This list gives you King James Version verses about the good shepherd, the image Jesus uses for himself and the picture the psalmists use for God’s care. It is for anyone who wants to read the shepherd passages in the KJV and see how they apply to fear, guidance, loss and daily dependence. The verses come from both the Old and New Testaments, and they share one idea: the shepherd knows his sheep by name, leads them, feeds them and does not abandon them.
Verses for the Shepherd’s Care in Daily Life
These passages describe the ordinary work of a shepherd: providing food, water, rest and protection. They are a good place to start if you want to see how the shepherd image speaks to everyday needs rather than only to crisis.
Psalm 23:1-3
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
(KJV)
David speaks of God as a shepherd who supplies every need and restores the soul. Try naming one specific need at breakfast and asking the Shepherd to provide for it before the day begins.
Psalm 23:4
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.
(KJV)
The shepherd is present in the dark valley, not only on the green pastures. When you feel uneasy in a quiet moment, say aloud the words “thou art with me” and let them steady your breathing.
Psalm 100:3
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
(KJV)
This verse reminds you that you belong to the Lord and are cared for as his people. Before opening your phone in the morning, remember that you are not wandering alone through the day.
Verses for Times of Fear and Danger
When life feels unsafe, the shepherd passages speak of protection and presence. These verses are useful in seasons of worry, illness or uncertainty.
Psalm 23:5-6
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 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.
(KJV)
The psalm moves from pasture to banquet, showing that the shepherd’s care includes honor and abundance even under threat. Read these lines slowly at the end of a hard day to remember that goodness and mercy follow you.
Ezekiel 34:15-16
15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD . 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
(KJV)
God promises in Ezekiel to seek out the lost, bring back the scattered and bind up the broken. If you feel you have strayed, use this passage as a reason to ask God to search for you rather than waiting to find your way back alone.
Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
(KJV)
Isaiah describes the shepherd gathering lambs in his arms and gently leading the nursing ewes. Think of a family member or friend who is weak right now, and pray that the Lord would carry them the same way.
Verses on Jesus as the Good Shepherd
The New Testament identifies Jesus as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. These passages are central for Christians reading about the shepherd in the Gospels and letters.
John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
(KJV)
Jesus contrasts himself with a hired hand who runs when danger comes. When you feel that others have left you to face something alone, remember that Christ has already given himself for you.
John 10:14-15
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep , and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
(KJV)
Jesus says he knows his own sheep and is known by them. Spend a minute today simply thinking of his knowledge of you, which is more personal than any human understanding.
John 10:27-28
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
(KJV)
These verses describe sheep who hear the shepherd’s voice and follow him, and who are not snatched from his hand. Choose one place this week where you have been tempted to doubt, and deliberately listen for his voice in prayer and Scripture.
1 Peter 2:25
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
(KJV)
Peter writes that believers who once went astray have returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls. If you have turned away from God in recent months, this verse invites you to come back without fear.
Verses for Leading and Caring for Others
The shepherd image also describes those who care for people in the church and in families. These passages suit leaders, parents and anyone who serves others.
Psalm 78:72
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
(KJV)
David is described as shepherding Israel with integrity and skillful hands. If you are responsible for others at work or at home, ask God for the same steady integrity before your next difficult conversation.
Jeremiah 23:4
And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD .
(KJV)
God promises to set up shepherds who will feed his people, so they will not fear or be dismayed. Pray for the leaders in your church this week, asking that they would care for the flock well.
Ezekiel 34:23
And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
(KJV)
This verse points forward to a single shepherd raised up by God, sometimes read as a prophecy fulfilled in Christ. Use it to remember that the true care of God’s people rests finally in his hands, not in any human leader alone.
Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
(KJV)
Paul urges the elders of Ephesus to take heed to themselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers. If you serve in any role of care, pause to examine your own heart before you attend to the needs of others.
How to Use These Verses
Write the verses you find most meaningful on a card or in a notebook, and keep it where you will see it, such as by your bathroom mirror or in the car. Reading them in the same place each day helps the shepherd imagery become familiar rather than abstract.
When you pray with these passages, read one verse aloud, then pause and speak to God about what it means for your situation today. Many people find it helpful to read the Psalm 23 and John 10 passages together over a week, noticing how the picture of the shepherd grows clearer each time.
A Short Prayer for the Good Shepherd
Lord, you have said that you know your sheep and that they know your voice. Help me to hear you clearly today, even above the noise of my own worries. Lead me beside still waters when I am tired, and walk with me through the valleys I would rather avoid. Gather me when I wander, and remind me that no one can take me out of your hand. Teach me to care for others the way you care for me, patiently and without pretense. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
