Psalm 23 is perhaps the most comforting and well-beloved Psalms ever and is arugably the best known passage from the entire Bible. It is quoted and referenced even by the lost. It appears on keychains, in movies, in songs and often is part of funeral services. Interestingly enough, even though we are in the 21st century, the most quoted version of this popular Psalm is from the King James Version.

Tonight we will begin with an introduction to how to understand the imagry in the Psalm. Then we will work through the Psalm by comparing two very different translations – the King James Version and the New English Translation.

Both are excellent translations which are faithful to the Hebrew but which approach translation from two different angles. The KJV surprisingly includes more nuances of the Hebrew allowing shades of meaning from word roots to impact the words used in the translation. The NET takes a more literal approach. THis makes for a more sterile version of the Psalm in my opinion, but it offers clarity and depth when taken together with the KJV.

After noting the differences between these versions we work through the Psalm – key phrase by key phrase until we reach the end. The result I hope, is a better understanding of this wonderful Psalm as well as a better picture of our relationship with our Shepherd.