The Lord Is My Shepherd: Verses That Echo Psalm 23:1
Psalm 23:1 is one of the most cherished verses in the entire Bible. It speaks of trust, peace, and God’s faithful provision. The verse says:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
— Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
This one line captures a powerful truth. God is not distant. He is close, like a shepherd who walks with his sheep. Throughout Scripture, this picture of God as a shepherd appears again and again. Below are Bible verses that connect with and reinforce the meaning of Psalm 23:1.
Isaiah 40:11 – A Tender Shepherd
"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
— Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)
This verse reveals God’s tenderness. He not only leads but gently carries His people. This is the same heart seen in Psalm 23:1. It tells us we are not forgotten or ignored—we are held close.
John 10:11 – Jesus, the Good Shepherd
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
— John 10:11 (KJV)
Jesus takes the image of the shepherd and applies it to Himself. He does more than guide—He lays down His life. Psalm 23 is not just about comfort; it points us forward to Christ, the Shepherd who sacrifices for His flock.
Ezekiel 34:15 – God's Promise to Shepherd His People
"I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD."
— Ezekiel 34:15 (KJV)
God promises to be the one who feeds and provides rest. The phrase “I shall not want” in Psalm 23:1 matches this promise. God doesn’t leave His people searching. He gives what they need.
Hebrews 13:20 – The Great Shepherd
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant..."
— Hebrews 13:20 (KJV)
Jesus is called the “great shepherd.” Not just good, but great. He rose from the dead and sealed a new covenant. Psalm 23 is rooted in the Old Testament, but its message finds fulfillment in Christ.
1 Peter 5:4 – The Chief Shepherd Will Appear
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
— 1 Peter 5:4 (KJV)
The image of the shepherd stretches into the future. Psalm 23:1 assures us that we will not lack now, and this verse reminds us that our reward is also eternal. The Shepherd leads us toward glory.
Revelation 7:17 – The Lamb as Shepherd
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
— Revelation 7:17 (KJV)
This is one of the most beautiful reversals in Scripture: the Lamb is also the Shepherd. The One who was slain now leads us to living water. Psalm 23 begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd,” and ends with dwelling in His house forever. Revelation shows us that eternal home.
Genesis 48:15 – God, My Shepherd All My Life
"God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day..."
— Genesis 48:15 (KJV)
Jacob looks back over his life and calls God his Shepherd. Even in the earliest parts of the Bible, this picture is forming. Psalm 23 continues that theme, reminding us that God is a lifelong guide and provider.
Matthew 9:36 – Sheep Without a Shepherd
"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
— Matthew 9:36 (KJV)
When there’s no shepherd, the people suffer. Psalm 23:1 comforts us because it tells us we are not alone. Jesus saw the need for a shepherd and came to meet that need personally.
Psalm 100:3 – We Are His Sheep
"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
— Psalm 100:3 (KJV)
We are reminded that we belong to God. We are His sheep. Psalm 23:1 is personal—my shepherd—but Psalm 100:3 reminds us we are also part of His flock.
Key Themes and Takeaways
| Verse | Key Message | How It Connects to Psalm 23:1 |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 40:11 | God leads with gentleness | Emphasizes tender care |
| John 10:11 | Jesus lays down His life | Shows the shepherd sacrifices |
| Ezekiel 34:15 | God promises rest and provision | Matches “I shall not want” |
| Hebrews 13:20 | Jesus is the risen Shepherd | Ties Psalm 23 to the New Covenant |
| 1 Peter 5:4 | Shepherd will reward us | The Shepherd’s work is eternal |
| Revelation 7:17 | The Lamb is our Shepherd forever | Living water and comfort |
| Genesis 48:15 | God shepherded Jacob’s life | Lifelong faithfulness |
| Matthew 9:36 | People suffer without a shepherd | Christ came to fulfill Psalm 23 |
| Psalm 100:3 | We belong to God’s pasture | Reaffirms the Shepherd relationship |
Final Thoughts
Psalm 23:1 is not just a peaceful verse—it is a deep truth echoed throughout Scripture. God is a shepherd who cares, leads, feeds, protects, and never abandons. He knows your name. You are not alone, and you will not lack what you truly need.
Click to Learn More about Psalm 23:1, Meaning.
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