Psalmen 23

1 Een psalm van David. Mijn Herder is Jahweh! het ontbreekt mij aan niets:

Yahweh, you [care for] me [like] a shepherd [cares for his sheep]. [So] I have everything that I need.

2 Hij laat mij rusten in groene beemden;

You [encourage] me [and give me peace]; [you are like a shepherd] who leads [his sheep] to places where there is plenty of green grass [for them to eat], and lets them rest beside streams where the water [is flowing] slowly.

3 Hij voert mij naar vredige wateren, verkwikt mijn ziel, En leidt mij in het rechte spoor, om wille van zijn Naam.

You renew my strength. You guide me along the roads that are the right ones [for me] in order that I can honor you.

4 Al moet ik door donkere krochten heen, Ik ben voor geen onheil bevreesd: Want Gij staat me bij, Uw staf en stok zijn mijn stut!

Even when I am walking through very dangerous dark ravines where I might be killed, I will not be afraid of anything because you are with me. You protect me [like a shepherd protects his sheep]. [He uses] his club and his walking stick [to protect them from being attacked by wild animals].

5 Gij bereidt mij een dis Voor het oog van mijn vijand; Met olie zalft Gij mijn hoofd, En mijn beker vloeit over.

You prepare a [great] feast for me, in a place where my enemies can see me. You [joyfully receive me], [as people joyfully receive the guests they have invited] [by] pouring [olive] oil over their heads. You have given me very many blessings!

6 Voorspoed en zegen zullen mij volgen Mijn leven lang; In het huis van Jahweh mag ik wonen In lengte van dagen!

I am certain that you will be good to me and act mercifully toward me as long as I live; and [then, O] Yahweh, I will live in your home [in heaven] forever.