The Lord’s My Shepherd

A paraphrase of Psalm 23, “The Lord’s My Shepherd” was first published in 1650 in a collection of psalms known as the Scottish Psalter. This book contained psalm translations that were both faithful to the original Hebrew and easy to sing in English. To make lines rhyme, the translators often needed to invert word order. For example, in verse 3 of this hymn, instead of using the phrase “still comfort me,” they chose to use “me comfort still” to complete the rhyme with “fear no ill” in the previous line. This paraphrase preserved the meaning of the original Hebrew text without adding poetic embellishments or commentary.

In 1915, as World War I raged across Europe, Scottish composer and minister James Leith Macbeth Bain, who had grown up singing from the Scottish Psalter, found hope in the peaceful message of “The Lord’s My Shepherd.” Desiring to offer comfort to those suffering the effects of war, he composed a new tune for the text. The tune came to be known as brother james’s air in his honor. Hymns—For Home and Church marks the first time “The Lord’s My Shepherd” has been published by the Church.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for The Lord’s My Shepherd

Scriptures

Principles

If we follow our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, He will lead us back to the Father.
God has a divine plan for our lives.
Jesus Christ provides healing, comfort, and mercy to all those who will have faith in Him and repent of their sins.

Questions to Ponder

When have you felt Jesus Christ extending love and guidance as your Good Shepherd?
Why can you trust Jesus Christ to lead you as the Good Shepherd?
What can you do to help friends and family hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Create a picture. Gather paper and pencils, crayons, or paint. Invite family members to create pictures inspired by the lyrics. Ideas might include a green pasture, quiet water, a path, or a cup overflowing. Play the hymn in the background while family members create their artwork. When they are finished, display the artwork as a reminder that Jesus Christ is our Shepherd.
Do a shepherd-and-sheep activity. As a family, listen to the hymn to find answers to these questions: What is a shepherd? What does a shepherd do? How is Jesus Christ our Shepherd? Take turns pretending to be a shepherd and sheep. The shepherd could wear simple clothing, like a head covering, robe, and sandals, and hold a staff. While the hymn plays, the shepherd quietly leads the way around the room while the sheep follow on hands and knees. Talk about how Jesus Christ leads us and how we can follow Him.