The Meaning of Psalms 23:5 Explained

Psalms 23:5

KJV: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

YLT: Thou arrangest before me a table, Over-against my adversaries, Thou hast anointed with oil my head, My cup is full!

Darby: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

ASV: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Thou preparest  a table  before  me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest  my head  with oil;  my cup  runneth over. 

What does Psalms 23:5 Mean?

Verse Meaning

In this verse, David described God as a host rather than as a shepherd. As a gracious host, God provides hospitality for His people. He supplies us with what we need and desire lavishly, and He does Song of Solomon , not by removing us from the presence of our spiritual enemies, but in their presence. In the ancient East, a thoughtful host would welcome an honored guest into the protection of his home by pouring some oil on his head (cf. Psalm 45:7; Psalm 92:10; Psalm 133:2; Amos 6:6; Luke 7:46). This refreshed and soothed a weary traveler. Anointing with oil in Scripture pictured God"s bestowal of His Holy Spirit on the believer ( Exodus 40:9-16; Leviticus 8:10-12; 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Kings 1:39; et al.). [1] David"s cup symbolized his lot in life that overflowed with abundant blessings.

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 23:5 mean?

You prepare before me a table in the presence of my enemies You anoint with oil my head My cup runs over
תַּעֲרֹ֬ךְ לְפָנַ֨י ׀ שֻׁלְחָ֗ן נֶ֥גֶד צֹרְרָ֑י דִּשַּׁ֖נְתָּ בַשֶּׁ֥מֶן רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י כּוֹסִ֥י רְוָיָֽה

תַּעֲרֹ֬ךְ  You  prepare 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, second person masculine singular
Root: עָרַךְ  
Sense: to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare.
לְפָנַ֨י ׀  before  me 
Parse: Preposition-l, Noun, masculine plural construct, first person common singular
Root: לִפְנֵי 
Sense: face.
שֻׁלְחָ֗ן  a  table 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: שֻׁלְחָן  
Sense: table.
נֶ֥גֶד  in  the  presence 
Parse: Preposition
Root: נֶגֶד  
Sense: what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv.
צֹרְרָ֑י  of  my  enemies 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine plural construct, first person common singular
Root: צָרַר 
Sense: to bind, be narrow, be in distress, make narrow, cause distress, besiege, be straitened, be bound.
דִּשַּׁ֖נְתָּ  You  anoint 
Parse: Verb, Piel, Perfect, second person masculine singular
Root: דָּשֵׁן  
Sense: to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint.
בַשֶּׁ֥מֶן  with  oil 
Parse: Preposition-b, Article, Noun, masculine singular
Root: שֶׁמֶן  
Sense: fat, oil.
רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י  my  head 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct, first person common singular
Root: רֹאשׁ 
Sense: head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning.
כּוֹסִ֥י  My  cup 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular construct, first person common singular
Root: כֹּוס 
Sense: cup.
רְוָיָֽה  runs  over 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: רְוָיָה  
Sense: saturation.