who wrote psalm 23

Psalm 23 is traditionally attributed to King David, the second king of Israel and a former shepherd.

Quick Scoop

• Most Jewish and Christian traditions say David wrote Psalm 23, based on its ancient heading: “A psalm of David.”

• The psalm’s shepherd imagery fits David’s background as a shepherd before he became king.

• Many scholars still accept Davidic authorship, though some modern academics suggest it could have been written later and simply attributed to David.

Why David Is Seen As the Author

• In many Bible translations, Psalm 23 begins with a superscription that reads “A psalm of David,” which signals David as the author.

• Historical timelines place David’s reign around 1010–970 BCE, so the psalm is usually dated within that period if David wrote it.

• Commentators and Bible teachers commonly treat Psalm 23 as David’s personal reflection on God as his shepherd, drawing from his own early life.

Scholarly Discussion

• Some biblical scholars argue that the language and themes could fit a later, post-exilic period and see the Davidic title as a traditional attribution rather than a strict byline.

• Others respond that the Davidic superscription is early and meaningful, so they maintain that David is the most likely author.

In short: in churches, synagogues, and most popular discussions today, when people ask “Who wrote Psalm 23?” the standard answer is King David , even though some modern scholarship allows for the possibility of a later author.

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