Psalm 23:1–6 (KJV): meaning and how to memorise it

What Psalm 23:1–6 says

David calls the Lord his shepherd. The Lord feeds, leads, restores and protects him, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

Psalm 23:1–6 in context

¹A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. ³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴Yea, 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. ⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23, verses 1–6. Read the whole chapter with John Brown’s notes in the Self-Interpreting Bible.

Psalm 23:1–6 in the catechisms

The Reformation catechisms and confessions cite Psalm 23:1–6 once as a proof text.

HC 54
What do you believe concerning the holy catholic Christian church?

How to memorise Psalm 23:1–6

Hearers breaks the verse into clauses and teaches each clause in four steps. Then it brings each clause back just before you forget it.

01
Read
Read the verse with the clauses marked. Listen to it read aloud.
02
Trace
Type the first letter of each word, with the words shown faintly.
03
Fade
Half of the words go. Type the text again, and fill the gaps from memory.
04
Recall
All the words go. Type it or say it aloud. Each clause gets its own grade and its own review date.