The LORD, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.

A Psalm of David.

1The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me],

I shall not want.

2He lets me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.

3He refreshes and restores my soul (life);

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

for His name’s sake.

4Even though I walk through the [sunless] [a]valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You have anointed and refreshed my head with [b]oil;

My cup overflows.

6Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the LORD.

[a] 4 Or valley of deep darkness.
[b] 5 In ancient times it was customary in hot climates for a host to provide his guest with olive oil to put on his head. The Lord blesses and anoints His believers with the Holy Spirit, whom oil symbolizes, to prepare them for His service.