Psalm 23 — Hebrew and Greek compared
Disparate in this chapter: 23:5
Each card keeps the independently rendered source readings above their shared comparison and reception notes. The badge records the source’s governing classification; disparate readings are marked in red. Each reading retains its original reference.
Psalm 23
The shepherd and the abundant table
Verse 23:1 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[23:1] A psalm of David.
YHWH is my shepherd; I will lack nothing.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[22:1] A psalm of David.
The Lord shepherds me, and nothing will fail me.
Classification & Notes
Same. Text: Hebrew’s shepherd title and Greek’s active shepherding both ground the assurance of provision.
Verse 23:2 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[23:2] He makes me lie down in grassy pastures;
He leads me beside waters of rest.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[22:2] He made me dwell in a place of green growth;
He nourished me beside water of rest.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew gives lying down and leading; Greek dwelling and nourishing. Restful water and green pasture correspond.
Verse 23:3 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[23:3] He restores my soul;
He leads me in tracks of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[22:3] He turned my soul back;
He guided me upon paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Classification & Notes
Similar. Text: The restored or returned soul and righteous guidance agree.
Verse 23:4 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[23:4] Even when I walk through a valley of deep darkness,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff comfort me.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[22:4] For even if I walk in the midst of death’s shadow,
I will fear no evils, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff comforted me.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew names a valley and tsalmawet, here deep darkness with shadow of death also possible; Greek explicitly has death’s shadow and no valley. The direct address and protective implements agree.
Verse 23:5 Disparate
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[23:5] You arrange a table before me in front of my adversaries;
You enrich my head with oil;
my cup is overflowing.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[22:5] You prepared a table before me opposite those who afflict me;
You enriched my head with oil,
and Your cup is intoxicating—how excellent!
Classification & Notes
Disparate. Text: The table and oil correspond; Hebrew describes my overflowing cup, whereas Greek names Your intoxicating cup and praises its excellence. The possessor and image are both preserved.
Verse 23:6 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[23:6] Surely goodness and steadfast love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will return to YHWH’s house for length of days.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[22:6] And Your mercy will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the Lord’s house for length of days.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew has goodness and steadfast love; Greek has Your mercy. Hebrew’s vocalized weshavti is provisionally return, whereas Greek explicitly describes dwelling; the traditional dwelling interpretation of Hebrew remains a lexical question.