Psalm 23:1 KJV
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.King James Version
The same verse in modern English
A Psalm by David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.Psalm 23:1, World English Bible (WEB)
KJV and WEB compared
The heading differs first: “A Psalm of David” in the KJV, “A Psalm by David” in the WEB. The Hebrew can mean by, for or belonging to, so both are fair. Then comes the line many people know by heart: “I shall not want.” The WEB’s “I shall lack nothing” says the same thing in today’s words. Both print LORD in capitals, the usual way English Bibles mark the personal name of God.
Sitting with this verse
The heading names David, who in the books of Samuel keeps his father's sheep before he becomes king. The psalm opens with a single image, and the rest unfolds from it: food, water, rest, guidance, protection. The shepherd is named before any of his gifts are. The confidence rests on who the shepherd is rather than on what the sheep has. Say the first line slowly, pausing after each word, and let it settle.
Older words in this verse
- want, wanting
- lack, be in need
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