Psalms 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֤ךְ׀
H389
ט֤וֹב
Surely goodness
H2896
ט֤וֹב
Surely goodness
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וָחֶ֣סֶד
and mercy
H2617
וָחֶ֣סֶד
and mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
3 of 12
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
יִ֭רְדְּפוּנִי
shall follow
H7291
יִ֭רְדְּפוּנִי
shall follow
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
4 of 12
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יָמִֽים׃
me all the days
H3117
יָמִֽים׃
me all the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
חַיָּ֑י
of my life
H2416
חַיָּ֑י
of my life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
7 of 12
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וְשַׁבְתִּ֥י
and I will dwell
H3427
וְשַׁבְתִּ֥י
and I will dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּבֵית
in the house
H1004
בְּבֵית
in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.2 Corinthians 5:1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.2 Timothy 4:18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Psalms 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.Psalms 103:17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;2 Corinthians 1:10Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;Psalms 17:15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.Psalms 21:4He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.Philippians 1:23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Historical Context
For David, dwelling in the house of the LORD referred to both access to the tabernacle and ultimately to unbroken fellowship with God. The psalmist's confidence reflects covenant promises to Israel and David's royal house, finding their ultimate fulfillment in Christ's eternal kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing God's goodness and mercy as actively 'following' you change your perspective on divine providence?
- What does 'dwelling in the house of the LORD forever' mean to you practically in this life and in your eternal hope?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with confident assurance rooted in God's covenant faithfulness. 'Goodness and mercy' (Hebrew 'tov' and 'chesed'—loving-kindness or covenant love) personified as pursuers reverse the typical imagery of being hunted by enemies. The phrase 'all the days of my life' encompasses temporal existence, while 'dwell in the house of the LORD for ever' speaks to eternal communion, foreshadowing the believer's hope of heaven. This verse encapsulates the security of those who belong to the Good Shepherd (John 10:27-29).