Psalm 23 2

Psalm 23:2 kjv

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Psalm 23:2 nkjv

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

Psalm 23:2 niv

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

Psalm 23:2 esv

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23:2 nlt

He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.

Psalm 23 verses

Psalm 23 2 Meaning

Psalm 23:2 vividly describes the Lord, the divine Shepherd, providing perfect conditions for the sheep's rest, nourishment, and peaceful refreshment. It signifies divine provision, a profound sense of security, and spiritual restoration, illustrating how God actively cares for the deepest needs of His people. The verse portrays a state of tranquility and abundance found only under the guidance of the faithful Shepherd.

Psalm 23 2 Context

Psalm 23 is a deeply cherished psalm of David, presented as a personal testimony of trust in the Lord as his Shepherd. It builds upon the assertion in verse 1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," by demonstrating how this lack of want is addressed through divine care. Verses 1-4 focus on God's immediate, intimate provision and guidance, employing vivid pastoral imagery from a semi-nomadic, agricultural society. Historically, a shepherd in ancient Israel was a figure of authority, protection, and provision, often seen risking his life for the flock. The psalm subtly contrasts this devoted, all-sufficient Shepherd with the false or unreliable "gods" and self-reliance common in the broader Near Eastern cultural landscape, asserting YHWH as the unique source of true rest, sustenance, and peace that no idol or human effort could provide. It portrays a deep dependence and intimate relationship, applicable both to individuals and the nation of Israel as God's flock.

Psalm 23 2 Word analysis

• He makes me lie down (יַרְבִּיצֵנִי - yarbitzeini):

  • Word Level: Hebrew verb "rabats" (רָבַץ) means to lie down, couch, or make lie down, often used of animals. The Hiphil conjugation (causative) here means "He causes me to lie down."
  • Significance: This is not the sheep voluntarily choosing to rest, but the Shepherd actively causing it to lie down. This implies a deliberate act by the Shepherd, perhaps a gentle yet firm insistence for the sheep's safety and well-being. Sheep will not lie down if they are fearful (predators), stressed (flown or tormented by flies), or hungry. The Shepherd must address these conditions first to create an environment where the sheep can truly rest. It points to God actively intervening to bring peace and cessation of struggle.

• in green pastures (בִּנְאוֹת דֶּשֶׁא - bin'ot deshe):

  • Word Level: "Naveh" (נָוֶה) refers to a habitation, pasturage, or pleasant abode, often a green, fertile place suitable for flocks. "Deshe" (דֶּשֶׁא) means grass, verdure.
  • Significance: In an arid climate like Israel, lush, green pastures were not common. This signifies extraordinary abundance, a place of rich nourishment, safety, and vitality, where the sheep's needs are fully met. It is a symbol of flourishing life and sustenance provided beyond mere survival, highlighting God's generous provision.

• He leads me (יְנַהֲלֵנִי - ynahaleini):

  • Word Level: Hebrew verb "nahal" (נָהַל) means to lead, guide, refresh, or provide pasture for. It conveys a sense of gentle guidance, refreshment, and careful attendance, particularly in a slow, patient manner.
  • Significance: The Shepherd does not drive the sheep, but leads them. This emphasizes tender, careful guidance, ensuring the sheep find the path to the necessary life sources. It denotes a proactive, patient, and personalized form of leadership, ensuring safety and the meeting of needs. It suggests a journey with direction, not aimless wandering.

• beside still waters (עַל מֵי מְנוּחֹת - al mei m'nuchot):

  • Word Level: "Mayim" (מַיִם) is water. "M'nuchot" (מְנוּחֹת) is plural for "menuchah" (מְנוּחָה), meaning rest, quietness, peaceful abode, or state of repose. Literally, "waters of rest/quietness."
  • Significance: Sheep are afraid of fast-moving, turbulent water and will not drink from it. They need quiet, calm pools or streams. This signifies a place of profound peace, refreshment, and spiritual restoration, free from fear, anxiety, or turbulence. It's not just about quenching thirst, but doing so in an environment that settles the soul, allowing for complete replenishment. It symbolizes tranquility and the Holy Spirit's quiet, sustaining presence.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "He makes me lie down in green pastures": This phrase encapsulates God's provision for physical and spiritual rest and sustenance. It emphasizes the Shepherd's initiative in creating ideal conditions for peace and nourishment. The action is from God ("He makes me"), and the place is one of rich, abundant supply ("green pastures"). This implies that true rest and abundant life are a gift of divine orchestration, not something we can fully achieve on our own.
  • "He leads me beside still waters": This portrays God's ongoing, gentle guidance to sources of refreshment and tranquility. The "leading" (not driving) highlights God's caring and intentional guidance. The "still waters" emphasize deep inner peace and replenishment, essential for sustained spiritual health, unattainable in a chaotic world without divine direction. This depicts the active, caring hand of the Shepherd in bringing peace and restoration to a soul in need of quiet communion.

Psalm 23 2 Bonus section

The tranquility depicted in Psalm 23:2 is not merely the absence of external turmoil, but a deep, inner peace (shalom) facilitated by the Shepherd's presence and provision. This verse often implies the "forced" rest that a loving shepherd might impose for the good of his flock. Sheep that are full and safe will lie down, indicating that the Shepherd actively provides for these preconditions. The "still waters" are crucial because sheep are easily startled and will not drink from rushing, noisy waters, reflecting humanity's need for calm and peace to truly receive spiritual nourishment and refreshment. This pastoral scene, deeply rooted in the everyday life of the original audience, would have painted a vivid picture of divine meticulousness and protective love. It counters the ancient pagan deities who were often depicted as capricious or demanding sacrifices for uncertain blessings, by presenting YHWH as an ever-present, caring, and reliable Provider.

Psalm 23 2 Commentary

Psalm 23:2 extends the powerful declaration of verse 1, elaborating on how the Lord, as Shepherd, provides so abundantly that there is no lack. The imagery here is meticulously chosen from the reality of shepherding. A good shepherd's first responsibility is to ensure the flock is fed and watered in safety. "He makes me lie down in green pastures" speaks of active divine intervention to secure conditions for peace and complete satiation. Sheep are notoriously difficult to get to lie down; they do so only when all conditions for safety, comfort, and provision are met. Thus, this verse implies freedom from fear (no predators), freedom from friction (no internal conflict in the flock), and freedom from hunger and thirst. It speaks to God bringing His people to a place of such abundant, worry-free provision that true, deep rest becomes possible. "He leads me beside still waters" highlights God's gentle and wise guidance to sources of clear, refreshing water that are not intimidating or dangerous. These tranquil waters represent not just physical sustenance, but the profound spiritual refreshment and peace that only communion with God can provide, stilling the anxieties and turmoil of the soul. This verse assures the believer that God's care is comprehensive, covering every aspect of their well-being – physical, emotional, and spiritual – by leading them to places of deep peace and satisfying provision. It illustrates that rest, not striving, and contentment, not endless seeking, are the gifts of surrendering to the Good Shepherd's lead.

• Examples: For a soul wearied by anxious pursuits, the Lord provides spiritual peace (like "green pastures" of biblical meditation or prayer). For a heart parched by the world's disappointments, He offers calm refreshment through His presence (like "still waters").