1 The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.
2 He makes me down to lie
In pastures green: he leadeth me
the quiet waters by.

3 My soul he doth restore again;
and me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
ev’n for his own name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
yet will I fear none ill:
For thou art with me; and thy rod
and staff me comfort still.

5 My table thou hast furnished
in presence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint,
and my cup overflows.

6 Goodness and mercy all my life
shall surely follow me:
And in God’s house for evermore
my dwelling-place shall be.

Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 23:1-2
st. 2 = Ps. 23:3
st. 3 = Ps. 23:4
st. 4 = Ps. 23:5
st. 5 = Ps. 23:6

Of all metrical versions of the psalms, this versification of Psalm 23 from the 1650 Scottish Psalter is probably the best known. Though one of the best examples of a Scottish psalm in meter, the grammatical structure of the text is twisted for the sake of rhyme – the mismatch of textual and musical phrases is especially problematic in stanza 1. But the rugged strength of the verse and the powerful imagery of this psalm have endeared this Scottish versification to many believers through the centuries. For further commentary on this psalm see PHH 23.

Liturgical Use:
See PHH 23.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook