.

‡23:6 I … long time Or “I will return again and again to the LORD’S Temple for as long as I live.”

© 1987, 1999, 2006 BLI