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Psalm 23:4

ESV Even 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.
NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
NASB Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
CSB Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
NLT Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
KJV 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.
NKJV Yea, 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.

What does Psalm 23:4 mean?

David could walk through a dark ravine, perhaps even death, fearlessly, because the Lord walked with him. David explains his lack of fear because "you are with me." It is interesting to observe that the "shadow of death" drew David closer to the Lord. He addresses the Lord as "you," whereas in the peaceful places he called the Lord "he."

A shepherd in Bible times carried a rod and a staff to protect his sheep. The rod was a cudgel: a short, thick, heavy stick similar to what modern people might call a baton or mace. This was worn at the shepherd's belt. The staff was a long, lightweight pole with a curved end—a crook—that the shepherd used to move, count, and examine the sheep at evening when they returned to the fold.

Both the rod and staff were used as weapons to protect the sheep. David trusted the Lord to protect him, just as a shepherd protected his sheep from any attacking animals. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is with believers at all times (John 10:11, 14). He promised to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). He is with us when we walk over rough ground as surely as He is with us "beside still waters" (Psalm 23:2). Jesus said, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28).
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