Psalms – Chapter 23

Old Testament • 10 Verses

Chapter Summary

"On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell…" — so begins Psalms 23. The chapter centers on David and Jacob. Across its 10 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's kingdom and kingship. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.

2For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers.

3Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?

4The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.

5He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.

6This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

7Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.

8Who is this King of Glory? the Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.

9Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.

10Who is this King of Glory? the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.

Important Verses in Psalms 23

“On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.”

Psalms 23:1

“He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.”

Psalms 23:5

“Who is this King of Glory? the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory. ”

Psalms 23:10

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 23 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David and Jacob, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all…" The chapter ends with: "Who is this King of Glory? the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 23 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Basil the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1032).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 23 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • ✓'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.

People in This Chapter

David1 mentionJacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

The Catholic Church has treasured Psalm 23 as one of the most beloved expressions of trust in God's providential care. According to Catholic teaching, the image of the Lord as shepherd finds its fulfillment in Christ, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). The Catechism presents Christ as the shepherd who seeks the lost and gathers His flock into the one Church (CIC 754).

In Catholic theology, the "green pastures" and "still waters" are understood as the spiritual nourishment provided through the sacraments. The "table prepared before me" is seen by the Church Fathers as a reference to the Eucharist—the banquet where Christ feeds us with His own Body and Blood. St. Augustine wrote that this psalm describes the journey of the Christian soul from Baptism through life's trials to eternal communion with God.

The "valley of the shadow of death" speaks to the Catholic understanding of suffering as participation in Christ's Passion. The Church teaches that united to Christ, our sufferings become redemptive (CIC 1505). The promise of dwelling "in the house of the Lord forever" points to the beatific vision—the eternal happiness of seeing God face to face, which is the ultimate goal of Catholic life.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 23 about?

Psalms 23 contains 10 verses. It opens with "On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all…" and closes with "Who is this King of Glory? the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 23?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 23?

This chapter mentions David, Jacob.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

1 Maccabees 1Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Kings 17Shares people and themes with this chapterSirach 47Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

Deepen your understanding with these related articles

How to Pray

Hope Prayer: Catholic Faith Trust in God During Difficult Times

10 min readRead article
How to Pray

Intercessory Prayer and Divine Mercy: A Catholic Perspective

11 min readRead article
Bible & Faith

How to Use Faith to Embrace God's Mercy and Forgiveness

7 min readRead article
Explore All Articles