Psalm 23 4

Psalm 23:4 kjv

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 nkjv

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 niv

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 esv

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 nlt

Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23 verses

Psalm 23 4 Meaning

Psalm 23:4 expresses a profound assurance and lack of fear in the face of the direst circumstances, symbolized by "the valley of the shadow of death." The psalmist declares confidence not because the danger is absent, but because the divine Shepherd, God Himself, is actively present. This presence provides both comforting guidance and powerful protection, enabling passage through extreme peril without fear of evil. It signifies God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereignty over even the darkest human experiences.

Psalm 23 4 Context

Psalm 23 is a deeply beloved and profoundly spiritual poem, attributed to King David. The Psalm transitions dramatically from the serene imagery of verdant pastures and still waters in verses 1-3, where the Shepherd leads to provision and restoration, to the stark contrast of a "valley of the shadow of death" in verse 4. This abrupt shift highlights that the Shepherd's care is not limited to idyllic settings but extends profoundly into the most terrifying and perilous human experiences. It speaks to God's presence and provision not just in comfort but most powerfully in suffering, danger, and moments akin to death. The shepherd imagery would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society like ancient Israel, understanding the critical role of a shepherd in protecting and guiding his flock through various terrains and threats.

Psalm 23 4 Word analysis

• Yea, though: This conjunctive phrase, Hebrew Gam ki (גַּם כִּי), implies "even if" or "certainly though." It marks a transition to a challenging circumstance, emphasizing that what follows is a possibility, an experience that is faced directly, not avoided.
• I walk through: Hebrew Elech (אֵלֵךְ) denotes a continuous, active progression. It's not a suggestion of stopping or dwelling in the valley but a passage through it, implying journey, endurance, and eventual exit.
• the valley of the shadow of death: Hebrew Gai Tsalmavet (גֵּיא צַלְמָוֶת).
  • Gai (גֵּיא): A deep, dark ravine or gorge, often steep and winding, symbolizing a place of deep peril, desolation, or difficulty. These were often routes for travel, yet inherently dangerous due to lurking predators, rockslides, or becoming lost.
  • Tsalmavet (צַלְמָוֶת): A poetic and emphatic term, not simply "darkness." It literally means "shadow of death," but is often interpreted as "deep darkness," "thick gloom," or "utter darkness" often associated with mortal danger, severe calamity, or despair (Job 3:5, Job 10:21-22). It represents the greatest imaginable threat or anguish, the point where death itself casts its oppressive shadow. There's a subtle polemic against the pagan notion of a chaotic underworld or an unsupervised realm of death; here, even this ultimate darkness is traversable and within the Shepherd's care.
• I will fear no evil: A declaration of active resolve. This is not a passive absence of fear, but an active rejection of it, born of confident faith. Lo' Ira' Ra (לֹא־אִירָא רָע) signifies that the person facing danger refuses to allow fear (the evil within) to overcome them, because God (the greater power) is present.
• for You are with me: Hebrew Ki Attah Immadi (כִּי־אַתָּה עִמָּדִֽי). This is the bedrock and singular reason for courage. The relationship shifts from third person ("He leads," "He restores") to a direct, intimate second-person address ("You"), signifying a deep, personal relationship with God at the most vulnerable point. "Immanuel" (God with us) concept echoes here.
• Your rod: Hebrew Shivitkha (שִׁבְטְךָ). A stout club, often weighted, used by the shepherd for defense against predators (like wolves or lions), for counting the sheep (passing under the rod), and occasionally for stern but corrective discipline of wayward sheep. It signifies protection, authority, and divine intervention.
• and Your staff: Hebrew U'mish'antekha (וּמִשְׁעַנְתֶּךָ). A longer stick with a crooked or hook end. Used for guiding, prodding, or pulling sheep from ditches, over obstacles, or from briars. It also serves as a support for the shepherd. It symbolizes guidance, comfort, direction, support, and rescue.
• they comfort me: The presence and use of both the rod and the staff bring solace. They assure the sheep (and the believer) that the Shepherd is attentive, capable, and committed to their well-being, actively managing both dangers and their own straying tendencies. This comfort is practical, tangible assurance of protection and guidance, not mere emotional consolation.

Psalm 23 4 Bonus section

The shift from the third person pronouns (He leads, He restores) in earlier verses to the direct second person ("You are with me," "Your rod," "Your staff") in verse 4 is significant. It highlights a moment of crisis bringing the psalmist into an intensely personal and intimate awareness of God's presence and care. When darkness looms, the relationship becomes profoundly personal. The "shadow of death" also implies that while death is real and casting a "shadow," it does not hold the full substance or ultimate power. The ultimate power belongs to the Shepherd, who can lead through the shadow, implying victory over death itself for His flock.

Psalm 23 4 Commentary

Psalm 23:4 paints a vivid picture of divine steadfastness amidst extreme human vulnerability. The transition from peaceful pastures to the "valley of the shadow of death" signifies that even when life leads us through the darkest and most perilous experiences—whether physical danger, deep grief, spiritual desolation, or the finality of death itself—God's presence remains constant and active. The fear-dispelling power is not in the absence of peril but in the conscious awareness of the Shepherd's "You are with me." His immediate presence (Immanuel) is the supreme comfort. The "rod and staff," far from being instruments of mere correction, represent His comprehensive care: the rod for protection against external threats and disciplinary correction for our good, and the staff for compassionate guidance and tender restoration from self-inflicted predicaments. Thus, in the face of our greatest fears, God's character as both Protector and Guide provides complete assurance, demonstrating His control over even death's dark shadow and His unwavering commitment to leading His sheep through to safety.