Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 ESV.
Direct English translation from the Hebrew word for word.
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death no I will fear evil for You (are) with me Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.”
In Hebrew there are three texts that the scriptures are translated from. The Westminster Leningrad Codex / The WLC Consonants only / and the Aleppo Codex. Here are the three in Hebrew texts in order of mention.
גַּ֤ם כִּֽי־אֵלֵ֨ךְ בְּגֵ֪יא צַלְמָ֡וֶת לֹא־אִ֘ירָ֤א רָ֗ע כִּי־אַתָּ֥ה עִמָּדִ֑י שִׁבְטְךָ֥ וּ֝מִשְׁעַנְתֶּ֗ךָ הֵ֣מָּה יְנַֽחֲמֻֽנִי׃
גם כי־אלך בגיא צלמות לא־אירא רע כי־אתה עמדי שבטך ומשענתך המה ינחמני׃
ד גם כי-אלך בגיא צלמות לא-אירא רע– כי-אתה עמדי שבטך ומשענתך המה ינחמני
Remember that Hebrew reads left to right.
Doing an analysis of the meaning of each Hebrew word in the text of this verse can give some deeper understanding about some of the things that the original readers would have immediately understood whereas modern readers might not.
(1571) gam = also, moreover, yea
(3588) ki = that, for, when (highest used English word translated as ‘because’ 409 times, though 37 times)
(1980) halak = to go, come, walk
(1516) gay = a valley
(6757) tsalmaveth = death-like shadow, deep shadow
(3808) lo = not, no
(3372) yare’ = to fear
(7451) ra’ = bad, evil
(3588) ki = that, for, when (highest used English word translated as ‘because’ 409 times, though 37 times)
(859) attah = you
(5978) immad = against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto
(7626) shebet = rod, staff, scepter, tribe (by far tribe [40] and tribes [83] are the most used word in translation, rod is used [27] times)
(4938) mish’enah = a support, staff (meaning a stick a shepherd uses)
(1992) hem = they
(5162) nacham = to be sorry, console oneself (mostly translated as ‘comfort’ [30] times)
{all of this translation analysis is drawn from the free internet tool of Biblehub.com}
One can also read pages of commentary analysis from 11 different theological commentaries on this specific verse on Biblehub.com.
Do you ‘dig’ into the scriptures when attempting to understand them? How exactly do you dig? Original language? Ancient historical and social context? Theological commentaries on the word, verse, or passage? Then we need NOT forget the most important step … questioning the Holy Spirit for His ‘take’ on how the scripture can apply to my present issues and time.
Some can look at multiple translations for the different English interpretations of the scriptures. Obviously certain translations are better to use depending on the idea(s) you are attempting to grasp. Euphemisms and colloquialisms can greatly change from generation to generation. Language and definitions of words also changes through time. So going back to the original language and the definition of that word at that time is very important to understand what the writer is attempting to convey.
Much of what I try to convey in these devotionals comes from original text analysis combined with what the Holy Spirit is reminding me about on the subject or topic. With the introduction of the internet and the free tools now available Biblehub has replaced an entire bookcase of mine that was filled with theological books, commentaries, and dictionaries, that were very expensive. And now it’s all free for anyone wanting to know more. But like any tool it takes time to learn all what that tool can do and how to use it properly.
So now what I learned in college to do with very heavy and large books – anyone can now do with a few keystrokes and mouse clicks. But academic analysis can only take a person so far in understanding. It takes the ‘teaching’ and intimate personal conversation with the Holy Spirit that brings the actual ‘wisdom, understanding, and life’ to one’s mind, soul, and heart (inner being).
I am reminded of a parable example from Jesus in Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
Finding ‘treasure’ in scripture while being guided and directed by the Holy Spirit can literally give you ‘eternal treasure’. The revealing of the mysteries that only He can uncover for you personally – is quite the experience to have. So, while researching and digging in the scriptures using the different tools, always be aware of His Voice and how and what He wants you to learn.
Happy hunting.
And I encourage you to dig for yourself.