For Catholics, the Psalms are more than just sacred poetry; they are an essential part of the liturgy and personal devotion.
Among these 150 songs, one stands out as particularly beloved and widely known: the Psalm that begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
This Psalm has provided comfort, guidance, and hope to countless people over the centuries. However, there is often confusion regarding whether this is the 22nd or the 23rd Psalm.
Why does this discrepancy exist, and which is the correct number for Catholics?
Let’s explore the history, reasons, and implications of this difference in Psalm numbering.
The Source of the Confusion: Differing Numbering Systems
The confusion about whether "The Lord is my shepherd" is the 22nd or the 23rd Psalm originates from differences in how the Psalms are numbered in various biblical traditions.
The root of this discrepancy lies in the divergence between the Hebrew Masoretic Text, which is the basis for most Protestant Bibles, and the Greek Septuagint, an ancient translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, which has traditionally been used by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In the Hebrew Masoretic Text, the Psalm known for its comforting message of God’s guidance and care is numbered as Psalm 23.
This numbering is the most familiar to many, particularly those from Protestant traditions or those using modern translations based on the Hebrew text.
Meanwhile, in the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate—the primary sources for Catholic liturgical use and biblical translations—this Psalm is numbered as 22.
The difference arises because the Septuagint and Vulgate combine some Psalms that the Masoretic Text separates and divide others that the Hebrew version treats as a single composition.
As a result, the numbering can differ by one in some places, leading to the question: when Catholics refer to this Psalm, are they talking about the 22nd or the 23rd?
Understanding the Septuagint and the Vulgate
To understand the Catholic tradition, it’s important to explore the history and significance of the Septuagint and the Vulgate. The Septuagint was created in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, a time when Greek was the lingua franca of the Mediterranean world. It was the Bible for early Christians, and many of the Old Testament quotations in the New Testament are taken from it.
The Latin Vulgate, translated by St Jerome in the late 4th century CE, became the standard version of the Bible for the Western Church for over a millennium.
Jerome’s work was based on both the Hebrew Masoretic Text and the Septuagint, but in the Psalms, he predominantly followed the Greek version. Therefore, the Vulgate retains the Septuagint’s numbering, and this is why in many older Catholic Bibles and liturgical books, the Psalm “The Lord is my shepherd” is referred to as Psalm 22.
The Masoretic Text and Protestant Bibles
In contrast, the Masoretic Text, compiled and codified by Jewish scholars between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, became the authoritative Hebrew text of the Jewish Scriptures. This text’s numbering of the Psalms is what appears in most Protestant Bibles and modern Catholic Bibles influenced by ecumenical translations. According to the Masoretic numbering, the Psalm that begins "The Lord is my shepherd" is the 23rd Psalm.
The reason the Masoretic Text differs from the Septuagint and Vulgate is due to various factors in textual tradition, including variations in how certain Psalms were divided or joined. For example, Psalms 9 and 10 in the Masoretic Text are combined as Psalm 9 in the Septuagint, and similarly, Psalms 114 and 115 in the Masoretic Text are counted as one Psalm (Psalm 113) in the Septuagint. This leads to a cascading effect on the numbering of subsequent Psalms.
What is the Correct Number for Catholics?
Given these historical and textual differences, what number should Catholics use? The answer largely depends on the context. In most modern Catholic Bibles, such as the New American Bible (NAB) or the Jerusalem Bible, which follow the Hebrew numbering, "The Lord is my shepherd" is identified as Psalm 23. These Bibles have become standard for Catholic use, particularly since the Second Vatican Council's encouragement of greater ecumenical engagement and scriptural study.
However, in older Catholic liturgical texts and in traditional Catholic prayers, the same Psalm might still be referred to as Psalm 22, reflecting the numbering found in the Vulgate. For example, in the traditional Latin Mass or in certain monastic settings, the Psalm might be recited or sung as Psalm 22.
The key takeaway for Catholics is that both numbers refer to the same sacred text. When engaging in personal devotion or liturgy, one should follow the numbering provided in the Bible or prayer book being used. It’s also important to recognise that this difference is not a contradiction but rather a reflection of the Church’s rich and varied scriptural tradition.
The Message of the Psalm
Regardless of its numbering, the Psalm "The Lord is my shepherd" (whether 22 or 23) holds profound significance in Christian spirituality. Its imagery of God as a shepherd caring for his flock resonates deeply with the Christian understanding of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). The Psalm speaks of trust in God’s providence, a reliance on His guidance through the darkest valleys, and an assurance of eternal communion with Him.
This Psalm’s message of hope and divine care is particularly poignant in times of trial or uncertainty, providing comfort and strength. It reminds us that God is not a distant deity but a loving presence who walks with us, protects us, and provides for all our needs.
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For us Catholics, it is vital to be aware of these differences and to understand the historical and theological context behind them. However, the numbering is less important than the timeless message of trust and reassurance that this Psalm offers.
In times of need, doubt, or distress, the words of this Psalm continue to be a source of comfort and strength, reminding us of the unending care and guidance of our divine Shepherd.