Psalms 23:3
Psalms 23:3 in Multiple Translations
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
He gives new life to my soul: he is my guide in the ways of righteousness because of his name.
He revives me. He guides me along the right paths because that's the kind of person he is.
He restoreth my soule, and leadeth me in the paths of righteousnesse for his Names sake.
My soul He refresheth, He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name's sake,
He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?
You renew my strength. You guide me along the roads that are the right ones for me in order that I can honor you.
When I get tired, God makes me feel good and strong again. He leads me on the right track, so that people will know that he is good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 23:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַפְשִׁ֥/י
יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב
יַֽנְחֵ֥/נִי
בְ/מַעְגְּלֵי
צֶ֝֗דֶק
לְמַ֣עַן
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
נַפְשִׁ֥/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-o-Imperf-3ms
יַֽנְחֵ֥/נִי
nâchâh
H5148
to lead
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בְ/מַעְגְּלֵי
maʻgâl
H4570
track
Prep | N-mp
צֶ֝֗דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
לְמַ֣עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 23:3
נַפְשִׁ֥/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-o-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
יַֽנְחֵ֥/נִי
nâchâh
H5148
"to lead"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Definition: 1) to lead, guide 1a) (Qal) to lead, bring 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 5:9.
בְ/מַעְגְּלֵי
maʻgâl
H4570
"track"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a path or track, either physical or figurative. It can also describe a circular rampart or entrenchment. In the Bible, it is translated as path, trench, or way.
Definition: 1) entrenchment, track 1a) circumvallation, entrenchment 1b) track
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: going, path, trench, way(-side). See also: 1 Samuel 17:20; Proverbs 2:15; Psalms 17:5.
צֶ֝֗דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
לְמַ֣עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 23:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 23:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 23:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 23:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 23:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 23:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
- Sermons on Psalms 23:3
Context — The LORD Is My Shepherd
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 42:16 | I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. |
| 2 | Psalms 31:3 | For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name. |
| 3 | Psalms 51:10 | Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. |
| 4 | Psalms 19:7 | The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. |
| 5 | Psalms 143:8–10 | Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. |
| 6 | Psalms 5:8 | Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. |
| 7 | Psalms 51:12 | Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. |
| 8 | Job 33:30 | to bring back his soul from the Pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of life. |
| 9 | Proverbs 8:20 | I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, |
| 10 | Revelation 3:19 | Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. |
Psalms 23:3 Summary
This verse, Psalms 23:3, tells us that God is our shepherd who restores our soul and guides us in the right paths. He does this because of who He is, and because He wants to show us His love and care. Just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep, God takes care of us and helps us to live a life that honors Him, as seen in Psalms 119:105 where it says His Word is a lamp to our feet. By trusting in God, we can experience His restoration and guidance, and live a life that brings glory to His name, just as it says in Proverbs 3:6 that He will direct our paths if we acknowledge Him in all our ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'restore my soul' in Psalms 23:3?
This phrase means that God revives and rejuvenates our inner being, giving us new life and vitality, much like He did for the Israelites in Ezekiel 37:1-14 when He restored their hope and life.
Why does God guide us in the paths of righteousness?
God guides us in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name, as stated in Psalms 23:3, so that we may bring glory and honor to Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:6 where it says He will direct our paths if we acknowledge Him in all our ways.
What is the significance of 'for the sake of His name' in this verse?
The phrase 'for the sake of His name' emphasizes that God's guidance and restoration of our soul is motivated by His desire to uphold His own reputation and character, which is rooted in love, mercy, and faithfulness, as expressed in Exodus 34:6-7.
How can we experience God's restoration and guidance in our lives?
We can experience God's restoration and guidance by trusting in Him, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, and by seeking a personal relationship with Him through prayer and meditation on His Word, as encouraged in Psalms 119:105 and Matthew 7:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need God to restore my soul, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
- What are some 'paths of righteousness' that God is guiding me in, and how can I trust Him more in those areas?
- How does my understanding of God's character, as expressed in Exodus 34:6-7, impact my trust in His guidance and restoration?
- What are some ways I can bring glory and honor to God's name in my daily life, as a result of His guidance and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 23:3
He restoreth my soul,.... Either when backslidden, and brings it back again when led or driven away, and heals its backslidings; or rather, when fainting, swooning, and ready to die away, he fetches
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 23:3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. He restoreth my soul - reviving me when fainting (Psalms 19:8), and overcome temporarily by temptations.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
He restoreth, Heb. he bringeth it back; either, 1. From its errors or wandering; or, 2. Into the body, out of which it was even departing and fainting away. He reviveth or comforteth me. Compare . In the paths of righteousness; in straight, and plain, and safe paths, where the sheep is neither hurt, nor wearied, nor in danger of wandering. By his word he directs me to the right ways of truth, and holiness, and righteousness, and by his Spirit he inclines and enables me to choose them, and to continue to walk in them. For his name’ s sake; not for any worth in me, but merely for the demonstration and glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’ s sake.Ver. 3. He restoreth my soul] He reduceth me, when like a lost sheep I have gone astray, Psalms 119:176. A sheep, saith Aristotle, is a foolish and sluggish creature, Et omnium quadrupedum stupidissimum, most apt of anything to wander, though it feel no want, and unablest to return. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’ s crib. Swine in a storm run home, and at night will make for the trough; but a sheep can make no shift to save itself from tempests or inundation; there it stands and will perish, if not driven away by the shepherd. Lo, such a silly shiftless thing is man left to himself. But blessed be God for Christ, that best of shepherds, who restoreth the lost soul, and maketh it to return into the right way, giving it rest, and causing it to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness, Luke 1:74. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness] Or, in plain, smooth, easy paths, or sheep tracks, wherein I may walk unweariably, unblameably, without cessation or cespitation. The ways of sin are craggy, crooked, full of error and terror, leading to those precipices that tend to destruction. From such stand off, saith Christ to his sheep, who are all rational, and will be ruled by him, John 10:1-17 For his name’ s sake] i.e.
Of his free grace, and for his mere mercy’ s sake. Otherwise he would never do us any of these good offices, but let us alone to perish in our own corruptions.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
(3) Restoreth my soul—i.e., refresheth, recreateth, quickeneth. For his name’s sake.—God’s providential dealings are recognised as in accordance with His character for great graciousness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
Verse 3. He restoreth my soul] Brings back my life from destruction; and converts my soul from sin, that it may not eternally perish. Or, after it has backslidden from him, heals its backslidings, and restores it to his favour. See the old paraphrase on this clause in the preceding note. In the paths of righteousness] במעגלי צדק bemageley tsedek, "in the circuits" or "orbits of righteousness." In many places of Scripture man appears to be represented under the notion of a secondary planet moving round its primary; or as a planet revolving round the sun, from whom it receives its power of revolving, with all its light and heat. Thus man stands in reference to the Sun of righteousness; by his power alone is he enabled to walk uprightly; by his light he is enlightened; and by his heat he is vivified, and enabled to bring forth good fruit. When he keeps in his proper orbit, having the light of the glory of God reflected from the face of Jesus Christ, he is enabled to enlighten and strengthen others. He that is enlightened may enlighten; he that is fed may feed. For his name's sake.] To display the glory of his grace, and not on account of any merit in me. God's motives of conduct towards the children of men are derived from the perfections and goodness of his own nature.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 23:3
3, 4. The shepherd’s care as guide and guardian.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 23:3
He leadeth me beside the still waters - Margin, “waters of quietness.” Not stagnant waters, but waters not tempestuous and stormy; waters so calm, gentle, and still, as to suggest the idea of repose, and such as prompt to repose.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 23:3
3. He restoreth my soul—He bringeth back my soul, as a sheep that had strayed. Matthew 18:12-13; 1 Peter 2:25. The word for “restoreth” means, to return, bring back, or, figuratively, convert.
Sermons on Psalms 23:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Pdf Book) My All for Him / 5 Chapters by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that |
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God's School of Faith by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a sentence from the book of Joshua that states, "His thoughts are not our thoughts." The speaker suggests that this sentence holds the key to |
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Attitudes on Worry by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker starts by referencing the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace. He highlights that while they were in the furnac |
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The Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the ministry of refreshing others, highlighting the importance of believers having a ministry and being used by God to bring comfort and refreshment to those |
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Right Motive Praying by Lou Sutera | This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying with pure motives, focusing on glorifying God above all else. It highlights the need to surrender selfish desires and seek God's gl |
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Jesus Is Precious to Me; Worship by Edwin H. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping Jesus. They encourage the audience to open their hearts to Jesus and ask Him to restore their lost |
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Severe Temptations by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basil E. Shlink addresses the times of severe temptations and doubts that we may face in our faith. He emphasizes the importance of relying on verses from the Bible |