The Meaning of Psalms 23:3 Explained

Psalms 23:3

KJV: He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

YLT: My soul He refresheth, He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name's sake,

Darby: He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

ASV: He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

He restoreth  my soul:  he leadeth  me in the paths  of righteousness  for his name's  sake. 

What does Psalms 23:3 Mean?

Verse Meaning

God also gives His sheep guidance in the proper path of life so we do not wander aimlessly. He does so in part for the sake of His own reputation, as One who has promised to direct His people.

Context Summary

Psalms 23:1-6 - The Song Of The Good Shepherd
A sabbatic rest breathes through this psalm, the children's favorite; while the oldest and holiest confess that it touches an experience which still lies before them. Here is no strife, no fear, no denunciation, and no self-vindication.
Jehovah is represented as the Shepherd, the Guide, and the Host of His people. We are taught to think less of our attitude toward Him and more of His responsibility for us. The flock does not keep the shepherd, but the shepherd keeps the flock. Look away from yourself and trust Him with all, in all, and for all.
Let God see to your wants. You need nothing outside of Him. His pastures are "tender grass;" His waters, "waters of rest." He refreshes us when exhausted; heals when diseased; restores from wandering; leads in right paths, though steep; accompanies us into the valley with club for our foes and crook for the pits; spreads our table amid hatred; and protects our rear with the twin-angels, goodness and mercy! [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 23

1  David's confidence in God's grace

What do the individual words in Psalms 23:3 mean?

My soul He restores He leads me in the paths of righteousness for sake of His name
נַפְשִׁ֥י יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב יַֽנְחֵ֥נִי בְמַעְגְּלֵי־ צֶ֝֗דֶק לְמַ֣עַן שְׁמֽוֹ

נַפְשִׁ֥י  My  soul 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular construct, first person common singular
Root: נֶפֶשׁ  
Sense: soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion.
יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב  He  restores 
Parse: Verb, Piel, Imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: שׁוּב  
Sense: to return, turn back.
יַֽנְחֵ֥נִי  He  leads  me 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Imperfect, third person masculine singular, first person common singular
Root: נָחָה  
Sense: to lead, guide.
בְמַעְגְּלֵי־  in  the  paths 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, masculine plural construct
Root: מַעְגָּל 
Sense: entrenchment, track.
צֶ֝֗דֶק  of  righteousness 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: צֶדֶק  
Sense: justice, rightness, righteousness.
לְמַ֣עַן  for  sake 
Parse: Preposition
Root: לְמַעַן 
Sense: purpose, intent prep.
שְׁמֽוֹ  of  His  name 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct, third person masculine singular
Root: שֵׁם  
Sense: name.