📖 Biblical Definition
YHWH-Roi (יְהוָה רֹעִי) — "the LORD my Shepherd" — is David’s covenant name for YHWH in the most beloved psalm in the world: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). The shepherding image is foundational across Scripture. YHWH leads (v. 2), restores (v. 3), accompanies through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4), feeds in the presence of enemies (v. 5), and pursues with mercy all the days of life (v. 6). Christ takes up the title in John 10:11, 14: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The LORD My Shepherd — from Psalm 23.
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The compound covenant name David pronounces in Psalm 23: "The LORD is my shepherd." The shepherding image is the dominant pastoral figure of Scripture — YHWH leads beside still waters, restores the soul, prepares a table, anoints the head, walks through the valley. Christ in John 10 takes up the title directly: "I am the good shepherd."
📖 Key Scripture
Psalm 23:1 — "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
John 10:11 — "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
Isaiah 40:11 — "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Sentimentalized into a funeral-greeting card rather than received as the active, leading, defending, restoring shepherding it is.
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Psalm 23 has been so domesticated by funeral readings that its muscular shepherd-language has gone soft. The shepherd in Psalm 23 doesn't just calm sheep — he kills wolves with rod-and-staff, he restores the soul (active!), he prepares a table in the presence of enemies (defiance!).
Recover the active force: YHWH-Roi leads, feeds, fights for, and brings home. The Good Shepherd of John 10 lays down His life. None of this is greeting-card material.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Yahweh + raah (to shepherd) + 1st person suffix.
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['Hebrew', 'H3068', 'Yahweh', 'the covenant name']
['Hebrew', 'H7462', 'raah', 'to shepherd, feed']
Usage
"The LORD is my shepherd, actively shepherding."
"Read Psalm 23 with rod-and-staff in mind."
"Christ as Good Shepherd takes up YHWH-Roi."