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Psalm 23:4 KJV
Psalms · chapter 23 · verse 4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Psalm 23:4 · King James Version
What Psalm 23:4 means
The valley of the shadow of death is a place you walk through, not a place you settle. Watch the psalm switch here from talking about God to talking to him — thou art with me. The rod and the staff are a shepherd's tools: one drives off what attacks, one pulls a wandering sheep back.
Study note provided by TheWay Bible App, separate from the KJV text. Read the full chapter in context and compare interpretations. Report a correction.
Psalm 23:4 in context
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Commentary
Cross references
- Isaiah 41:10
- Psalms 118:6
- Psalms 138:7
- Isaiah 43:1-2
- Psalms 3:6
- Psalms 46:1-3
- Luke 1:79
- 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Key words (Strong's)
- valleygayʼa gorge (from its lofty sidesH1516 →
- deathtsalmâvethshade of deathH6757 →
- staffmishʻênâhsupportH4938 →
- walkyâlakto walkH3212 →
- fearyârêʼto fearH3372 →
- evilraʻbad or evilH7451 →
Topics
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From three very comfortable premises David, in this psalm, draws three very comfortable conclusions, and teaches us to do so too. We are saved by hope, and that hope will not make us ashamed, because it is well grounded. It is the duty of Christians to encourage themselves in the Lord their God;
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 1-6