Psalms 23:4

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.

Yea, though I walk {H3212} through the valley {H1516} of the shadow of death {H6757}, I will fear {H3372} no evil {H7451}: for thou art with me; thy rod {H7626} and thy staff {H4938} they comfort {H5162} me.

Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me

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.

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.

Commentary

Psalms 23:4 (KJV)

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.

Commentary

This verse is perhaps the most famous part of Psalm 23, transitioning from the gentle leading of the shepherd to facing the deepest dangers.

Historical and Cultural Context

Written by David, a former shepherd, this psalm uses the metaphor of a shepherd caring for his sheep to describe God's relationship with His people. Shepherds in ancient Israel often led their flocks through treacherous terrain, including deep, dark ravines where predators lurked and footing was uncertain. The "valley of the shadow of death" evokes the most perilous of these journeys, symbolizing times of grave danger, intense suffering, or the literal approach of death.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fearlessness in Peril: The verse asserts confidence and lack of fear ("I will fear no evil") even when facing the direst circumstances.
  • The Comfort of God's Presence: The ground for this fearlessness is God's personal presence ("for thou art with me"). Knowing God is present is the ultimate source of comfort and security.
  • God's Protection and Guidance: The shepherd's "rod" (used for defense against animals and guiding) and "staff" (used for drawing sheep close, lifting them, and supporting) symbolize God's active protection, discipline, and comforting care. These tools, though seemingly simple, are instruments of salvation and reassurance for the sheep (believer).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "the valley of the shadow of death" is gรช' tsalmaveth (ื’ึตึผื™ื ืฆึทืœึฐืžึธื•ึถืช). Gรช' means "valley" or "ravine." Tsalmaveth is a compound word potentially meaning "deep darkness" or "shadow of death," emphasizing a place of utter gloom, despair, and mortal danger. It's not just a dark place, but one associated with the power or presence of death.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound comfort and strength to believers facing trials, sickness, loss, or the prospect of death itself. It reminds us that our courage in difficult times does not stem from our own strength, but from the assurance that God is with us. His presence, represented by His protective "rod" and guiding "staff," provides all the comfort and security we need, enabling us to walk through the darkest valleys without succumbing to fear.

See also: Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 41:10 (162 votes)

    ยถ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Psalms 118:6 (123 votes)

    The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

  • Psalms 138:7 (117 votes)

    Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

  • Isaiah 43:1 (84 votes)

    ยถ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

  • Isaiah 43:2 (84 votes)

    When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

  • Psalms 3:6 (74 votes)

    I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.

  • Psalms 46:1 (60 votes)

    ยถ 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.