Bible Verse

Psalm 23:1

David, who was a shepherd before becoming king, reflects on God's care using the intimate metaphor of a shepherd tending his flock.

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

— Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

— ESV

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

— KJV

"The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beloved psalm in Scripture. It's a psalm of trust and confidence in God's provision, guidance, and protection throughout life's journey.

Historical Background

Written by David, likely during his reign as king (around 1000 BC). Drawing on his youth as a shepherd, David creates this beautiful picture of God's tender care for His people.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"The LORD is my shepherd"

This is a personal declaration of relationship. 'LORD' (Yahweh) is the covenant name of God. A shepherd in ancient Israel was responsible for the total welfare of the sheep—feeding, protecting, guiding, healing. David claims this personal relationship.

"I lack nothing"

Not that we have everything we want, but everything we truly need. When God is our shepherd, He ensures our needs are met. 'Want' (Hebrew: chaser) means to lack or be without something necessary.

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The verse establishes complete trust and contentment. If God is shepherd, then provision is certain. This isn't prosperity theology but confidence that God knows and meets our true needs.

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The possessive 'my' is crucial—this isn't generic theology but personal relationship. Each believer can claim 'The LORD is MY shepherd' and therefore 'I lack nothing.'

Key Themes

God as shepherdDivine provisionPersonal relationship with GodContentmentTrust

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Cultivate a personal relationship with God, recognizing Him as your shepherd who knows you intimately.

  2. 2

    Trust that God will provide what you truly need, even when you don't have everything you want.

  3. 3

    Practice contentment by focusing on God's faithful provision rather than what you lack.

  4. 4

    Follow the Shepherd's leading in daily decisions, trusting His guidance and protection.

  5. 5

    Rest in the security that comes from being cared for by an all-knowing, all-loving God.

Questions for Reflection

  • Do you truly believe that having God as your shepherd means you lack nothing essential?
  • What's the difference between what you want and what you truly need?
  • How does viewing God as your personal shepherd change your perspective on current needs?
  • Are you following the Shepherd's voice, or going your own way?

Related Scripture

John 10:11

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Philippians 4:19

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Matthew 6:31-33

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them."

Ezekiel 34:11

"For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them."

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