יְהוָה רֹעִי לֹא אֶחְסָר

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” in Hebrew is Adonai ro'i lo echsar (יְהוָה רֹעִי לֹא אֶחְסָר), pronounced “a-do-NAI ro-EE lo ekh-SAR.” The literal translation is “The LORD [is] my shepherd, not I-shall-lack.” The complete opening verse of Psalm 23, the most beloved psalm in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

Adonai ro'i lo echsar is pronounced “a-do-NAI ro-EE lo ekh-SAR.” The literal meaning is “The LORD [is] my shepherd, not I-shall-lack.”

Lo echsar (לֹא אֶחְסָר) means 'I shall not lack' or 'I shall not want.' The root ח-ס-ר means deficiency or absence. David declares that with God as his shepherd, he will experience no lack — no unmet need, no unfilled void. It's a statement of radical trust in God's complete provision.

Yes — Psalm 23 is a central text at Jewish funerals, often recited in Hebrew. It's also read at graveside services and during the shiva mourning period. Its themes of God's presence through 'the valley of the shadow of death' and ultimate restoration make it the definitive comfort text.

The full psalm in Hebrew begins 'Mizmor l'David: Adonai ro'i lo echsar. Bin'ot deshe yarbitzeini, al mei menuchot yenahaleini. Nafshi yeshovev...' It continues through six verses covering green pastures, still waters, the valley of shadow, an anointed table, and dwelling in God's house forever.