The King Of Love My Shepherd Is

“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” is a classic Christian hymn written by Sir Henry Williams Baker in 1868, based directly on the beloved words of Psalm 23. Baker, who served as the editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern, skillfully paraphrased the psalm into poetic form while drawing from New Testament truths that highlight Christ as the Good Shepherd. The hymn beautifully merges the Old Testament imagery of God’s shepherding care with the fulfillment found in Jesus Christ, who declares in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

Henry W. Baker, an Anglican priest and gifted hymn writer, wrote this hymn during his service as vicar of Monkland in Herefordshire, England. Known for his deep devotion to Scripture and hymnody, Baker composed this hymn with tender language that reflects Christ’s sacrificial love, divine guidance, and protective care for His followers. The hymn portrays the Shepherd not only as a leader and provider but also as the Redeemer who gives His life for His sheep. The fifth stanza poignantly references Christ’s wounds as a source of salvation, showing Baker’s strong emphasis on the cross. Remarkably, tradition records that the last audible words spoken by Baker on his deathbed were the third stanza of this hymn: “Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me, and on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me,” revealing how personally meaningful this hymn was to its author.

Set to the traditional Irish tune St. Columba, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” has remained one of the most enduring paraphrases of Psalm 23, combining a gentle melody with deeply theological text. Its words capture both comfort and assurance, emphasizing the Shepherd’s tender care, restoration, and eternal protection. The hymn has been used for both worship services and funerals, offering solace and confidence in Christ’s guidance and eternal promises. With its Scriptural foundation and lyrical beauty, it continues to bless congregations worldwide, standing as one of the greatest contributions to English hymnody in the 19th century.