Probably the best-known of the one hundred fifty psalms is the twenty-third.It is probably best-known as it appears in the King JamesVersion. This comparison is not a critical analysis, but a collection of the variousrenditions from twenty-nine versions. Some not listed are very much like that of the King JamesVersion.

Whether any one of these is the best is the personal opinion of the reader. Iam not claiming which one is best, or if any one is not as good as any other version. I want toshow how the various translators have rendered this psalm. Perhaps the reader will see one thathe has never seen before, but which he particulary likes.

THE LORD is my shepherd [to feed, guide and shield me]; I shall not lack.
He makes me liedown in (fresh, tender) green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
Herefreshes and restores my life -- my self; He leads me in the paths of righteousness[uprightness and right standing with Him -- not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.
Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear ordread no evil; for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], theycomfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my headwith oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
Surely or only goodness, mercy and unfailing loveshall follow me all the days of my life; and through the length of days the house of the Lord[and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

You, Lord, are my shepherd.
      Iwill never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
      of green grass.
You lead me tostreams
of peaceful water,
      andyou refresh my life.

You are true to your name,
and you lead me
      along the right paths.
I maywalk through valleys
as dark as death,
      but I won't be afraid.
You arewith me,
and your shepherd's rod
      makes me feel safe.

You treat me to a feast,
      whilemy enemies watch.
You honor me as a guest,
and you fill my cup
      until it overflows.
Your kindnessand love
will always be with me
      each day of my life,
and I willlive forever
      in your house, LORD.

Yahweh is my shepherd -- I shall not want:
In pastures of tender grass he maketh me liedown,
Unto restful waters he leadeth me;
My life he restoreth,
He guideth me in rightpaths for the sake of his Name.
Yea, though I walk through a valley death-shadowed
I willfear no harm for thou art with me,
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou spreadest before me a table in face of mine adversaries,
Thou hast anointed with oilmy head,
My cup hath run over.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will pursue me all the days of my life,
And I shalldwell in the house of Yahweh evermore.

The Lord is my shepherd.
      Iwill always have everything I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures.
      He leads me by calm pools of water.
He gives new strength to my soul
      for the good of his name.
Heleads me on paths of goodness,
      toshow he is truly good.
Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave,
      I will not be afraid of any danger.
Why? Because you are with me, Lord.
      Your rod and staff comfort me.
Lord, you prepared my table
      infront of my enemies.
You poured oil on my head.
      My cup is full and spilling over.
Goodness and mercy will be with me the rest of my life
And I will sit in the Lord's templefor a long, long time.

The LORD is my shepherd.
      I amnever in need.
            He makes me lie down in green pastures.
            He leads me beside peacefulwaters.
            He renews my soul.
            He guides me along the paths ofrighteousness
                  for the sake ofhis name.
      Even though I walkthrough the dark valley of death,
            because you are with me, I fear noharm.
                  Your rod and your staffgive me courage.

You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch.
You anoint my head with oil.
      My cup overflows.

Certainly, goodness and mercy will stay close to me all the days of my life,
      and I will remain in the LORD'shouse for days without end.

My LORD attends; -- I shall not want; --
He lets me rest in verdant fields,
He leadsme by the pleasant brooks,
He brings me back, my life refreshed,
To skip with joy, andpraise His Name.

Though I may walk through Death's dark Vale,
I fear no hurt, for You are there,
Yourrod and staff direct my way.

You spread my board before my foes,
With flowing cup have oiled my head.
Kindness andmercy follow me,
On every day I live;
And in the LORD's house I shall dwell,
Tolengthen out my days.

THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; heleadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths ofrighteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow ofdeath, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head withoil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The Lord is my shepherd; how can I lack anything? He gives me a resting-place where there ispasture, and leads me out by cool waters, to make me live anew. As in honour pledged, by surepaths he leads me; what though I walk with the shadow of death all around me? Hurt I fear none,while thou art with me; thy rod, thy crook are my comfort. What though my enemies trouble me?Full in their view thou does spread a banquet before me; richly thou dost anoint my head withoil, generous the cup that steals away my senses! All my life thy goodnesss pursues me; throughthe long years, the Lord's house shall be my dwelling-place.

Because the LORD is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
He lets me rest in the meadowgrass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He restores my failing health. He helps me do whathonors him the most.
Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid,for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.
You provide delicious food forme in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!
Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I willlive with you forever in your home.

The Lord tends me as a shepherd, and I shall want nothing. In a place of green grass, therehe has made me dwell: he has nourished me by the water of rest. He has restored my soul: he hasguided me into the paths of righteousness, for his name's sake. Yea, even if I should walk inthe midst of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of evils: for thou art with me; thy rodand thy staff, these have comforted me. Thou hast prepared a table before me in presence ofthem that afflict me: thou hast thoroughly anointed my head with oil; and thy cup cheers melike the best wine. Thy mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and my dwelling shall bein the house of the Lord for a very long time.

The Eternal shepherds me, I lack for nothing;
he makes me lie in meadows green,
heleads me to refreshing streams,
he revives life in me.

He guides me by true paths,
as he himself is true.
My road may run through a glen ofgloom,
but I fear no harm, for thou art beside me;
thy club, thy staff -- they give mecourage.

Thou art my host, spreading a feast for me,
while my foes have to look on!
Thou hastpoured oil upon my head,
my cup is brimming over;
yes, and all through my life
Goodness and Kindness wait on me,
the Eternal's guest
within his household evermore.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
      In verdant pastures he gives merepose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
      he refreshes my soul.
He guidesme in right paths
      for his name'ssake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
      I fear no evil; for you are at myside
With your rod and your staff
      that give me courage.

You spread the table before me
      in the sight of my foes;
Youanoint my head with oil;
      my cupoverflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
      all the days of my life;
And Ishall dwell in the house of the LORD
      for years to come.

The LORD is my shepherd;
      Ihave everything I need.
He lets me rest in green pastures.
      He leads me to calm water.
Hegives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right
      for the good of his name.
Even ifI walk through a very dark valley,
      I will not be afraid,
because youare with me.
      Your rod and yourwalking stick comfort me.

You prepare a meal for me
      infront of my enemies.
You pour oil on my head;
      you fill my cup to overflowing.
Surely your goodness and love will be with me
      all my life,
and I will live inthe house of the LORD forever.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall want nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
and leads me beside the waters of peace;
he renews life within me,
and for his name'ssake guides me in the right path.
Even though I walk through a valley dark as death
Ifear no evil, for thou art with me,
thy rod and thy crook are my comfort.

Thou spreadest a table for me in the sight of my enemies;
thou hast richly bathed my headwith oil,
and my cup runs over.
Goodness and love unfailing, these will follow me
allthe days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
my whole life long.

Yahweh is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
In grassy meadows he lets me lie.

By tranquil streams he leads me
      to restore my spirit.
He guidesme in paths of saving justice
      asbefits his name.

Even were I to walk in a ravine as dark as death
I should fear no danger, for you are atmy side.
Your staff and your crook are there to soothe me.

You prepare a table for me
      under the eyes of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
      mycup brims over.

Kindness and faithful love pursue me
      every day of my life.
I make myhome in the house of Yahweh
      forall time to come.

The LORD is my shepherd:
      Ilack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
      He leads me to water in places ofrepose;
      He renews my life;
      He guides me in right paths
      as befits His name.
Thou I walkthrough a valley of deepest darkness,
      I fear no harm, for You are withme;
      Your rod and Your staff --they comfort me.

You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies;
      You anoint my head with oil;
      my drink is abundant.
Onlygoodness and steadfast love shall pursue me
      all the days of my life,
      and I shall dwell in the house ofthe LORD
      for many long years.

The LORD is my shepherd:
      Ihave everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
      he leads me beside peacefulstreams.
      He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
      bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
      through thedark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,
      for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
      protectand comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
      inthe presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
      anointing my head with oil.
      My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
      all the days of my life,
and Iwill live in the house of the LORD forever.

The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of greengrass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. He makes me stong again. He leads me in the way ofliving right with Himself which brings honor to His name.
Yes, even if I walk through thevalley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. Youhave a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me.
Youare making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil onmy head. I have everything I need. For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness allthe days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.

The Lord shepherds me,
      I shallnever be in need.
In green meadows He finds me a resting-place;
      He leads me to refreshing waters.
He gives me renewed life,
      Heguides me along a virtuous course
in accordance with His nature.

Even though I have to cross the darkest valley
      I will not be afraid of any harm,
for You are with me:
      Yourstrength and support are indeed my comfort.
You prepare food for me, while my enemies lookon;
      You anoint my head with oil,
my misfortunes prosper greatly.
Goodness and love alone will accompany me through life,
      and I shall live in the house ofthe Lord all my days.

Jehovah is my Shepherd.
      Ishall lack nothing.
In grassy pastures he makes me lie down;
      By well-watered resting-places heconducts me.
My soul he refreshes.
      He leads me in the tracks ofrighteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow,
      I fear nothing bad,
For you arewith me;
      Your rod and your staffare the things that comfort me.
You arrange before me a table in front of those showinghostility to me.
      With oil youhave greased my head;
      My cup iswell filled.
Surely goodness and loving-kindness themselves will pursue me all the days ofmy life;
      And I will dwell in thehouse of Jehovah to the length of days.

The LORD is my shepherd; I lack for nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me to water where I may rest;
he revives my spirit;
for his name's sake heguides me in the right paths.
Even were I to walk through a valley of deepest darkness
Ishould fear no harm, for you are with me;
your shepherd's staff and crook afford mecomfort.
You spread a table for me in the presence of my enemies;
you have richlyanointed my head with oil,
and my cup brims over.
Goodness and love unfailing will followme
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
throughout theyears to come.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want;
In green meadows he makes me lie down;
Torefreshing waters he leads me.
He gives me new life.
He guides me in safe paths, for hisfame's sake.
Even though I walk in the darkest valley,
I will fear no harm; for thou artwith me.
Thy rod and thy staff -- they comfort me.
Thou layest a table before me in thepresence of my enemies.
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodnessand grace shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of theLORD down to old age.

Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
Heleads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul:
He guides me in the paths ofrighteousness for his name's sake.
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow ofdeath,
I will fear no evil; for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfortme.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies:
You have anointed myhead with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me allthe days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of Yahweh forever.

The Great Father above a Shepherd Chief is, I am His and with Him I want not.
He throwsout to me a rope, and the name of the rope is Love, and He draws me, and He draws me, and Hedraws me to where the grass is green and the water not dangerous, and I eat and lie downsatisfied.
Sometimes my heart is very weak and falls down, but He lifts it up again anddraws me into a good road. His name is wonderful.
Sometime, it may be very soon, it may belonger, it may be long, long time, He will draw me into a place between mountains. It is darkthere, but I'll draw back not, I'll be afraid not, for it is in there between those mountainsthat the Shepherd Chief wills me, and the hunger I have felt in my heart all through this lifewill be satisfied. Sometimes He makes the rope into a whip, but afterwards He give me a staffto lean on.
He spreads a table before me with all kinds of food. He puts His hand upon myhead, and all the "tired" is gone. My cup He fills till it runs over.
What I tell you istrue. I lie not. These roads that are "away ahead" will stay with me through this life, andafterward I will go to live in the "Big Tepee" and sit down with the Shepherd Chief forever.

The LORD is my shepherd;
      Ihave everything I need.
He lets me rest in field s of green grass
      and leads me to quiet pools of freshwater.
He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths,
      as he has promised.
Even if I gothrough the deepest darkness,
      Iwill not be afraid, LORD,
      for youare with me.
Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.

You prepare a banquet for me,
      where all my enemies can see me;
you welcome me as an honored guest
      and fill my cup to the brim.
I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life;
      and your house will be my home aslong as I live.

Yahweh is my shepherd.
      I lacknothing.

In meadows of green grass he lets me lie.
To the waters of repose he leads me;
      there he revives my soul.

He guides me by paths of virtue
      for the sake of his name.

Though I pass through a gloomy valley,
      I fear no harm;
beside me yourrod and your staff
      are there, tohearten me.

You prepare a table before me
      under the eyes of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil,
      mycup brims over.

Ah, how goodness and kindness pursue me,
      every day of my life;
my home,the house of Yahweh,
      as long asI live!

GOD, my shepherd!
      I don't needa thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
      you find me quiet pools to drinkfrom.
True to your word,
      youlet me catch my breath
      and sendme in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through
      Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
      when you walk at my side.
Yourtrusty shepherd's crook
      makes mefeel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner
      right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
      mycup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me
      every day of my life.
I'm backhome in the house of GOD
      for therest of my life.

The Lord is like a shepherd to me. I never need anything. God leads me by still waters fordrinking and refreshment, he guides me along a good path in order that I might honor the nameof the Lord. Though I face death or uncertainty I am without fear, for God is with me, he isready to protect, I am at ease so that I can eat without worrying and I have a full life. I amrespected, and I find goodness and mercy around me all the days of my life and I look forwardto dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.

Jehovah is my shepherd, I do not lack,
In pastures of tender grass He causes me to liedown,
By quiet waters He doth lead me.
My soul He restoreth,
He leadeth me in paths ofrighteousness,
For His name's sake,
Also -- when I walk in a valley of deathshade,
Ifear no evil, for Thou art with me,
Thy rod and Thy staff -- they comfort me.
Thouarrangest before me a table,
Over-against my adversaries,
Thou hast anointed with oil myhead,
My cup is full!
Only -- goodness and kindness pursue me,
All the days of mylife,
And my dwelling is in the house of Jehovah,
For a length of days!