Psalms 23:4

Authorized King James 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּ֤ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵלֵ֨ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּגֵ֪יא

H1516

through the valley

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

צַלְמָ֡וֶת

H6757

of the shadow of death

shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אִ֘ירָ֤א

H3372

I will fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

רָ֗ע

H7451

no evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

אַתָּ֥ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#11

עִמָּדִ֑י

H5978

along with

#12

שִׁבְטְךָ֥

H7626

for thou art with me thy rod

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#13

וּ֝מִשְׁעַנְתֶּ֗ךָ

H4938

and thy staff

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

#14

הֵ֣מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#15

יְנַֽחֲמֻֽנִי׃

H5162

they comfort

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?