Psalms 23:3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Original Language Analysis
נַפְשִׁ֥י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֥י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב
He restoreth
H7725
יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב
He restoreth
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
2 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יַֽנְחֵ֥נִי
he leadeth
H5148
יַֽנְחֵ֥נִי
he leadeth
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
3 of 7
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
בְמַעְגְּלֵי
me in the paths
H4570
בְמַעְגְּלֵי
me in the paths
Strong's:
H4570
Word #:
4 of 7
a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)
צֶ֝֗דֶק
of righteousness
H6664
צֶ֝֗דֶק
of righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
5 of 7
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
Cross References
Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.Psalms 31:3For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.Psalms 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Psalms 5:8Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.Psalms 51:12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.Job 33:30To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.Proverbs 8:20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Psalms 79:9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
Historical Context
Shepherds were responsible for returning lost or straying sheep to the flock and to proper paths. David understood both the shepherd's duty and his own tendency to wander from God, themes evident throughout his psalms of repentance (Psalm 51).
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways has your soul needed restoration recently, and have you experienced God's faithfulness in this?
- How does knowing that God leads you 'for his name's sake' provide security beyond your own worthiness?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew 'nephesh' (soul) encompasses the whole person—life, vitality, and being—not merely emotions. 'Restoreth' (shuwb) means to return, turn back, or bring back, suggesting restoration from wandering or depletion. The phrase 'paths of righteousness' (literally 'tracks of rightness') indicates God's guidance along right ways. The motivation 'for his name's sake' reveals that God's glory, not our merit, drives His faithful care, guaranteeing His commitment. This anticipates the restoration Christ offers to wandering sinners (Luke 15:4-7; 1 Peter 2:25).