Psalms 23:2

KJV

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

KJV (with Strong's)

He maketh me to lie down {H7257} in green {H1877} pastures {H4999}: he leadeth {H5095} me beside the still {H4496} waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water,

Berean Standard Bible

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

American Standard Version

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 23:2 beautifully extends the shepherd metaphor introduced in the opening verse, portraying the Lord as a diligent and caring shepherd who ensures the complete well-being of His flock. This verse paints a vivid picture of divine provision, leading believers to places of abundant spiritual nourishment and profound tranquility. It speaks to God's tender hand in guiding His people to environments where they can experience deep rest, refreshment, and security, symbolizing His comprehensive care for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 23:2 flows seamlessly from the foundational declaration of [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is my Shepherd"), "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This establishes the central metaphor of God as the benevolent shepherd and the psalmist (and by extension, the believer) as a dependent sheep. The subsequent verses then unpack the implications of this relationship, detailing the specific ways in which the Shepherd cares for His flock. Verse 2 immediately addresses the most fundamental needs of sheep – food and water – setting the stage for the themes of restoration, guidance, and protection that follow in [Psalm 23:3-6](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3-6 - Restoration, Guidance, and Protection"). The entire psalm is a lyrical expression of trust and confidence in God's comprehensive care, often attributed to King David, who drew upon his own experiences as a shepherd to articulate God's faithful provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, shepherding was a demanding and vital profession, requiring intimate knowledge of the land, weather, and the needs of the flock. Sheep were entirely dependent on their shepherd for survival, as they are naturally vulnerable, prone to wandering, and easily distressed. Finding "green pastures" (lush grazing grounds) and "still waters" (calm, safe drinking sources) was a primary responsibility of the shepherd, particularly in the arid and rugged landscapes of ancient Israel. Turbulent waters could cause sheep to drown or refuse to drink, and scarce pastures meant starvation. This deep reliance on the shepherd for sustenance, safety, and guidance provides a powerful backdrop for understanding God's active and meticulous care for His people, a care that goes beyond mere provision to encompass profound security and peace, as exemplified by figures like [David, the shepherd king](/1_samuel/17-34 "1 Samuel 17:34 - David's Shepherd Experience").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 23 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision**, emphasizing God's abundant and faithful supply for all needs, not just physical sustenance but spiritual flourishing. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Profound Rest and Tranquility**, illustrating how God leads His people to a state of deep inner peace and security, where anxieties can be laid down. Sheep only lie down when they feel completely safe and satisfied, mirroring the spiritual rest offered by God, as seen in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Gentle and Wise Guidance**, portraying God's careful leading to sources of refreshment and restoration, contrasting with the chaotic or dangerous paths of the world. This guidance is not forceful but tender, ensuring the well-being of the flock, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 49:10](/isaiah/49-10 "Isaiah 49:10 - God's Gentle Leading").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **maketh me to lie down (Hebrew, _yarbitzeini'_):** This verb, derived from the root רבץ (rabats), means "to cause to lie down," "to make to rest." It suggests a gentle but firm persuasion or enablement, rather than a forceful command. It implies that the Shepherd creates the conditions—safety, provision, and peace—that allow the sheep to relax fully and find repose. Sheep will only lie down to ruminate when they feel completely secure and satisfied, highlighting the profound trust and contentment the psalmist experiences in God's presence.
* **green pastures (Hebrew, _ne'ot deshe'_):** The phrase _ne'ot deshe'_ literally translates to "pastures of fresh grass" or "verdant resting places." _Deshe'_ refers to tender, new grass, indicating lushness and abundance. This is not merely sparse grazing but a rich, flourishing environment that provides ample nourishment and a comfortable place for repose. It symbolizes God's generous and overflowing provision, not just meeting basic needs but ensuring flourishing and vitality.
* **still waters (Hebrew, _mei menuchot'_):** This term literally means "waters of quietness" or "waters of rest." _Menuchot_ (from the root נוח, nuach) signifies a state of repose, tranquility, and cessation from turmoil. Sheep are known to be fearful of rushing or turbulent water and will not drink from it. Therefore, the shepherd's meticulous leading to calm, clear, and safe water sources underscores God's careful, gentle guidance to places of spiritual refreshment and inner peace, where the soul can be restored without fear or anxiety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures":** This clause emphasizes God's active, intentional provision and His desire for His people to experience profound rest. The "green pastures" symbolize abundant spiritual and physical nourishment, a place of flourishing and contentment. The act of "making to lie down" suggests that God creates the conditions of safety and satisfaction that enable true repose, allowing the believer to release anxieties and find peace in His presence. It speaks to a divine invitation to cease striving and enter into a state of trust and reliance.
* **"he leadeth me beside the still waters":** This second clause highlights God's gentle and wise guidance. The "still waters" represent sources of calm, refreshing spiritual sustenance and inner peace, essential for the soul's well-being. Just as a shepherd carefully guides his flock to safe drinking places, God leads His people away from the turbulent, chaotic influences of the world to quiet havens where their souls can be restored and refreshed. This imagery conveys a sense of security, tranquility, and vital restoration that comes from following God's leading.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 23:2 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its profound theological message. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, where God is portrayed as a shepherd and the psalmist as a sheep. This sustained metaphor is central to the entire psalm, allowing for a relatable and tender depiction of God's care. The imagery of "green pastures" and "still waters" provides vivid **Imagery**, appealing to the senses and creating a pastoral scene of peace, abundance, and security. These images are not merely descriptive but **Symbolism** for spiritual nourishment, rest, and divine guidance. The active verbs "maketh me to lie down" and "leadeth me" attribute human-like actions and intentions to God, a form of **Personification**, further emphasizing His personal and intimate involvement in the life of the believer. The parallelism between the two clauses, both starting with "He," creates a rhythmic and reinforcing structure, underscoring the dual aspects of God's provision and guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 23:2 profoundly illustrates the character of God as the ultimate Provider, Rest-Giver, and Guide for His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent, but intimately involved in the daily well-being of those who trust Him. The imagery of abundant provision and tranquil rest speaks to God's desire for His children to experience shalom—a holistic peace encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical flourishing. This verse foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers find ultimate rest and sustenance in Christ. It affirms that true contentment and security are found not in self-sufficiency or worldly pursuits, but in surrendering to the gentle leading and comprehensive care of the Divine Shepherd, who knows our every need and leads us to places of restoration.

* [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")
* [John 10:9-10](/john/10-9 "John 10:9-10 - Jesus, the Gate and the Good Shepherd")
* [Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Leads to Living Fountains of Water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by relentless demands, constant noise, and pervasive anxiety, Psalms 23:2 offers a profound invitation to pause, trust, and find true rest. This verse challenges the modern inclination towards self-reliance and busyness, reminding us that our deepest needs for nourishment and peace are met not through our striving, but through the gracious provision and gentle leading of our Heavenly Shepherd. Practically, this means intentionally seeking moments of quiet reflection, trusting God with our anxieties, and allowing His Word and Spirit to be our "green pastures" and "still waters." It calls us to surrender our control, to "lie down" in the security of His care, and to follow His guidance even when the path is unclear, knowing that He desires our flourishing and restoration above all else. Embracing this truth can transform our approach to life, fostering a spirit of contentment and deep spiritual peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most weary or lacking, and how can you intentionally invite the Shepherd to lead you to "green pastures" and "still waters" in those areas?**
* **What anxieties or fears prevent you from truly "lying down" in God's presence, and how might surrendering those to Him bring deeper rest?**
* **How does the imagery of God as a gentle Shepherd leading you to calm, refreshing places speak to your current spiritual needs?**

### FAQ
**What do "green pastures" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: "Green pastures" symbolize God's abundant and faithful provision for all aspects of life—spiritual, emotional, and physical. They represent a place of rich sustenance, flourishing, and contentment. Just as lush grazing grounds provide ample nourishment and a secure place for sheep to rest, God provides for His people in overflowing measure, ensuring their well-being and leading them to environments where they can thrive. This imagery speaks to a life of spiritual vitality and satisfaction found in His presence, as opposed to scarcity or want, echoing themes of divine abundance found in passages like [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life").

**Why is it important that the waters are "still" and not just any water?**

Answer: The emphasis on "still waters" (Hebrew: _mei menuchot_, "waters of quietness" or "waters of rest") is crucial because sheep are easily frightened by turbulent or rushing water and will not drink from it. For sheep to drink and be refreshed, the water must be calm and safe. This detail highlights God's meticulous and gentle care. Symbolically, "still waters" represent profound inner peace, spiritual refreshment, and the quiet, unhurried leading of the Holy Spirit. In a world often filled with chaos and anxiety, God leads us to havens of tranquility where our souls can be restored without fear, providing the calm necessary for true spiritual nourishment and restoration, a concept found in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 23:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the quintessential Good Shepherd. While the Old Testament psalmist experienced God's care, it is in Christ that the imagery of divine provision, rest, and guidance is fully embodied and realized. Jesus Himself declared, "[I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")." He is the one who truly "makes us to lie down in green pastures" by offering Himself as the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the Living Water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water")), satisfying our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the ultimate security and peace, enabling us to "lie down" in the assurance of salvation and eternal life. He gently "leads us beside the still waters" through the indwelling Holy Spirit, guiding us into all truth and offering a peace that "[surpasses all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")" even amidst life's storms. Thus, the ancient longing for a caring Shepherd is perfectly met in Christ, who not only provides for our needs but is the very source of our life, rest, and eternal hope.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 7:17

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.

Revelation 22:1

¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Ezekiel 34:13

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.

Ezekiel 34:14

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

Psalms 46:4

[There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.