June 22, 2026 - Comparison
- brooks16055
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
Reading such a well-known Psalm today I thought it would be good to look at different translations for comparison. There are 450 English translations of the bible. I picked out 3 that you can read below. I have also included the link to get to the website or app. Feel free to check out as many different versions as you would like. I would encourage you especially when reading something you are very familiar with to read different translations. It can bring more depth, understanding and relatability to the reading for you.
First is the New English Translation. The NET bible includes more than 60,000 translator notes explaining every major decision, textual variant, and interpretive choice. It is a great translation if you want to get deeper into the meaning of words and context and understand the complexities of the original language and culture. In the reading today the last half of the NET has great study notes. Click on the link under the reading below and you can read it on the site. Take the time to read the notes in the word bubbles in v 4-6. They give you the original language and then translator notes.
' The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation. Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full. Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life.'
Psalms 23:1-6 NET
The Easy English Bible is a simplified translation designed to make the Bible accessible and understandable for those with limited English proficiency or who are new to the Bible. It limits the vocabulary to about 1200 common English words. The EASY version has this note after the introduction before you start reading v.1. 23:1 As a young man, David was a shepherd. He knew that God would take care of him, as a shepherd takes care of his sheep.
The MSG is a "thought for thought paraphrase" to make it sound more like everyday speech.
Both the EASY and the MSG are great for people who understand the word by relating to it.
' God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.'
Psalms 23:1-6 MSG
'The Lord takes care of me, like a shepherd with his sheep. I have everything that I need. He takes me to green fields where I can rest. He leads me to streams of water where I can drink. He gives me new strength in my life. He is my guide to the right paths. He does this to give honour to his name. I may walk through a valley that is as dark as death, but I will not be afraid of any danger. This is because you are with me, Lord. Your stick and your shepherd's pole protect me from danger. You prepare a feast for me while my enemies watch. You put olive oil on my head. You bless me so much that my cup is completely full. I am sure that you will always be good to me. You will love me all the days of my life. That will never change. I will always live in the Lord's house.'
Psalms 23:1-6 EASY
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