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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/23-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/19_Psa_023_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 23:2 - The LORD is My Shepherd" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/23-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/23-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/23-1.htm" title="Psalm 23:1">◄</a> Psalm 23:2 <a href="/psalms/23-3.htm" title="Psalm 23:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still <i>and</i> quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He causes me to lie down in pastures of green grass; he guides me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He causes me to lie down in pastures of tender grass, "" He leads me by quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In pastures of tender grass He causeth me to lie down, By quiet waters He doth lead me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He will cause me to lie down in pastures of tender grass: he will lead me to the water of rest.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He hath set me in a place of pasture. He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 22:2>He has settled me here, in a place of pasture. He has led me out to the water of refreshment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He makes me to rest in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He will make me lie upon lush pastures and he will lead me by restful waters.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />In a place of green grass, there he has made me dwell: he has nourished me by the water of rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/23-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=2400" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/23.htm">The LORD is My Shepherd</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7257.htm" title="7257: yar·bî·ṣê·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to crouch; be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed.">He makes me lie down</a> <a href="/hebrew/1877.htm" title="1877: de·še (N-ms) -- Grass. From dasha; a sprout; by analogy, grass.">in green</a> <a href="/hebrew/4999.htm" title="4999: bin·’ō·wṯ (Prep-b:: N-fpc) -- Habitation, house, pasture, pleasant place. From na'ah; a home; figuratively, a pasture.">pastures;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5095.htm" title="5095: yə·na·hă·lê·nî (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to run with a sparkle, i.e. Flow; hence, to conduct, and to protect, sustain.">He leads me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">beside</a> <a href="/hebrew/4496.htm" title="4496: mə·nu·ḥō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Resting place, rest. Or mnuchah; feminine of Manowach; repose or peacefully; figuratively, consolation; hence an abode.">quiet</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: mê (N-mpc) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">waters.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-14.htm">Ezekiel 34:14</a></span><br />I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-9.htm">John 10:9</a></span><br />I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a></span><br />For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-25.htm">Jeremiah 31:25</a></span><br />for I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-29</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-10.htm">Isaiah 49:10</a></span><br />They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-14.htm">John 4:14</a></span><br />But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a></span><br />And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Isaiah 55:1-2</a></span><br />“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-3.htm">Hebrews 4:3</a></span><br />Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-11.htm">Isaiah 58:11</a></span><br />The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a></span><br />Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-6.htm">Revelation 21:6</a></span><br />And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.</p><p class="hdg">maketh</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/30-23.htm">Isaiah 30:23</a></b></br> Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/34-13.htm">Ezekiel 34:13,14</a></b></br> And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country… </p><p class="hdg">green pastures [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/46-4.htm">Psalm 46:4</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy <i>place</i> of the tabernacles of the most High.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/49-9.htm">Isaiah 49:9,10</a></b></br> That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that <i>are</i> in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures <i>shall be</i> in all high places… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Revelation 7:17</a></b></br> For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.</p><p class="hdg">still waters [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-29.htm">Job 34:29</a></b></br> When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth <i>his</i> face, who then can behold him? whether <i>it be done</i> against a nation, or against a man only:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-6.htm">Isaiah 8:6</a></b></br> Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/18-33.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/job/39-5.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/job/41-29.htm">Grass</a> <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Green</a> <a href="/psalms/16-7.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/psalms/5-8.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/psalms/19-6.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/18-35.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-23.htm">Pastures</a> <a href="/job/41-12.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/psalms/15-1.htm">Resting-Place</a> <a href="/job/41-3.htm">Tender</a> <a href="/psalms/22-14.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/psalms/37-2.htm">Grass</a> <a href="/psalms/37-2.htm">Green</a> <a href="/psalms/23-3.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/psalms/25-5.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/psalms/31-17.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/psalms/25-14.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/29-6.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Pastures</a> <a href="/psalms/30-12.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/psalms/26-8.htm">Resting-Place</a> <a href="/psalms/25-6.htm">Tender</a> <a href="/psalms/24-2.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">David's confidence in God's grace</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He makes me lie down in green pastures;</b><br>This phrase evokes the image of a shepherd providing rest and nourishment for his sheep. In the biblical context, green pastures symbolize abundance and provision. The shepherd ensures that the sheep have a place to rest and feed, reflecting God's care and provision for His people. The act of making the sheep lie down suggests a sense of safety and security, as sheep will only lie down when they feel safe and are free from fear, hunger, and tension. This imagery connects to the broader biblical theme of God as a shepherd, as seen in passages like <a href="/ezekiel/34-14.htm">Ezekiel 34:14-15</a>, where God promises to feed His flock in good pasture. The green pastures can also be seen as a type of spiritual nourishment, pointing to the sustenance found in God's Word and presence.<p><b>He leads me beside quiet waters.</b><br>The phrase "quiet waters" refers to calm and peaceful streams, which are essential for the sheep's hydration and well-being. In the arid regions of ancient Israel, finding such waters would be a sign of the shepherd's skill and care. This imagery highlights God's guidance and provision, leading His people to places of peace and refreshment. The quiet waters can symbolize the peace that comes from trusting in God, as well as the spiritual refreshment found in His presence. This idea is echoed in <a href="/isaiah/49-10.htm">Isaiah 49:10</a>, where God promises that His people will neither hunger nor thirst, and He will guide them to springs of water. The leading of the shepherd also points to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads believers into truth and peace, as seen in <a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>- The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a>, David was a shepherd before becoming the king of Israel. His experiences as a shepherd inform the imagery used in this psalm.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shepherd.htm">Shepherd</a></b><br>- A metaphor for God, who guides, provides, and cares for His people as a shepherd does for his sheep.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/green_pastures.htm">Green Pastures</a></b><br>- Symbolic of provision, rest, and abundance. In the arid climate of Israel, green pastures would be a place of sustenance and peace.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/q/quiet_waters.htm">Quiet Waters</a></b><br>- Represents peace, refreshment, and spiritual nourishment. In the Hebrew context, "quiet" or "still" waters are safe and calming, unlike rushing streams that could be dangerous.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The geographical and cultural setting of the psalm, where shepherding was a common occupation and well-understood metaphor.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_and_rest.htm">God's Provision and Rest</a></b><br>Just as a shepherd provides for his sheep, God provides for our physical and spiritual needs. We can trust Him to lead us to places of rest and nourishment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_refreshment.htm">Spiritual Refreshment</a></b><br>The quiet waters symbolize the peace and refreshment that come from a relationship with God. In a world full of chaos, God offers us tranquility and renewal.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_guidance.htm">Trust in God's Guidance</a></b><br>Like sheep, we may not always know the best path, but we can trust our Shepherd to lead us. This requires surrendering our own plans and following His lead.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god's_care.htm">Contentment in God's Care</a></b><br>The imagery of lying down in green pastures suggests contentment and security. We can find peace knowing that God is in control and cares for us deeply.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_presence.htm">Seeking God's Presence</a></b><br>To experience the green pastures and quiet waters, we must seek God's presence through prayer, scripture, and worship. This is where we find true rest and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_resolve_bible_contradictions.htm">How can we resolve contradictions in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_psalm_23_2.htm">What is the meaning of Psalm 23:2?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_believers_suffer_despite_psalm_23_2.htm">Psalm 23:2 – If God leads believers to “green pastures,” why does widespread suffering and famine persist among the faithful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_psalm_23.htm">What is the meaning of Psalm 23?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) The verbs in these verses are not to be understood as futures, but as presents, describing the customary condition of the poet. "The psalmist describes himself as one of Jehovah's flock, safe under His care, absolved from all anxieties by the sense of this protection, and gaining from this confidence of safety the leisure to enjoy, without satiety, all the simple pleasures which make up life--the freshness of the meadow, the coolness of the stream. It is the most complete picture of happiness that ever was or can be drawn. It represents that state of mind for which all alike sigh, and the want of which makes life a failure to most; it represents that heaven which is everywhere if we could but enter it, and yet almost nowhere because so few of us can" (<span class= "ital">Ecce Homo, </span>5, 6).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He maketh me to lie down in green pastures</span>; literally, in grassy homesteads - " the richer, oasis-like spots, where a homestead would be fixed in a barren tract of land" (Kay). <span class="cmt_word">He leadeth me beside the still waters</span>; rather, <span class="accented">waters of refreshment</span>; <span class="greek">ἐπὶ υ{δατος ἀναπαύσεως</span> (LXX.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/23-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He makes me lie down</span><br /><span class="heb">יַרְבִּיצֵ֑נִי</span> <span class="translit">(yar·bî·ṣê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7257.htm">Strong's 7257: </a> </span><span class="str2">To crouch, be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in green</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶּ֭שֶׁא</span> <span class="translit">(de·še)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1877.htm">Strong's 1877: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sprout, grass</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pastures;</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּנְא֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bin·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4999.htm">Strong's 4999: </a> </span><span class="str2">Habitation, house, pasture, pleasant place </span><br /><br /><span class="word">He leads</span><br /><span class="heb">יְנַהֲלֵֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·na·hă·lê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5095.htm">Strong's 5095: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a place of rest, refresh</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me beside</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">quiet</span><br /><span class="heb">מְנֻח֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mə·nu·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4496.htm">Strong's 4496: </a> </span><span class="str2">Repose, peacefully, consolation, an abode</span><br /><br /><span class="word">waters.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/23-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/23-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 23:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 23:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/23-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 23:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 23:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>