What does "goodness and mercy shall follow me" mean?

1. Introduction to the Phrase “Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me”

Psalm 23:6 reads, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” This phrase has brought comfort and hope to readers across centuries, appearing in manuscripts from Qumran’s Dead Sea Scrolls to later medieval texts with remarkable consistency. By examining the original Hebrew words, scriptural context, and historical witness, we discover a fuller understanding of what “goodness” and “mercy” represent and why they are said to “follow” the believer.

2. Scriptural Context of Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is attributed to David, who was closely acquainted with shepherding (1 Samuel 16:11). Throughout the psalm, David depicts God as the ultimate Shepherd, caring for His sheep by providing green pastures, still waters, guidance, and protection. The concluding verse, centered on goodness and mercy, emphasizes the abiding relationship between God and His people.

Ancient manuscripts, such as the Great Psalms Scroll found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, attest to the stability of this psalm’s wording over many centuries. These archaeological discoveries help confirm that this passage remains substantially the same as when originally penned.

3. Defining “Goodness” in the Hebrew Text

The Hebrew word commonly translated as “goodness” is “tov.” It signifies moral excellence, well-being, and favor. In Genesis 1:31, God declares His creation “very good,” reflecting His character and benevolence. This same benevolent attribute is what pursues David. It conveys that, through every circumstance, God’s positive favor and moral perfection remain directed toward His people.

4. Understanding “Mercy” (Hesed) as Covenantal Love

The Hebrew term behind “mercy” in Psalm 23:6 is “hesed,” often rendered as “lovingkindness,” “steadfast love,” or “unfailing love.” It conveys a covenantal commitment, describing God’s loyal love for His people—a promise to act graciously and redemptively on their behalf.

This steadfast love appears throughout Scripture:

• Exodus 34:6 – The LORD proclaims He is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth.”

• Lamentations 3:22 – “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail.”

“Mercy” here is not merely an abstract principle; it represents an enduring personal commitment rooted in God’s unchanging nature.

5. Why “Goodness and Mercy” Pursue the Believer

Rather than stating that goodness and mercy merely “exist,” Psalm 23:6 affirms they “follow” or “pursue” the believer (Hebrew: radaph). This indicates an active and ongoing pursuit. God’s care is not passive; it continually moves toward His people, seeking to sustain and protect them.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, this pursuit ultimately culminates in Christ, whose sacrificial death and resurrection open the way for humanity to experience God’s goodness and mercy in full measure (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Scholars and apologists have pointed to the reliability of New Testament manuscripts—such as the Chester Beatty papyri and Codex Sinaiticus—to demonstrate its consistent account of Christ’s death and resurrection. This aligns with the Old Testament portrayal of a God who actively redeems and calls individuals to Himself.

6. The Scope: “All the Days of My Life”

The phrase “all the days of my life” underscores the permanent and exhaustive nature of these blessings. It affirms that one cannot outrun or outlast God’s kindness and covenant love. This sense of unwavering divine presence is echoed in the New Testament assurance that nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

David’s statement of perpetual favor reflects the broader biblical theme that God’s blessings don’t cease when circumstances are dire. Rather, they accompany the believer through joys, sorrows, trials, and triumphant moments, all of which appear in David’s own story of shepherding, kingship, and personal failures.

7. Dwelling in the House of the LORD Forever

Psalm 23:6 concludes with the promise, “and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” In the Old Testament context, this refers to abiding in the presence of God in His sanctuary. For believers, this extends to a concept of eternal fellowship with Him—a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemption that prepares believers to enter God’s presence.

Biblical archaeologists have unearthed artifacts and inscriptions (e.g., the Tel Dan Stele) confirming the historic existence of David’s lineage. Such historical confirmations work alongside manuscript evidence to reinforce the Scriptural claim that God’s covenant relationship with David and his descendants (2 Samuel 7:16) pointed forward to a greater fulfillment in Christ.

8. Practical Reflection and Benefit

• Comfort: Realizing that God’s actions toward us are good and loving calms fear and anxiety. Psalm 94:19 says, “When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.”

• Obedience and Worship: God’s gracious pursuit invites believers to reciprocate with obedience and worship. Knowing His goodness and mercy sets a foundation for trust and reverence.

• Hope for Eternity: The psalm ends by looking ahead to God’s eternal dwelling. This hope, when understood through the lens of Christ’s resurrection and promise (1 Corinthians 15:20), gives believers confident assurance of life beyond death.

9. Cross-References with Other Scriptures

• Exodus 33:19: God declares His goodness (tov) before Moses, showing the continuity between the Exodus narrative and David’s notion of divine goodness.

• Isaiah 63:7: The prophet recounts “the many good things” and “the great goodness” of the LORD, emphasizing His “compassion and abundant kindness.”

• John 10:11: Jesus declares Himself the “good shepherd,” directly linking the caring nature of God in the Old Testament to Himself, echoing Psalm 23.

10. Conclusion

“Goodness and mercy shall follow me” communicates God’s active and unrelenting benevolence and covenant love. Far from being a passive warmth, these qualities pursue and uphold the faithful. Rooted in the unchanging character of God—evident in creation, confirmed by the reliability of ancient manuscripts, and ultimately revealed through Christ—this promise identifies a Shepherd who protects and cares for His people not just occasionally, but “all the days of [one’s] life.”

For anyone seeking hope, Psalm 23’s assurance reaches across generations: wherever life leads, God’s goodness and mercy remain steadfast companions, culminating in eternal fellowship in His house.