What does Psalm 23:3 mean?
"He restoreth my soul" means God brings back life and strength to someone worn down, discouraged, or wandering. A shepherd would carry a straying sheep back to the flock, and David knew that same rescue from God. The "paths of righteousness" are the right paths, the trails that lead safely forward instead of toward danger. Spiritually, they are the ways of living that please God. The reason he leads this way is striking: "for his name's sake." God's guidance rests on his own faithful character, not on how well we perform, so his reputation stands behind his care for his people.
Psalm 23:3 in the World English Bible
He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Context
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, 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.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Psalm 23:3 mean?
"He restoreth my soul" means God brings back life and strength to someone worn down, discouraged, or wandering. A shepherd would carry a straying sheep back to the flock, and David knew that same rescue from God. The "paths of righteousness" are the right paths, the trails that lead safely forward instead of toward danger. Spiritually, they are the ways of living that please God. The reason he leads this way is striking: "for his name's sake." God's guidance rests on his own faithful character, not on how well we perform, so his reputation stands behind his care for his people.
What does Psalm 23:3 say in the KJV?
Psalm 23:3 (KJV) reads: “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”