Psalm 23:4 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 ►

New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

NASB 1995
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

NASB 1977
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Amplified Bible
Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

Christian Standard Bible
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because you are with me, I fear no harm. Your rod and your staff give me courage.

Good News Translation
Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.

International Standard Version
Even when I walk through a valley of deep darkness, I will not be afraid because you are with me. Your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shades of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Also—when I walk in a valley of death-shade, "" I fear no evil, for You [are] with me, "" Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.

Young's Literal Translation
Also -- when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff -- they comfort me.

Smith's Literal Translation
Also if I shall go into the valley of the shadow of death, I shall not be afraid of evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they will comfort me.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For, even if I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they have given me consolation.

New American Bible
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 comfort me.

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

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Even if I shall walk in the valleys of the shadows of death, I will not be afraid of evil, because you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me,

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Yea, even if I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of evils: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, these have comforted me.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD is My Shepherd
…3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. 4Even 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. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

John 10:11-15
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, / neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Revelation 7:17
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.’”

Ezekiel 34:11-16
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ...

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

Treasury of Scripture

Yes, 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.

through

Psalm 44:19
Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.

Job 3:5
Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

Job 10:21,22
Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; …

I will

Psalm 3:6
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 27:1-4
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? …

Psalm 46:1-3
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…

for thou

Psalm 14:5
There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.

Psalm 46:11
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Isaiah 8:9,10
Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces…

thy rod

Psalm 110:2
The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

Micah 7:14
Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

Zechariah 11:10,14
And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people…

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Comfort Death Deep Evil Fear Rod Shade Shades Shadow Staff Support Valley Walk

Psalm 23

1. David's confidence in God's grace

Berean Study Bible

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
This phrase begins with a profound acknowledgment of life's inevitable trials and tribulations. The Hebrew word for "valley" is "גֵּיא" (gei), often used to describe a deep ravine or gorge, symbolizing a place of danger or despair. The "shadow of death" is translated from "צַלְמָוֶת" (tsalmaveth), a term that conveys extreme darkness or deep gloom. Historically, valleys were places where travelers were vulnerable to threats, both from natural elements and from bandits. Spiritually, this phrase reassures believers that even in the darkest times, they are not alone. The imagery of walking "through" suggests movement and progress, indicating that these trials are temporary and not the final destination.

I will fear no evil
The declaration "I will fear no evil" is a powerful statement of faith and trust. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can mean to be afraid or to stand in awe. Here, it signifies a refusal to be intimidated by the presence of evil. "Evil" in Hebrew is "רָע" (ra), encompassing anything harmful or malignant. This phrase reflects a deep confidence in God's protection, emphasizing that the believer's security is not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God.

for You are with me
This phrase is the cornerstone of the verse, providing the reason for the psalmist's lack of fear. The presence of God is the ultimate source of comfort and courage. The Hebrew word "עִמָּדִי" (immadi) means "with me," indicating a personal and intimate relationship. This assurance of God's presence is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reminding believers that God is not distant or detached but actively involved in their lives. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God's presence was a sign of His faithfulness and commitment.

Your rod and Your staff
The "rod" and "staff" are symbols of God's guidance and protection. The Hebrew word for "rod" is "שֵׁבֶט" (shevet), which can refer to a scepter or a tool for discipline. It signifies authority and correction, ensuring the sheep stay on the right path. The "staff," or "מִשְׁעֶנֶת" (mishenet), is a support or walking stick, used by shepherds to guide and rescue sheep. Together, these tools represent the dual aspects of God's care: discipline and support. Archaeologically, shepherds in ancient Israel were known to carry these implements, underscoring the authenticity of the imagery.

they comfort me
The concluding phrase "they comfort me" speaks to the peace and reassurance found in God's guidance. The Hebrew word "נִחֲמוּנִי" (nichamuni) means to console or comfort, suggesting a deep sense of relief and security. This comfort is not passive but active, as the believer experiences God's presence and protection in tangible ways. Scripturally, this echoes the broader biblical narrative of God as a shepherd who cares for His flock, providing for their needs and ensuring their safety. This comfort is a testament to the believer's trust in God's unchanging nature and His promises.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) The valley of the shadow of death . . .--This striking expression, to which the genius of Bunyan has given such reality, was probably on Hebrew lips nothing more than a forcible synonym for a dark, gloomy place. Indeed, the probability is that instead of tsal-maveth (shadow of death), should be read, tsalm-th (shadow, darkness), the general signification being all that is required in any one of the fifteen places where it occurs. It is true it is used of the "grave" or "underworld" (Job 10:21-22). But it is also used of the "darkness of a dungeon" (Psalm 107:10), of "the pathless desert" (Jeremiah 2:6); or, possibly, since it is there parallel with drought, of "the blinding darkness of a sandstorm," and metaphorically of "affliction" (Isaiah 9:2), and of the "dull heavy look" that grief wears (Job 16:16).

By valley we must understand a deep ravine. Palestine abounds in wild and gloomy valleys, and shepherd life experiences the actual peril of them. Addison's paraphrase catches the true feeling of the original-- . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. A sudden transition and contrast, such as David loved. The quiet paths of righteousness and peace remind the poet of the exact opposite - the dark and dismal way through the valley of the shadow of death. Even when so situated, he does not, he will not, fear. I will fear no evil, he says. And why? For thou art with me. The same Protector, the same gracious and merciful God, will be still with him - leading him, guiding his steps, shepherding him, keeping him from evil. Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff - i.e. thy shepherd's crook, and thy staff of defence - they comfort me. They make me feel that, however long and however dreary the way through the dark vale, I shall still have thy guidance and thy protection.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Even
גַּ֤ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

though
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I walk
אֵלֵ֨ךְ (’ê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

through the valley
בְּגֵ֪יא (bə·ḡê)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1516: A valley

of the shadow of death,
צַלְמָ֡וֶת (ṣal·mā·weṯ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6757: Death-like shadow, deep shadow

I will fear
אִ֘ירָ֤א (’î·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

no
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

evil,
רָ֗ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

You
אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are with me;
עִמָּדִ֑י (‘im·mā·ḏî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5978: Against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto,

Your rod
שִׁבְטְךָ֥ (šiḇ·ṭə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

and Your staff,
וּ֝מִשְׁעַנְתֶּ֗ךָ (ū·miš·‘an·te·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4938: Support, sustenance, a walking-stick

they
הֵ֣מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

comfort me.
יְנַֽחֲמֻֽנִי׃ (yə·na·ḥă·mu·nî)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

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OT Poetry: Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley (Psalm Ps Psa.)