“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, ESV)
However, the New International Version (NIV) translates this a bit differently.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1, NIV)
Why is there a difference in translation? Well, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the original meaning of the word “want” in old English (prior to 1706) was “to lack” or “to be lacking.” This also matches the Hebrew to English translation of Strong’s Bible Concordance.
It wasn’t until the year 1706 that “desire,” “wish for,” or “feel in need of” were used to define the word “want.”
Therefore, both translations are accurate and express the same meaning. We must understand the use of “want” in the original context of the language.
Unfortunately, by using today’s meaning of “want,” we often get the understanding that with the Lord being our shepherd, we will get whatever we desire (“want” or “wish for” in modern English). In reality, this is not the case at all.
What is being proclaimed here is that the Lord provides what we actually need and we will lack in nothing of true importance.
This may be far from our worldly desires and wishes, but not from our needs. The Psalmist repeats this later.
“Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!” (Psalm 34:9, ESV)
Jesus addresses this in the sermon on the mount.
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33, ESV)
The Apostle Paul also gave this promise to the church in Phillipi.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
When you will what God wills, your needs align with God’s supply.