The King of Love My Shepherd Is

"The King of Love My Shepherd Is" (LSB 709) is based on Psalm 23. Theologian Ian Bradley has said: "I think I am on safe ground in asserting that more hymns have been based on the 23rd Psalm than on any other."

"The King of Love My Shepherd Is" is one of the most acclaimed versions of this beloved psalm.

The hymn paraphrases Psalm 23 and allows for the poetry of the English language, and emphasizes Christ and the Gospel. In the hymn, the rod and staff of the psalm become the cross of Christ. The overflowing cup becomes the chalice in the Sacrament of the Altar. The psalm's shepherd becomes the Good Shepherd, Jesus, of John 10.

The expressions of trust in the hymn all center around Jesus Christ. The phrase "I am His and He is mine forever" recalls the words of Jesus in John 10:14, "I am the good shepherd. I know My own and My own know me."

1 The King of love my shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.

2 Where streams of living water flow,
My ransomed soul He leadeth
And, where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

3 Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me
And on His shoulder gently laid
And home rejoicing brought me.

4 In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me,
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

5 Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
Thine unction grace bestoweth;
And, oh, what transport of delight
From Thy pure chalice floweth!

6 And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever!

Text: Public domain