2 ways of sahing it

2 different treatments of the same passage – a passage over used to the point where we've become jaded at its hearing.

The first treatment is a paraphrase.

The second is a true translation.

Maybe these two treatments will give you fresh eyes to a passage we've become too familiar with.

(The Message)

1-3 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.

4 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.



5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.



You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.



6 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.

(The Voice)

1 The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always.

2 He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water.

He soothes my fears;

3 He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.

4 Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear.



Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted.



5 You spread out a table before me, provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies;



You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace.



6 Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me where I go, always, everywhere.

I will always be with the Eternal, in Your house forever.

(These 2 passages are from Psalm 23.)