Psalm 23 6

Psalm 23:6 kjv

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 23:6 nkjv

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

Psalm 23:6 niv

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23:6 esv

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23:6 nlt

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever.

Psalm 23 verses

Psalm 23 6 Meaning

Psalm 23:6 presents a profound assurance of God's unwavering provision and presence in the life of His follower. It affirms that the goodness and steadfast love (mercy) of the Lord will actively pursue and encompass the believer throughout their earthly journey, culminating in an eternal and intimate dwelling within the very presence of God. It signifies a certainty of divine care in both the temporal and eternal dimensions.

Psalm 23 6 Context

Psalm 23 is a deeply cherished psalm of David, often categorized as a psalm of trust or confidence. The entire psalm paints a pastoral image of the Lord as a benevolent Shepherd who tends to all the needs of His sheep (the psalmist/believer). The preceding verses describe divine provision (green pastures, still waters), restoration (leading in paths of righteousness), guidance (through dark valleys), protection (rod and staff), and honor (a table prepared in the presence of enemies, anointed head, overflowing cup). Verse 6 serves as a climactic conclusion, transitioning from the immediate, tangible provisions to the certain, enduring spiritual security and eternal communion with God. Historically and culturally, the imagery draws upon ancient Near Eastern shepherding practices, but elevates the divine shepherd above earthly kings or capricious deities, showcasing the unique, personal, and unfailing nature of Yahweh's care, contrasting sharply with polytheistic views of often indifferent or hostile gods. The concept of "dwelling in the house of the Lord" reflects the longing for intimate presence in the Jerusalem Temple, understood as God's earthly dwelling place, yet also carrying an eschatological yearning for continuous, unfiltered access to His presence.

Psalm 23 6 Word analysis

• "Surely" (אךְ - ’akh): This Hebrew particle means "indeed," "only," or "surely." It acts as an emphatic assertion, confirming the certainty of what follows. It elevates the subsequent promise from a hopeful wish to a firm declaration, removing any doubt about God's future action.
• "Goodness" (טוֹב - ṭoḇ): Signifies not merely moral rectitude, but holistic well-being, favor, prosperity, and beneficence. It encompasses everything that is right, pleasing, beneficial, and divinely sanctioned. It describes God's inherent nature and His gracious provision.
• "Mercy" (חֶסֶד - ḥeseḏ): A foundational Old Testament theological term often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," "covenant loyalty," or "compassion." It speaks of an enduring, active, and loyal love, especially within a covenant relationship. It is not mere pity, but a robust commitment to bless and preserve.
• "Shall follow me" (יִרְדְּפוּנִי - yirddepûnî from רָדַף rāḏaḵ): The verb "follow" or "pursue" usually carries a negative connotation (e.g., chasing an enemy). Here, however, it is used powerfully and positively. It depicts God's goodness and mercy as personified, actively pursuing and enveloping the psalmist, almost like devoted companions who tirelessly seek him out to pour out blessings. This implies an unceasing, relentless pursuit by divine favor, rather than a passive observation.
• "All the days of my life" (כָּל־יְמֵי חַיַּי - kōl-yəˈmê ḥayyāy): This phrase signifies comprehensive and continuous blessing throughout the entire duration of one's earthly existence. It removes any limitation of time or circumstance for God's enduring provision and protection.
• "And I will dwell" (וְשַׁבְתִּי - wəšaḇtî from יָשַׁב yāšaḇ): This verb implies settling down, remaining, abiding, or dwelling permanently. It conveys a sense of security, stability, and enduring presence. While some interpretive traditions explore a "return" (from שוב shuv), yāšaḇ aligns better with the concept of settled habitation.
• "In the house of the Lord" (בְּבֵית יְהוָה - bəḇêṯ YHWH): This refers literally to the tabernacle or temple, which symbolized God's dwelling place and the center of Israelite worship. Metaphorically and ultimately, it signifies abiding in the intimate presence of God, a continuous and unrestricted fellowship with the Divine, marked by safety, sustenance, and communion.
• "For ever" (לְאֹרֶךְ יָמִים - lə’ōreḵ yāmîm): Literally "for length of days," this Hebrew idiom denotes an indefinite, prolonged future, extending perpetually, even into eternity. It implies a timeless permanence beyond mortal existence, echoing themes of everlasting life and uninterrupted communion with God.

Psalm 23 6 Bonus section

The emphatic ’akh ("Surely") at the beginning of the verse highlights the shift from declarative statements about God's actions (verses 1-5) to a prophetic assurance regarding the future. This emphasizes not just a current state of blessing, but an assured destiny of ongoing grace. The contrast between the typically negative connotation of rāḏaḵ (pursue/follow) and its positive application here, where divine attributes chase the psalmist, beautifully illustrates the overwhelming and active nature of God's love; it's not merely available, but it comes looking for the individual. The concluding phrase "for ever" transforms Psalm 23 from solely an expression of immediate trust to a profound declaration of eschatological hope, signifying the eternal blessedness awaiting those who dwell under the Lord's care, thus bridging earthly pilgrimage with everlasting rest in His presence.

Psalm 23 6 Commentary

Psalm 23:6 delivers a magnificent affirmation, building upon the Shepherd's consistent care presented throughout the psalm. The certainty of "surely" underscores divine commitment, eliminating doubt. The personified "goodness" and "mercy" (steadfast love/hesed) are not just abstract qualities but active, pursuing forces that will persistently attend the believer, covering every day and every phase of life. This active pursuit transcends mere protection; it speaks of an aggressive beneficence. The culmination is not merely safety in the present life but an eternal dwelling in "the house of the Lord." This "house" transitions from the earthly temple—a place of sanctuary and worship—to an ultimate, everlasting communion within God's own presence, signifying profound intimacy and security beyond the constraints of earthly existence. It’s an assurance of an unending relationship, sealed by divine faithfulness, where joy and belonging prevail. This verse transforms earthly struggles and temporary provisions into a promise of everlasting hope and unfailing companionship with the Divine.