The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
31243, Hymns, The Lord Is My Shepherd, no. 108
1. The Lord is my Shepherd; no want shall I know.
I feed in green pastures; safe-folded I rest.
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,
Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed,
2. Thru the valley and shadow of death though I stray,
Since thou art my Guardian, no evil I fear.
Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay.
No harm can befall with my Comforter near.
No harm can befall with my Comforter near.
3. In the midst of affliction my table is spread.
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er.
With perfume and oil thou anointest my head.
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
The Lord Is My Shepherd is a hymn of comfort and reassurance, celebrating the guidance, protection, and comfort the Lord provides. The first verse declares that with the Lord as one's shepherd, there shall be no lack or want, as the Lord provides sustenance and security, leading the listener to rest in green pastures and drink from still waters. The second verse acknowledges the reality of danger and struggle in life, but affirms that with the Lord as a protector, there is no fear of evil or harm. The Lord's rod and staff are symbols of guidance and protection, and the Comforter's presence ensures safety. The final verse describes a feast of blessings and anointing with oil, symbolizing the Lord's abundance of blessings and care.
The hymn is based on Psalm 23, which is one of the most beloved and well-known passages in the Bible. The Psalm is traditionally attributed to King David, and expresses his confidence and trust in the Lord as a guide, protector, and provider. The hymn has been set to various melodies over the years, but the most famous and widely sung version was composed by Howard Goodall, an English composer and former member of the band, The Scaffold.
Line by Line Meaning
The Lord is my Shepherd; no want shall I know.
With God as my guide, I will never lack anything I need.
I feed in green pastures; safe-folded I rest.
God provides me with peace and comfort, just like a sheep resting in a lush green field.
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed,Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed.
God guides me towards peaceful and calm waters through my journey of life, heals and saves me from my mistakes and helps me return to the right path.
Thru the valley and shadow of death though I stray,Since thou art my Guardian, no evil I fear.Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay.No harm can befall with my Comforter near.No harm can befall with my Comforter near.
Even on the darkest and most fearful days, I trust in God’s protection and guidance to keep me safe from harm and evil.
In the midst of affliction my table is spread.With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er.With perfume and oil thou anointest my head.Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Even during hard times, God provides abundance and blessings. When I am in need, He is always there to comfort and support me. What more could I ask for?
Writer(s): James Montgomery, Mack Wilberg, Thomas Koschat Copyright: Oxford University Press
Contributed by Gianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nanik Dasani
Peacefully
31243, Hymns, The Lord Is My Shepherd, no. 108
1. The Lord is my Shepherd; no want shall I know
I feed in green pastures; safe-folded I rest
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow
Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed
Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed
2. Thru the valley and shadow of death though I stray
Since thou art my Guardian, no evil I fear
Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay
No harm can befall with my Comforter near
No harm can befall with my Comforter near
3. In the midst of affliction my table is spread
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er
With perfume and oil thou anointest my head
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Bethany Dee
Lyrics
1. The Lord is my Shepherd; no want shall I know.
I feed in green pastures; safe-folded I rest.
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,
Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed,
Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed.
2. Thru the valley and shadow of death though I stray,
Since thou art my Guardian, no evil I fear.
Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay.
No harm can befall with my Comforter near.
No harm can befall with my Comforter near.
3. In the midst of affliction my table is spread.
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o’er.
With perfume and oil thou anointest my head.
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Mary Mercado
Hermoso himno,es una manera de decirle a nuestro buen pastor cuánto lo amamos juntamente a nuestro padre celestial, gracias a los hnos del Coro ❤🤗
Heather Davis
I cannot LOVE this enough!!! SO beautiful! SO peaceful! SO lovely❤️
Nolan Bowen
Thank you David and thank you Tabernacle Choir! Since I put this in my nephew married one of the lovely ladies in the choir. I got to see her here.
Matt Sharkey
He restores my soul!!
Nanik Dasani
Peacefully
31243, Hymns, The Lord Is My Shepherd, no. 108
1. The Lord is my Shepherd; no want shall I know
I feed in green pastures; safe-folded I rest
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow
Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed
Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed
2. Thru the valley and shadow of death though I stray
Since thou art my Guardian, no evil I fear
Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay
No harm can befall with my Comforter near
No harm can befall with my Comforter near
3. In the midst of affliction my table is spread
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er
With perfume and oil thou anointest my head
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Luton daddy
Never lose your faith in jesus .for he is with you always
Philippe Achourite
Jesus lives for sure!!! he loves us .
Cecilia Pb
My mom was very scared to leave this earth and I started to whisper this hymn to her, hear while she was going ..... that night I was a witness of one of the most beautiful, unforgettable, spiritual experinence of the Savior's love!! I am so grateful for that night and His mercy!
Tania Borlot
beautiful experience. Thanks for sharing.
E. Conboy
Bless your heart.