King James Version

What Does Psalms 23:6 Mean?

Psalms 23:6 in the King James Version says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever . ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever . for ever: Heb. to length of days”

Psalms 23:6 · KJV

Context

4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5

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

6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever . for ever: Heb. to length of days

Read Psalms 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalm concludes with confident assurance rooted in God's covenant faithfulness. 'Goodness and mercy' (Hebrew 'tov' and 'chesed'—loving-kindness or covenant love) personified as pursuers reverse the typical imagery of being hunted by enemies. The phrase 'all the days of my life' encompasses temporal existence, while 'dwell in the house of the LORD for ever' speaks to eternal communion, foreshadowing the believer's hope of heaven. This verse encapsulates the security of those who belong to the Good Shepherd (John 10:27-29).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

For David, dwelling in the house of the LORD referred to both access to the tabernacle and ultimately to unbroken fellowship with God. The psalmist's confidence reflects covenant promises to Israel and David's royal house, finding their ultimate fulfillment in Christ's eternal kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing God's goodness and mercy as actively 'following' you change your perspective on divine providence?
  2. What does 'dwelling in the house of the LORD forever' mean to you practically in this life and in your eternal hope?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אַ֤ךְ׀1 of 12
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

ט֤וֹב2 of 12

“Surely goodness”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וָחֶ֣סֶד3 of 12

“and mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

יִ֭רְדְּפוּנִי4 of 12

“shall follow”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

כָּל5 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יָמִֽים׃6 of 12

“me all the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חַיָּ֑י7 of 12

“of my life”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וְשַׁבְתִּ֥י8 of 12

“and I will dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבֵית9 of 12

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְ֝הוָ֗ה10 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְאֹ֣רֶךְ11 of 12

“for ever”

H753

length

יָמִֽים׃12 of 12

“me all the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 23:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 23:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 27:42 Timothy 4:182 Corinthians 5:1Psalms 36:7-10Psalms 16:11Psalms 73:24-26

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Psalms 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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