Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV
Bible   Books   Doctrines   Words   Lord Jesus Christ   Messages   Hermey   Salvation   Humm   Site Help  
search tips advanced search

Interpretive Study of Psalm 23

Chapter theme:  the LORD is my shepherd.

God's Way to Study His Word:

In 2Timothy 2:15 we read: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  The true definition of the word dividing  is: 'a Mathematical function whereby we separate pre-defined units according to a precise procedure which produces a precise result'.  However, while most people understand that 'there is one interpretation but many applications of the word of God', they fail to separate the procedures of each.  And, as a result, they fail to separate the 'one interpretation of the word of God' from the 'many applications of the word of God'.  This leads to many errors which people blame on the perfect word of God  instead of their using the wrong procedure.

The result, of men using the wrong way, is that men claim that there are errors and conflicts in God's word.  In Isaiah 28, God tells us how to understand His word.  In addition, God preserved the message of His word; He preserves every word of His sentences; and God preserves every punctuation mark (jot and title)  of His sentences.  Therefore, God preserved what He wanted us to understand and God told us how to understand His word so that we have no errors and no conflicts.  Unfortunately, for at least one hundred and fifty (150) yeare, men have been taught to use the wrong way to interpret God's word instead of using God's way.

In Isaiah 55:9 we are told For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Thus, God warns us that our ways are wrong and that using God's way  produces better results, which have no errors and no conflicts.

In addition, 1Corinthians 2:14 tells us: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  Therefore, we can not properly understand the spiritual word of God  using man's way.  We must use God's way to understand God's preserved word of God.  And, the basics of God's way is to understand His preserved word of God  using the sentence format and true Biblical definitions for Bible words.

This Study follows the Biblical Way to understand God's Word.  It applies precepts  ('truths that never change for any circumstance').  It then goes through the epistle sentence-upon-sentence (line upon line  [Isaiah 28 ]).  This is different from the ways of men which use verse-upon-verse or some other method which generates errors.  God's sentence-upon-sentence method also pays attention to what 'the word of God' tells us that God preserved, which are the true Biblical meanings of words and the Biblical usage of punctuation.  (These two are the components of sentences and do not give us verses.) the 'the word of God' tells us that God preserved punctuation (one jot or one tittle)  in Matthew 5:18 and Luke 16:17.  And 'the word of God' tells us that God preserved every word  when he wrote: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God  (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4).

The summary of the epistle comes from the summary of each chapter and each chapter summary within that book.  Every chapter summary comes from the summary of each sentence within that chapter.  And, the sentence summaries come from analysis using the punctuation and true word definitions, as already explained.  As a result, we have what God literally had written and see that there are no conflicts even when we consider the smallest part of a sentence compared to the entire Bible book.  God is consistent from the start of a Bible book to the end and is consistent in His doctrines and word definitions across the entire Bible.  What we have is an integrated whole (single) message, with no errors and no conflicts.  This particular book Study is part of a detailed analysis of the entire New Testament which shows this truth.

Other than cults, all claims of errors and conflicts are based upon the New Testament.  This Study is part of a series which interprets the preserved word of God  using God's way and proving that there are no errors, nor any conflicts, if we obey God and use His way to interpret His word.  And, this series concentrates on the New Testament, since that is the basis of these lies about the perfect word of God.

I have read, or at least skimmed, every book which has been written in the last hundred and fifty (150) years and which claims to teach people how to study and understand the word of God.  In every case, they use a method which comes from man and do not use God's way (Isaiah 55:8) to study and understand the word of God.  And, while there are variations from one man-written method to another man-written method, every one of them ends up with problems.  The end result of those problems is that people blame God's perfect word for their own problems and either turn to a man-written 'bible' or skip verses.  (By skipping the interpretation of certain verses, they can hide the conflict which their method has produced.)

Now, many people find that the Detail Studies to be overwhelming because they have everything required to prove that there are NO errors in the perfect word of God.  This summary level is easier to understand for most people.  At the same time, if someone has an argument with what is presented here, the matching Detail Study provides all of the proof required in order to show that what is here matches exactly what God wrote in His word.  Again, this is not a matter of my opinion versus their opinion.  I have over thirty (30) years’ experience as a professional Systems Analyst with an international reputation for accuracy in how to prove things.  And, this series of books are the result of using recognized methods of analysis to prove what God actually wrote.  This series does not present a religious opinion.  Therefore, a religious opinion, which was arrived at from using wrong methods, is not superior to a true analysis of what God wrote.

People have looked for over twenty (20) years and failed to find any other work that covers everything this series cover.  In addition, no one has found any other work which covers the level of detail found in the Detail Studies.  Further, the Detail Studies literally have several million Bible references to support the interpretation provided and to show that the perfect word of God  is consistent all across it for word definitions and doctrines.  Again, no one has found any other work which has this quantity of Bible references supporting what is presented.  I do not write this to brag but to inform the reader the depth of study which supports what is presented in this series.

Let any who disagree show their method and the results of their method and try to explain how their method, which produces errors, is greater that God's way which produces no errors and no conflicts.

Chapter theme:  the LORD is my shepherd.

links to sentences in this chapter: 
C23-S1 (Verse 1), C23-S2 (Verse 2), C23-S3 (Verse 3), C23-S4 (Verse 4), C23-S5 (Verse 5), C23-S6 (Verse 6).

All Psalms were originally songs and were written to help us praise God.  This Psalm has very simple punctuation, which should not cause people trouble when they try to understand it.  The main source of any problem in understanding will come from people using the wrong definitions for Bible words.  Therefore, understanding the true word definitions is critical to understanding this Psalm.

Other people have written all kinds of commentaries on this epistle.  You can find many disagreements between these commentaries.  The commentaries that teach doctrinal error ignore the context as they try to justify their doctrine.  Such action is motivated by devils and the resulting doctrinal error can bring the judgment of God upon His people instead of the blessings that God wants to give.  1John 4:1 tells us Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world..  The commentaries which do base their comments upon what is actually written, with consideration of context and proper methods of interpretation, will agree on doctrine even while presenting different views of that doctrine.

C23-S1 (Verse 1) This sentence uses symbolic language to tell us about the true relationship the LORD.
  1. We must first recognize our true relationship with God.
    1. The LORD is my shepherd;.
  2. He is my only true source of provision.
    1. I shall not want..

Our first phrase tells us:

  1. The word: LORD  means: 'When the word LORD is printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew.  He is our supreme master with no higher authority existing anywhere'.  By using this particular name of God, the psalmist is recognizing that he can not challenge any command given by the LORD  and he is also recognizing that no other being can challenge His power and authority.
  2. The word shepherd  means: 'The one who guides and protects me'.  This word is used interchangeably with the word pastor.  When we go astray, it is His job to correct us and if we continue to go astray it is His job to punish us to the point that we stop going astray.  While God does not like to do so, that punishment can include crippling us or even killing us.
  3. The word my  makes this first phrase personal.  All truly saved have an ongoing personal relationship with God.
  4. The word The  means: 'There is only one and here He is'.  There is no other being who can match or be greater that the LORD.

Our second phrase is: I shall not want.  God knows all that we need.  Saved people get into trouble seeking provision beyond what God provides.  Galatians 5:1 and 2Peter 2:20 both warn us against getting entangled  with the things of this world because they can interfere with our service to our LORD.  Therefore, the phrase I shall not want,  is not only a declaration of God's provision but is also a commitment to not seek provision from any other source.

The word lord  is a role that deals with law, judgment, and government.  This role is held by God the Father, the Son of God  and human men.  Please see the Doctrinal Study called verses for links to every verse which uses this word in the New Testament.  Please see the Summary on the name / role of lord  Please also see those Studies about the titles of: Lord Jesus,  Lord Christ  and Lord Jesus Christ.  Please see Luke 22:25 for the word: lordship.  Please see Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC; 1John 4:14-LJC for the phrase call upon the Lord.  That phrase means: 'trust in the power and authority of the Lord'.  Please see Romans 10:13 for links to every place where we see Lord and call  used together.  Please see 1Thessalonians 5:2 for the phrase day of the Lord.  That phrase means: 'the Great Tribulation and when God destroys this heaven and Earth to create new ones''.  Please see the Doctrinal Study called Fear the Lord.  Please see Revelation 1:1-LJC for the phrase Jesus Christ is Lord.  The book of Revelation was written to reveal that Jesus Christ  is Lord of all.  Please see Romans 10:12 for the phrase Lord of all.  That phrase means: 'God has power and authority over all beings and everything that exists'.  Please see Revelation 14:14-LJC for the phrase Lord of Lords.  That phrase means: 'Jesus Christ has power and authority over all other people who have authority on Earth'.  Please see Galatians C6S6 for the phrase LORD looketh on the heart.  That phrase tells us the basis of our judgment.  Please see Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-46; Luke 22:17-20 and 1Corinthians 11:23-34 for the phrase Lord's Supper.  Please also see 1Corinthians 11:25 about the word sup.  Please see Luke 22:7 for the phrase symbols of the Lord's Supper in Passover.  Please see for the phrase .  Please see Luke 13:35 for the phrase name of the Lord.  That phrase means: 'In the power and authority represented by the name of the Lord God'.  Please see Romans C15S9 for the phrase praise the Lord.  Please see for the phrase .  Please see John 20:2-LJC for the phrase risen Jesus is Lord.  Please see John 15:20 for the phrase servant and lord / master.  That note gives us links to every place where those words are found together.  Please see 2Corinthians 3:18 for the phrase spirit of the Lord.  That note gives us links to every place where this phrase is found.  Please see 2Corinthians 6:16 for the phrase temple of the Lord.  That phrase usually means our bodies, especially during the 'Church Age'.  Please see Matthew 19:21 for the phrase testimonies of the LORD.  That phrase means: 'evidence that a child of God found the promise of God in the word of God, obeyed what the word of God said to do, had faith that God would keep His promise in His time and in His way, and received the promise'.  Please see Mark 1:3 for the phrase way of the Lord.  That note gives us links to every place where this phrase is found.  The word way  means: 'How we get from our present condition/place in life to the time that we face the judgment of God upon our life'.  Please see for the phrase .  That phrase means: ''.  Please see 1Thessalonians 1:8 for the phrase word of the Lord.  That phrase means: 'This is a subset of the word of God and contains all that will be used to judge men'.

Please see the note for 1Peter 2:25 about the word shepherd.  1Peter 2:25 : 'a word naturally of frequent occurrence in Scripture. Sometimes the word "pastor" is used instead (Jer 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 17:16). this word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people (Ps 23:1; 80:1; Isa 40:11; 44:28; Jer 25:34-35; Na 3:18; Joh 10:11,14; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 2:25; 5:4). the duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous. "In early mourning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured. Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back. In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs. At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing. Nor did his labours always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the dark hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the wily attempts of the prowling thief (see 1Sa 17:34)'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:14 about the word want.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Lack; be deficient. De 28:48'.

C23-S2 (Verse 2) This sentence uses symbolic language to tell us about the protection and provision of the LORD.
  1. Equivalent Section:  this is the symbolic place of protection.
    1. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  this is the symbolic place of provision.
    1. he leadeth me beside the still waters..
  1. Our Psalm started out with: The LORD is my shepherd.  There are many ways to think about God but people need to think this way about God when they are upset and frightened.  And, our second sentence tells us how the LORD  deals with His children when they are upset and frightened.
  2. The phrase He maketh me to lie down in green pastures  means: 'the LORD  gives me rest where I am comfortable'.  Sheep are comfortable in green pastures  because they feel protected and provided for in green pastures.  And, we get this symbolic meaning from this sentence being in context to the prior sentence.  In addition, this speaks of a time when the child of God is upset because the context of the next sentence (He restoreth my soul)  gives us that meaning.  In addition, our phrase uses the word maketh  because upset people often don't want to calm down and someone has to make them do it.
  3. The phrase he leadeth me beside the still waters  means: 'This is the place, reportedly, where sheep are comfortable getting a drink'.  Sheep can be clumsy and if they are near a stream or river, with moving waters, and they slip they can drown.  It is therefore reported that sheep are not comfortable drinking from moving water.  And, since our sentence is telling us about how the LORD  comforts His children, our phrase tell us how He provides for them when they are upset.

Please see the note for Luke 23:31 about the word green.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Properly, growing, flourishing, as plants; hence, of the color of herbage and plants when growing, a color composed of blue and yellow rays, one of blue and yellow rays, one of the original prismatic colors; verdant. 2. New; fresh; recent'.

Please see the note for John 10:9 about the word pasture.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Ground covered with grass appropriated for the food or cattle. the farmer has a hundred acres of pasture. It is sometimes called pasture-land'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:11 about the word lead (verb).  The functional definition for this word is: 'To guide by the hand; as, to lead a child. It often includes the sense of drawing as well as of directing'.  Please also see the note for Matthew 15:14 about the word leaders.

Please see the note for Luke 3:16 about the word water.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The basic liquid of life. It is used symbolically for more than one meaning. Consideration of the context is required in order to determine the usage in any Bible reference'.  Please also see the note for John 4:10 about the phrase waters: living.  Please also see the note for John 7:38 about the phrase rivers of living water.

C23-S3 (Verse 3) This sentence uses symbolic language to tell us about the correction of the LORD. 
  1. Equivalent Section:  this is His correction.
    1. He restoreth my soul:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  this is His teaching us how to avoid further error and further need for correction.
    1. he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake..

Our prior sentence told us how the LORD  deals with His children when they are upset.  God's children only get upset when their true Biblical faith  fails them.  Therefore, our sentence tells us how the LORD  deals with His children after He gets them calmed down.  In our first phrase, we read that the LORD  corrects our long-term way of thinking, way of making decisions and how we react emotionally to the circumstances of life..

  1. The word: restoreth  means: 'Return us to our proper spiritual place in a way that lasts for a life-time'.  The word: soul  means: 'The long-term result of the short-term actions of our heart  in deciding how we will think, how we will act emotionally to circumstances of life and how we will decide the issues of life'.  Thus, our phrase is telling us that the LORD  is returning us to using the mind of Christ,  submitting to the will of God,  with the knowledge that His will gets us the best long-term results, and reacting to wrong, from other people, with the love of God  instead of the anger that our flesh wants us to express.

Our Second Equivalent Section tells us what the LORD  does once He gets us thinking right and having the right attitude.  And, what is reported in this Equivalent Section is actually part of the action of the First Equivalent Section .

  1. The word leadeth  means: 'This is a lifestyle leading'.  The word righteousness  means: 'doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time and for the right reason'.  The phrase he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness  means: 'the LORD  is going to show His children how to have a lifestyle of righteousness  so that they can get everlasting spiritual rewards'.
  2. The phrase for his name's sake  means: 'The LORD  shows us this so that our physical life brings glory to his name'.  The more we glorify his name,  in this world, the more glory  we will have in Heaven and for eternity.

Please see the note for Galatians 6:1 about the word restore.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Return us to our proper spiritual place in a way that lasts for a life-time'.

Please see the notes for Romans C13S1 and Psalms 119:20 about the word soul.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The long-term result of the short-term actions of our heart  in deciding how we will think, how we will act emotionally to circumstances of life and how we will decide the issues of life'.  Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul.

Please see the note for Mark 13:11 about the word lead (verb).  The functional definition for this word is: 'To guide by the hand; as, to lead a child. It often includes the sense of drawing as well as of directing'.  Please also see the note for Matthew 15:14 about the word leaders.

Please see the note for Hebrews 12:12-13 about the word path.  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines path  as: 'n. plu. paths. Gr. to tread.  1. A way beaten or trodden by the feet of man or beast, or made hard by wheels; that part of a highway on which animals or carriages ordinarily pass; applied to the ground only, and never to a paved street in a city.  2. Any narrow way beaten by the foot.  3. the way, course or track where a body moves in the atmosphere or in space; as the path of a planet or comet; the path of a meteor.  4. A way or passage.  5. Course of life.  He marketh all my paths. Job.33.  6. Precepts; rules prescribed.  Uphold my going in thy paths. Ps.17.  7. Course of providential dealings; moral government.  All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to such as keep his covenant. Ps.25.
PATH, v.t. to make a path by treading; to beat a path, as in snow.  Topush forward; to cause to go; to make way for.
PATH, v.i. to walk abroad'.

Please see the notes for Romans C1S10 and Galatians C2-S16 about the words righteous / righteousness.  The functional definition for this word is: 'doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time and for the right reason'.  Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law.  Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:9-11 and James 3:18 about the phrase fruit of righteousness.  Please also see the note for Romans C4S7 about the phrase imputeth righteousness.  Please also see the note for Romans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness.  Please also see the notes for Romans C3S7 and Romans C1S16 about the word unrighteousness.  Please also see the note for Luke 7:43 about the word rightly.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name.  The functional definition for this word is: 'That by which a thing is called; the sound or combination of sounds used to express an idea, or any material substance, quality or act; an appellation attached to a thing by customary use, by which it may be vocally distinguished from other things. A name may be attached to an individual only, and is then proper or appropriate, as John, thomas, London, Paris; or it may be attached to a species, genus, or class of things, as sheep, goat, horse, tree, animal, which are called common names, specific or generic'.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name.  This phrase is used symbolically, in the word of God  for: 'the power and authority associated with the particular name'.  Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the phrase name of Christ.  Please also see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord.  Please also see the Studies called: verses and Summary for the different major names / roles of the Son of God.  Please also see the Study called: Significant Gospel Events for the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25; 1Corinthians C9S16 and 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about the word sake.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. Heb. to press or oppress. the primary sense is to strain, urge, press or drive forward, and this is from the same root as seek, essay and L. sequor, whence we have pursue and prosecute. We have analogous words in cause, thing, and the L. res. 1. Final cause; end; purpose; or rather the purpose of obtaining. I open a window for the sake of air, that is, to obtain it, for the purpose of obtaining air. I read for the sake of instruction, that is, to obtain it. Sake then signifies primarily effort to obtain, and secondarily purpose of obtaining. the hero fights for the sake of glory; men labor for the sake of subsistence or wealth. 2. Account; regard to any person or thing. I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake. Gen. 8. Save me for thy mercies' sake. Ps. 6'.  Please also see the note for Philippians 1:29-30 about the phrase for His sake.  Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:8-10 about the word forsake.

C23-S4 (Verse 4) This sentence uses symbolic language to tell us about the presence of the LORD
  1. Equivalent Section:  Here we read about the confidence that we should have in the presence of the LORD.
    1. Yea,
    2. though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    3. I will fear no evil:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  Why.
    1. for thou  art  with me;
    2. thy rod and thy staff they comfort me..

Lots of people like to quote this sentence without considering the context.  And, others feel inadequate because they can not feel this way and fail to realize that the depth of this sentence is only possible after the prior sentences have occurred in their personal life.  Some things are only learned through experience.  Yes, we can learn things by listening to others who had that experience.  But, the true depth of knowledge requires personal experience.  As explained for the prior sentences, David, and others, have found themselves in deep trouble and experienced God getting them out of that trouble and then making the second and third sentences personally real to them.  Only after that do we come to this sentence.  And, those with the true experience can truly face the danger of this sentence with the confidence expressed in this sentence.  And, the greater the prior experience, the greater the confidence when facing future trouble.

  1. The word: Yea  means: 'Yea is used only in the sacred and solemn style. It affirms much more strongly than a simple Yes'.  We can only express the depth of this word, within the context of this sentence, if the LORD  has done the prior sentences in our life.
  2. The phrase though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death  means: 'Even if I am looking at a real possibility of a martyr death'.  This sentence also includes any lesser danger.
  3. The phrase I will fear no evil  means: 'We are commanded to not fear anything except the LORD  and then we only need to fear Him when we are disobeying and sinning.  However, saying something and living it, when facing a fearful evil,  are two different things'.  People cry and beg God to get them out of certain experiences.  However, it is only by going through those fearful experiences that God can build our confidence in Him that He is in control no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in.
  4. The phrase for thou art with me  means: 'Here's why we should face any circumstance without fear'.  Matthew 28:18 says: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  If we truly believe that Jesus Christ  has All power in heaven and in earth,  and He is truly your personal Lord,  then nothing can happen to you without His allowing it.  As the saying goes: 'Either he is Lord of all or He is not Lord at all'.  If you claim that something happens to you without His approval, then you are declaring that you are lost.  And, if something bad happens, then He allowed it for a punishment or to motivate you to get closer to Him and to mature spiritually.
  5. The phrase thy rod and thy staff they comfort me  is something that most people don't want to think about.  This phrase means: 'The LORD  will use His personal (thy)  rod and staff  to correct us and, if needed, to punish our disobedience'.  No one likes correction and all like punishment less.  However, The LORD  only does this when we need it and He only punishes us until we get an attitude change from disobedience to obedience.  In addition, The LORD  only does this to keep us from a greater danger or to guide us twards greater everlasting spiritual rewards.  Therefore, The LORD  only uses His rod and staff  in love and for our good.  Only when we truly realize this will we find comfort  in correction or punishment.

Please see the notes for Philippians 2:17 and Luke 24:22-23 about the word yea.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Yea is used only in the sacred and solemn style. It affirms much more strongly than a simple Yes'.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S1 and Ephesians C4S1 about the word walk.  The functional definition for this word is: 'taking small repeated steps. this word is used symbolically for the small things which we do regularly in our life without thinking about those things'.  Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S9 about the word shadow.  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'Shade within defined limits; obscurity or deprivation of light, apparent on a plane and representing the form of the body which intercepts the rays of light; as the shadow of a man, of a tree or a tower. the shadow of the earth in in an eclipse of the moon is proof of its sphericity. 2. Darkness; shade; obscurity. Night's sable shadows from the ocean rise. Denham. 3. Shelter made by anything that intercepts the light, heat or influence of the air. In secret shadow from the sunny ray, On a sweet bed of lilies softly laid. Spenser. 4. Obscure place; secluded retreat. to secret shadows I retire. Obs. Dryden. 5. Dark part of a picture. Obs. In the last two senses, shade is now used. 6. A spirit; a ghost. Obs. in this sense, shade is now used. 7. In painting, the representation of a real shadow. 8. An imperfect and faint representation; opposed to substance. the law of having a shadow of good things to come. Heb. 10. 9. Inseparable companion. Sin and her shadow, death. Milton. 10. Type; mystical representaion. Types and shadows of that destin'd seed. Milton. 11. Protection; shelter; favor. 12. Slight or faint appearance'.  Please also see the note for Luke 9:34 about the word overshadow.

Please see the notes for Romans C6S4; 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20 and Colossians C1S4 about the word dead / death / die.  The functional definition for this word is: 'n ongoing process of corruption which starts at conception and continues until the body is completely destroyed. Death is also used for the one-time point when the soul and spirit are forced to leave the corrupted body but, at least in the Bible, the entire process is assumed to be understood even while highlighting the ultimate point of victory for the process'.  Please also see the notes for Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 about the phrase death, second.  Please also see the note for 1John 5:16 and Romans 6:16 fofr the exact phrase of: sin unto death.  We also see this doctrine dealt with in: Acts 5; Romans 5; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC; Galatians C3-S26 and James 1:15.

Please see the noted for Romans C11S25 and Philippians 1:12-14 about the word fear.  The functional definition for this word is: 'A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. the force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us'.  Please also Study called: Fear the Lord.  Please also see the note for Matthew 10:26 about the phrase fear them not.

Please see the note for Romans 7:19 about the word evil.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Both the source and consequence of things which people consider to be really really bad. the source and / or result can be natural or spiritual or any combination thereof. However, even what seems to be a natural source can actually be caused by a devil, especially when the recipient is a child of God. In all cases the result is deliberately intended and caused, which is what separates evil from the accidental'.  Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word evildoer.  Please also note the conincidence between the Devil and the word evil  since the Devil  is the source of much evil.  Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.  Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers.  Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the phrase inventors of evil thing.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:25 about the word rod.  The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'An offshoot from the trunk of a tree, Ge 30:37; Isa 11:1; Eze 37:15-22. It also denotes a staff, used by one walking, Isa 3:1; Eze 29:6; by a diviner, Ho 4:12; by a surveyor, Ps 74:2; by a shepherd, Le 27:32; Zec 11:10-14; as an instrument of correction, Pr 23:13; 29:15; as a sceptre, Es 8:4; Isa 14:5; and as a symbol of power, Ps 2:9, support and direction, Ps 23:4'.

Please see the note for Mark 6:7-9 about the word staff.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'A stick carried in the hand for support or defense by a person walking; hence, a support; that which props or upholds. Bread is the proverbially called the staff of life. the boy was the very staff of my age. thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23. 2. A stick or club used as a weapon. With forks and staves the felon they pursue. 3. A long piece of wood; a stick; the long handle of an instrument; a pole or stick, used for many purposes. 4. the five lines and the spaces on which music is written. 5. An ensign of authority; a badge of office; as a constables staff. 6. the round of a ladder. 7. A pole erected in a ship to hoist and display a flag; called a flag-staff. there is also a jack-staff, and an ensign-staff. 8. In military affairs, an establishment of officers in various departments, attached to an army. the staff includes officers not of the line, as adjutants, quarter-masters, chaplain, surgeon, etc. the staff is the medium of communication from the commander in chief to every department of an army. 9. A stanza; a series of verses so disposed that when it is concluded, the same order begins again. Cowley found out that no kind of staff is proper for a heroic poem, as being all too lyrical. 10. Stave and staves, plu. of staff. See Stave'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word comfort.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. 1. to strengthen; to invigorate; to cheer or enliven. Light excelleth in comforting the spirits of men. Comfort ye your hearts. Gen. 18. 2. to strengthen the mind when depressed or enfeebled; to console; to give new vigor to the spirits; to cheer, or relieve from depression, or trouble. His friends came to mourn with him and to comfort him. Job. 2. 3. In law, to relieve, assist or encourage, as the accessory to a crime after the fact.
COMFORT, n. 1. Relief from pain; ease; rest or moderate pleasure after pain, cold or distress or uneasiness of body. the word signifies properly new strength, or animation; and relief from pain is often the effect of strength. In a popular sense, the word signifies rather negatively the absence of pain and the consequent quiet, than positive animation. 2. Relief from distress of mind; the ease and quiet which is experienced when pain, trouble, agitation or affliction ceases. It implies also some degree of positive animation of the spirits; or some pleasurable sensations derived from hope, and agreeable prospects; consolation. Let me alone, that I may take comfort a little. Job 10. Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. Matt. 9. 3. Support; consolation under calamity, distress or danger. Let thy merciful kindness be for my comfort. Ps. 119. 4. that which gives strength or support in distress, difficulty, danger, or infirmity. Pious children are the comfort of their aged parents. 5. In law, support; assistance; countenance; encouragement; as, an accessory affords aid or comfort to a felon. 6. that which gives security from want and furnishes moderate enjoyment; as the comforts of life'.

C23-S5 (Verse 5) This sentence uses symbolic language to tell us about the reward of the LORD
  1. Equivalent Section:  .
    1. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  .
    1. thou anointest my head with oil;
    2. my cup runneth over..

This sentence only happens after we have the right understanding and attitude about the prior sentences.  Our sentence tells us about the reward after a victory but we do not get the reward unless we first get the victory.  And, we do not get the victory unless we truly let the power of the LORD  work through our life so that He can work through our life to give use the victory.

  1. The phrase Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies  means: 'God lets our enemies see the victory that He gives to His obedient children'.  In ancient times, the king would go out with his army to war.  The king who lost, along with his main soldiers, would be bound and forced to watch while the winning king, and his men, sat down at a table that used to belong to the conquered king.  And, they would eat the food of the defeated and display the treasure which they took from the defeated.  Thus, when people let devils use them to fight against the truly obedient children of God, the LORD  will make sure that they fully realize the victory of the children of God.  And, yes, God does this to punish those people.  But God also does it to discourage any future actions against the children of God.  In addition, God does this in a hope that some of the wiser enemies will realize that they are on the wrong side and come to God for true salvation.
  2. The phrase thou anointest my head with oil  means: 'God ordains the victorious child of God as His minister in this world'.  You do not have to be a preacher in order to serve God and all true servants of God have a ministry given to them from God.
  3. The phrase my cup runneth over  means: 'God will provide an abundance to the victorious child of God'.  In the word of God,  a cup  is often used, symbolically, for spiritual provision.  In Genesis 44, we read that Joseph used the cup  for divination.  In the Lord's supper,  the cup  symbolically represents the spiritual influence of Jesus Christ.  Thus, this phrase is telling us that the victorious child of God will have enough spiritual influence that they can pass it to others.  And, that is best done by testifying how God gave them the victory.

Please see the note for John 19:31 about the words prepare / preparation.  Webster's 1828 defines the word prepare as: 'In a general sense, to fit, adapt or qualify for a particular purpose, end, use, service or state, by any means whatever. We prepare ground for seed by tillage; we prepare cloth for use by dressing; we prepare medicines by pulverization, mixture, etc.; we prepare young men for college by previous instruction; men are prepared for professions by suitable study; holiness of heart is necessary to prepare men for the enjoyment of happiness with holy beings. 2. to make ready; as, to prepare the table for entertaining company. 3. to provide; to procure as suitable; as, to prepare arms, ammunition and provisions for troops; to prepare ships for defense. Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Sam.15. 4. to set; to establish. the Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens. Ps.103. 5. to appoint. It shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. Matt.20. 6. to guide, direct or establish. 1 Chron. 29.
PREPA'RE, v.i. to make all things ready; to put things in suitable order; as, prepare for dinner. 1. to take the necessary previous measures. Dido preparing to kill herself. 2. to make one's self ready. Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos.4'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:63 about the word table.  The functional definition for this word is: 'In English "table" meant at first "any surface" and, in particular, "a surface for writing," and further specialization was needed before "table" became the name of the familiar article of furniture ("object with a horizontal surface"), a meaning not possessed by tabula in Latin. After this specialization "table" in the sense of "a surface for writing" was replaced in later English by the diminutive form "tablet." But "surface for writing" was still a common meaning of "table," and in this sense it represents luach (Ex 24:12, etc.)'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word presence .  The functional definition for this word is: 'The existence of a person or thing in a certain place; opposed to absence'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S19 about the word enemy.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. inimicus. 1. A foe; an adversary. A private enemy is one who hates another and wishes him injury, or attempts to do him injury to gratify his own malice or ill will. A public enemy or foe, is one who belongs to a nation or party, at war with another. I way to you, love your enemies. Matt.5. Enemies in war; in peace friends. 2. One who hates or dislikes; as an enemy to truth or falsehood. 3. In theology, and by way of eminence, the enemy is the Devil; the archfiend. 4. In military affairs, the opposing army or naval force in war, is called the enemy'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C1S15 about the word anoint.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. ungo. 1. to pour oil upon; to smear or rub over with oil or unctuous substances; also to spread over, as oil. We say, the man anoints another, or the oil anoints him. 2. To pour oil upon; to smear or rub over with oil or unctuous substances.  Used symbolically to represent being covered by God's Holy Ghost. thou shalt anoint the altar, and sanctify it. Ex. 29. 3. to smear or daub. He anointed the eyes of the blind man with clay. John 9. 4. to prepare, in allusion to the consecrating use of oil. Anoint the shield. Isaiah 21. to anoint the head with oil, Ps. 23 seems to signify to communicate the consolations of the Holy Spirit. the use of oil in consecrations, was of high antiquity. Kings, prophets and priests were set apart or consecrated to their offices by the use of oil. Hence the peculiar application of the term anointed to Jesus Christ'.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S4 about the word head.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The uppermost part of the human body, or the foremost part of the body of prone and creeping animals. this part of the human body contains the org and of hearing, seeing, tasting and smelling; it contains also the brain, which is supposed to be the seat of the intellectual powers, and of sensation. Hence the head is the chief or more important part, and is used for the whole person, in the phrase, let the evil fall on my head'.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 11:3-LJC about the phrase Christ: the head of.  Please also see the note for Matthew 14:10 about the word beheaded.

Please see the note for Luke 10:33-34 about the word oil.  The functional definition for this word is: 'ts three principal uses among the Hebrew were: (1) to anoint the body so as to mollify the skin, heal injuries, and strengthen muscles (Ps 104:15; 109:18; 141:5; Isa 1:6; Lu 10:34; 2Ch 28:15; Mr 6:13; Jas 5:14) (See ANOINT.) (2) As we use butter, as food (Nu 11:8; 1Ki 17:12; 1Ch 12:40; Eze 16:13,19; Ho 2:5). (3) to burn in lamps (Ex 25:6; Mt 25:3). Type of the Holy Spirit's unction (2Co 1:21; 1Jo 2:20,27) and illumination (Zec 4:11-12).'.

Please see the note for John 18:11 about the word cup.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a wine-cup (Ge 40:11,21), various forms of which are found on Assyrian and Egyptian monuments. All Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold (1Ki 10:1; 21). the cups mentioned in the New Testament were made after Roman and Greek models, and were sometimes of gold (Re 17:4).
The art of divining by means of a cup was practiced in Egypt (Ge 44:2-17), and in the East generally.
The "cup of salvation" (Ps 116:13) is the cup of thanksgiving for the great salvation. the "cup of consolation" (Jer 16:7) refers to the custom of friends sending viands and wine to console relatives in mourning (Pr 31:6). In 1Co 10:16, the "cup of blessing" is contrasted with the "cup of devils" (1Co 10:21). the sacramental cup is the "cup of blessing," because of blessing pronounced over it (Mt 26:27; Lu 22:17). the "portion of the cup" (Ps 11:6; 16:5) denotes one's condition of life, prosperous or adverse. A "cup" is also a type of sensual allurement (Jer 51:7; Pr 23:31; Re 17:4). We read also of the "cup of astonishment," the "cup of trembling," and the "cup of God's wrath" (Ps 75:8; Isa 51:17; Jer 25:15; La 4:21; Eze 23:32; Re 16:19; comp. Mt 26:39,42; Joh 18:11). the cup is also the symbol of death (Mt 16:28; Mr 9:1; Heb 2:9)'.

Please see the note for 1Peter 4:4 about the word run.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To move or pass in almost any manner, as on the feet or on wheels'.

C23-S6 (Verse 6) This sentence uses symbolic language to tell us about the requirements of the LORD
  1. Equivalent Section:  What my life is to produce.
    1. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  What I am promised if I live this type of life.
    1. and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever..

This sentence is often quoted and sang and most people have the wrong interpretation of it.  The word follow  means: 'It's not there when you get there but you cause it to appear after your arrival'.  The word good  means: 'what comes from God'.  The word mercy  means: 'not getting the punishment that you deserve'.  Goodness  and mercy  only come from God.  The 'Great Commission' was given to all saved.  This is an agreement to do missions work.  The saved are to go where goodness and mercy  do not exist because all of the people are lost.  They are to bring the Gospel to those people so that the lost become saved and obedient.  That is how we are to bring goodness and mercy  to where it doesn't exist and cause it to follow  us.

  1. The phrase Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me  means: 'We are to do whatever is required to cause this to happen'.  This is a requirement from God and we will be judged by how well we fulfill this requirement.
  2. The phrase all the days of my life  means: 'We are to do this until we go to Heaven'.
  3. The phrase and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever  means: 'I am saved and going to Heaven'.  Therefore, anything that I experience in this physical reality is temporary and God uses all such experiences to change my character to be more like Him and to justify His giving me everlasting rewards in Heaven.  The main thing that every saved person takes to Heaven in their own soul.  Therefore, God provides experiences to mature each saved person's soul.

Please see the note for Romans C11S26 about the word goodness.  The functional definition for this word is: 'God's goodness  is a fruit of the Spirit  which is given to saved people, and denied to the lost, to cause the saved to show God's love to a lost and dying world so that they will want to get saved.  We also see warning of punishment to God's children who refuse to show his goodness  to a lost and dying world so that they will want to get saved.  Finally, we see that God's goodness  is to bring Him glory  from our life as it leads us to true Biblical repentance  and causes us to have God's knowledge  and to be light in the Lord  and to walk as children of light  and to prove what is acceptable unto the Lord'.  Please also see the notes for Romans C7S16; Romans C11S26 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word good.  Please also see the note for Mark 14:14 about the word goodman.  Please also see the note for Matthew 12:29 about the phrase goods (plural).  Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday.

Please see the notes for Romans C12S1 and Colossians C3S8 about the word mercy.  The functional definition for this word is: 'not getting the just punishment that you deserve'.  Please also see the notes for Romans 14:8-LJC and 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S16 about the word follow.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To come after another.'.  Please also see the note for Romans C14S25 about the phrase follow after.  Please also see the note for Mark 2:14 about the phrase follow me.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9).  The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isa 2:12; Ac 17:31; 2Ti 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'.  The functional definition, of the phrase last day  is: '(end of the) Church Age.  However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'.  Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13  about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'.  Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily.  Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of.  Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord.  There are many days which have special meanings within the Bible and many people, including preachers, confuse them. The notes provided lists various days and their meanings within the Bible.  Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.  Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday.  Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S17 about the words birth / birthright / birthday.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20; Life in 1John about the word life.  The functional definition is: 'Life is that by which a created being enjoys the place in which the Creator has set it'.  Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life.  Please also see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC; Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting.  Please note that eternal life  is different from everlasting life  in that while eternal life  is 'Without beginning or end of existence', everlasting life  'has a beginning but is without end of existence'.  Please see the note for John 5:24 about the phrase everlasting life.  Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life.  Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins.  Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners.  Please also see the notes for Romans C14S11; Galatians C2-S14 and Philippians 1:21 about the word live.  Please also see the note for Colossians C3S4 about the phrase Christ lives through us.  Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith.  Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

Please see the note for Romans C7S24 about the word dwell.  The functional definition for this word is: ' Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention. Habitation; place of residence; abode'.  Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase Holy Spirit, indwelling.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word house.  The functional definition for this word is: 'In a general sense, a building or shed intended or used as a habitation or shelter for animals of any kind; but appropriately, a building or edifice for the habitation of man; a dwelling place, mansion or abode for any of the human species. It may be of any size and composed of any materials whatever, wood, stone, brick, etc.  This word is also used, symbolically within the Bible, for the descendants of a person'.  Please also see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about the phrase house of David.  Please also see the note for Luke 1:33 about the phrase house of Jacob.  Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:17 about the phrase house of God.  Please also see the note for Luke 1:33 about the phrase house of Jacob.

Please see the note for the first sentence about the word LORD.

Contact: Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com.  Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121.  Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV.  All rights reserved. Revised: 02/27/24.