Bible Quiz: Psalm 23 — Fill in the Blanks
Psalm
23 is one of the most familiar passages in Scripture—memorized, quoted,
preached, and cherished across generations. Yet its familiarity often becomes
its greatest challenge. We think we know it, but small words, subtle shifts,
and theological nuance are easily missed.
This
quiz is designed not for casual recall, but for deep engagement. Each section
moves from careful reading to scholarly discernment, exposing assumptions and
testing how closely readers attend to the inspired text.
Whether
you are a Bible teacher, student, preacher, or devoted reader, this quiz will
encourage you to slow down, read closely, and think deeply about Psalm 23.
📝
General Quiz Instructions (Read Before Starting)
All
questions are based on Psalm 23 (KJV) unless stated otherwise
Do
not rely on memory alone—many questions include intentional traps
Some
answers may feel biblical but are not present in the text
Answer
each section before checking the explanations
This
quiz rewards precision, not speed
🔍
Section 1: Fill-in-the-Blanks (Precision Round)
Instructions:
Complete
each verse fragment using the exact wording from Psalm 23.
Spelling,
word choice, and phrasing matter. Synonyms will be marked incorrect.
Purpose:
This
section tests textual accuracy and exposes over-familiarity with paraphrased
Scripture.
🧠
Section 2: Advanced / Tricky Questions
Instructions:
Choose
the best answer based strictly on what Psalm 23 says, not what is commonly
assumed or preached.
Purpose:
Designed
to challenge assumptions, verse order confusion, and subtle wording errors.
🔥
Section 3: EXTREME “Trick-the-Scholar” Round
Instructions:
Proceed
with caution. Each question contains at least one deliberate trap.
Only
one option is fully faithful to the text.
Purpose:
This
round tests scholarly discipline, forcing readers to separate interpretation
from inspiration and implication from statement.
📚
Answers, References & Explanations Section
Instructions:
After
completing all sections, review the answers carefully.
Each
explanation includes:
The
exact reference
The
textual or theological reason behind the correct answer
Clarification
of common misunderstandings
Insight
for deeper study or teaching
Purpose:
This
section is meant not only to correct, but to train the reader to read Scripture
more carefully.
🌿
Reflection
Psalm
23 is not powerful because it is familiar—but because it is true.
When
read attentively, it reveals a God who guides, restores, protects, provides,
and dwells with His people forever.
Instructions:
Fill
in the missing words from Psalm 23 (KJV). Write your answers before scrolling
down to the answer section.
Bible Quiz: Psalm 23 — Fill in the Blanks
1.
“The
LORD is my shepherd; I shall not ________.”
2.
“He
maketh me to lie down in ________ ________.”
3.
“He
leadeth me beside the ________ ________.”
4.
“He
restoreth my ________.”
5.
“He
leadeth me in the paths of ________ for his name’s sake.”
6.
“Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the ________ of ________, I will fear no ________.”
7.
“For
thou art with me; thy ________ and thy ________ they comfort me.”
8.
“Thou
preparest a table before me in the presence of mine ________.”
9.
“My
cup runneth ________.”
10.
“Surely
________ and ________ shall follow me all the days of my life.”
11.
“And
I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ________.”
Answers, Complete Reference Verses & Explanations
1.
Answer: want
📖
Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
“The
LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Explanation:
God’s care removes lack—not always of desires, but of true needs.
2.
Answer: green pastures
📖
Psalm 23:2a (KJV)
“He
maketh me to lie down in green pastures…”
Explanation:
Green pastures symbolize rest, nourishment, and peace provided by God.
3.
Answer: still waters
📖
Psalm 23:2b (KJV)
“…he
leadeth me beside the still waters.”
Explanation:
Still waters represent calm guidance and spiritual refreshment.
4.
Answer: soul
📖
Psalm 23:3a (KJV)
“He
restoreth my soul…”
Explanation:
God renews inner strength, faith, and emotional well-being.
5.
Answer: righteousness
📖
Psalm 23:3b (KJV)
“…he
leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Explanation:
God guides believers toward moral and spiritual integrity.
6.
Answer: shadow, death, evil
📖
Psalm 23:4a (KJV)
“Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…”
Explanation:
Even in life’s darkest moments, God’s presence removes fear.
7.
Answer: rod, staff
📖
Psalm 23:4b (KJV)
“…thy
rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Explanation:
The rod protects; the staff guides—both show God’s loving care.
8.
Answer: enemies
📖
Psalm 23:5a (KJV)
“Thou
preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…”
Explanation:
God provides abundance and honor even amid opposition.
9.
Answer: over
📖
Psalm 23:5b (KJV)
“My
cup runneth over.”
Explanation:
God’s blessings exceed expectation—overflowing grace.
10.
Answer: goodness, mercy
📖
Psalm 23:6a (KJV)
“Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”
Explanation:
God’s faithful love actively pursues the believer throughout life.
11.
Answer: ever
📖
Psalm 23:6b (KJV)
“…and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Explanation: A
promise of eternal fellowship with God—both now and forever.
🌿
Reflection
Psalm
23 reminds us that God is not only our Guide but our Guardian.
If
this quiz blessed you, share it, save it for personal devotion, or use it with
your Bible study group.
🔍 ADVANCED / TRICKY QUIZ: Psalm 23 (KJV)
Instructions:
Answer
carefully. Many questions contain near-correct traps, contextual twists, or
word-order challenges.
👉
Do NOT scroll down until you complete the quiz.
SECTION
1: Precision Fill-in-the-Blanks (High Difficulty)
1.
“The
LORD is my shepherd; I shall not ________.”
(Hint:
Not “lack” or “need”)
2.
“He
maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the ________
waters.”
(One
adjective only)
3.
“He
restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his ________
________.”
(Exact
phrase)
4.
“Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
________: for thou art ________ me.”
(Two
words)
SECTION
2: Word-Order & Grammar Traps
5.
Which
phrase appears first in Psalm 23:5?
A.
“My cup runneth over”
B.
“Thou anointest my head with oil”
C.
“Thou preparest a table before me”
D.
“In the presence of mine enemies”
6.
Which
word is NOT found anywhere in Psalm 23 (KJV)?
A.
Comfort
B.
Fear
C.
Restore
D.
Protect
SECTION
3: Literary & Theological Traps
7.
Psalm
23 shifts from speaking about God to speaking to God in which verse?
A.
Verse 1
B.
Verse 2
C.
Verse 3
D.
Verse 4
8.
The
“rod” and “staff” in Psalm 23 primarily symbolize:
A.
Punishment and judgment
B.
Authority and kingship
C.
Protection and guidance
D.
Discipline and correction only
SECTION
4: Cross-Reference & Meaning Traps
9.
The
phrase “valley of the shadow of death” most closely reflects which biblical
theme?
A.
Final judgment
B.
Physical death only
C.
Extreme danger and darkness
D.
Hell and condemnation
10.
“Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me” implies which Hebrew idea?
A.
Passive blessing
B.
Accidental fortune
C.
Active pursuit
D.
Conditional reward
SECTION
5: Final Extreme Question
11.
Which
statement best captures the progression of Psalm 23?
A.
Shepherd →
King →
Judge
B.
Provider →
Guide →
Eternal Host
C.
Lawgiver →
Protector →
Redeemer
D.
Warrior →
Shepherd →
Priest
ANSWERS, REFERENCES & SCHOLAR-LEVEL EXPLANATIONS
1.
Answer: want
📖
Psalm 23:1
✔ “Want” implies lack—not
desire. A common theological misunderstanding.
2.
Answer: still
📖
Psalm 23:2
✔ Still waters = safe,
drinkable waters for sheep.
3.
Answer: name’s sake
📖
Psalm 23:3
✔ God’s guidance is rooted
in His reputation, not human merit.
4.
Answer: evil, with
📖
Psalm 23:4
✔ Fear is removed not by
absence of danger, but by presence of God.
5.
Answer: C
📖
Psalm 23:5
✔ Table → enemies → anointing → cup (order matters).
6.
Answer: D (Protect)
✔ Protection is implied but
never stated directly.
7.
Answer: D (Verse 4)
📖
Psalm 23:4
✔ Shift from “He” to “Thou”
marks intimacy in crisis.
8.
Answer: C
✔ Rod = defense; Staff =
guidance. Comfort, not fear.
9.
Answer: C
✔ Hebrew imagery indicates
deep darkness, not death alone.
10.
Answer: C (Active pursuit)
📖
Psalm 23:6
✔ Hebrew “radaph” = to
chase, pursue relentlessly.
11.
Answer: B
✔ Psalm 23 moves from daily
provision →
guidance through danger →
eternal dwelling.
If
these questions stretched your understanding, share this quiz, challenge your
Bible study group, or use it for teaching, preaching, or devotional deep dives.
🔥 EXTREME “TRICK-THE-SCHOLAR” ROUND – Psalm 23 (KJV)
Designed
to expose assumptions, memory-errors, translation confusion, and theological
shortcuts.
🧠
EXTREME ROUND INSTRUCTIONS
Every
question contains at least one trap
Most
wrong answers sound biblical but are not in Psalm 23
Assume
KJV wording only
No
verse numbers are given on purpose
⚠️ Scholars often fail this round due to
over-familiarity.
🧩
TRICK-THE-SCHOLAR QUESTIONS
1.
Exact-Word Trap
Which
of the following words appears more than once in Psalm 23 (KJV)?
A.
Shepherd
B.
Leadeth
C.
Thou
D.
Mercy
2.
Negative Assumption Trap
Which
statement is NOT explicitly said in Psalm 23?
A.
God removes fear
B.
God is present
C.
God protects from enemies
D.
God restores the soul
3.
Verb-Tense Trap
Which
verb describes God’s action before “I shall not want”?
A.
Leads
B.
Makes
C.
Is
D.
Restores
4.
Geography Trap
Which
location is never mentioned or implied in Psalm 23?
A.
Pastures
B.
Valley
C.
House
D.
Mountain
5.
Oil Trap (Common Preaching Error)
What
is the explicit purpose of the anointing with oil in Psalm 23?
A.
Healing
B.
Celebration
C.
Honor / welcome
D.
Repentance
6.
Enemy Trap
Psalm
23 says God:
A.
Removes enemies
B.
Defeats enemies
C.
Hides the psalmist from enemies
D.
Blesses the psalmist in their presence
7.
Pronoun Shift Trap
The
pronoun change from “He” to “Thou” occurs immediately after which phrase?
A.
He restoreth my soul
B.
For his name’s sake
C.
I will fear no evil
D.
The shadow of death
8.
Comfort Trap
Which
object is said to give comfort, not correction or discipline?
A.
Rod only
B.
Staff only
C.
Rod and staff together
D.
The table
9.
Duration Trap
How
long does the psalmist expect goodness and mercy to follow him?
A.
Until death
B.
Through suffering
C.
In old age
D.
All the days of my life
10.
Theology Trap (Very Few Get This Right)
Which
doctrine is most clearly supported by the closing line of Psalm 23?
A.
Prosperity theology
B.
Conditional salvation
C.
Eternal fellowship with God
D.
Earthly kingdom dominance
ANSWERS + SCHOLAR-LEVEL EXPLANATIONS
1.
Answer: C — Thou
✔ Appears multiple times
after verse 4
✘ “Shepherd” appears once
✘ “Mercy” appears once
2.
Answer: C
✔ Protection is implied,
not stated
✘ Psalm 23 never says
enemies are stopped or defeated
3.
Answer: C — Is
📖
“The LORD is my shepherd”
✔ Identity precedes
provision
4.
Answer: D — Mountain
✔ Pastures, valley, house are
present
✘ Mountains are assumed but
never stated
5.
Answer: C — Honor / welcome
✔ Ancient hospitality sign
✘ Healing is a modern
preaching import
6.
Answer: D
📖
“In the presence of mine enemies”
✔ Blessing, not escape
7.
Answer: B — For his name’s sake
✔ Pronoun shift begins at
verse 4
✔ Occurs immediately after
verse 3 ends
8.
Answer: C
📖
“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”
✔ Comfort comes from both
together
9.
Answer: D
📖
“All the days of my life”
✔ Not limited by
circumstance or age
10.
Answer: C
📖
“I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever”
✔ Points beyond earthly
life into eternal communion
🏆
FINAL CHALLENGE
If
you scored 8/10 or higher, you’re in the Top 2% of Psalm 23 readers.
If
this quiz challenged you, share it with your Bible study group, students, or
fellow teachers.
📌
Save it for teaching.
📝
Use it for devotion.
💬
Discuss it with others.
Return
often—Scripture always rewards deeper reading.
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