< Psalms 119 >
1 ALEPH Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the LORD’s law.
(Yahweh is pleased with/Happy are) those about whom no one can say truthfully that they have done things that are wrong, those who always obey the laws of Yahweh.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart.
Yahweh is pleased with those who (obey his requirements/do what he has instructed them to do), those who request him with their entire inner beings to help them [to do that].
3 Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways.
They do not do things that are wrong; they behave like Yahweh wants them to.
4 You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.
Yahweh, you have given [us] (your principles of behavior/all the things that you have declared that we should do), [and you told us] to obey them carefully.
5 Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes!
I desire that I will faithfully/always obey all (your statutes/that you have said that [we] should do).
6 Then I would not be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.
If I continually (heed/pay attention to) all (your commands/that you have commanded), I will not be disgraced/ashamed.
7 I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.
When I learn [all of] (your regulations/the rules that you have given [to us)], I will praise you with a pure inner being [IDM].
8 I will observe your statutes. Do not utterly forsake me.
I will obey all (your statutes/that you have decreed that [we] should do); do not desert/abandon me!
9 BETH How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
[I know] [RHQ] how a youth can (keep his life pure/avoid sinning); it is by obeying what you have told us to do.
10 With my whole heart I have sought you. Do not let me wander from your commandments.
I try to serve you with my entire inner being; do not allow me to (wander away from obeying/disobey) (your commands/what you have commanded).
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
I have (memorized/stored in my mind) [many of] (your words/what you have promised) in order that I will not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, LORD. Teach me your statutes.
Yahweh, I praise you; teach me (your statutes/what you have declared).
13 With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
I [MTY] tell others (the regulations/the rules that you have given [to us)].
14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I like to obey (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do)]; I enjoy that more than being very rich.
15 I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.
I will (study/think about) (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and I will pay attention to what you have showed [me].
16 I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.
I will be happy [to obey] (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do), and I will not forget your words.
17 GIMEL Do good to your servant. I will live and I will obey your word.
Do good things for me, who serve you, in order that I may continue to live and obey (your words/what you have told us to do) during all my life.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law.
Open my mind in order that I may know the wonderful things that [are written] in your laws.
19 I am a stranger on the earth. Do not hide your commandments from me.
I am living [here] on the earth for only a short time; (do not prevent me from [understanding]/help me to understand) [LIT] (your commands/what you have commanded).
20 My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
In my inner being I strongly desire to know (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) all the time.
21 You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
You rebuke those who are proud; cursed are those who disobey (your commands/what you have commanded).
22 Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.
Do not allow them to continue to insult and scorn me; [I request this] because I have obeyed what you have instructed us to do.
23 Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Rulers gather together and plan ways to harm me, but I will (meditate on/study) (your statutes/what you have decreed).
24 Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.
I am delighted with (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do)]; [it is as though] they are my advisors.
25 DALETH My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word!
[I think that] I will soon die [IDM]; revive/heal me, as you have told me that you would.
26 I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes.
When I told you about my behavior, you answered me; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
Help me to understand (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and [then] I will (meditate on/think about) the wonderful things that you [have done].
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
I am very sad/sorrowful [IDM], with the result that I have no strength; enable me to be strong [again], like you promised me that you would do.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously!
Prevent me from doing what is wrong, and be kind to me by teaching me your laws.
30 I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.
I have decided that I will faithfully/always [obey you]; I have (paid attention to/heeded) (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
31 I cling to your statutes, LORD. Do not let me be disappointed.
Yahweh, I try to carefully hold fast to what you have instructed [us to do]; do not [abandon me, with the result that] I would become disgraced.
32 I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.
I will eagerly obey [IDM] (your commands/what you have commanded), because you have enabled me to understand more [what you want me to do].
33 HE Teach me, LORD, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.
Yahweh, teach me the meaning of (your statutes/the things that you have decreed that we should do), and [then] I will obey them, every one of them.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
Help me to understand your laws in order that I may obey them with all my inner being.
35 Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.
I am happy with (your commands/what you have commanded), so (lead me along the paths/enable me to walk on the road) that you [have chosen for me].
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.
Cause me to want to obey your rules and not to want to become rich.
37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.
Do not allow me to look at things that are worthless, and allow me to continue to live, like you promised that you would do.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.
[Because] I serve you, do what you promised to do for me, which is what you also promise to do for [all] those who revere you.
39 Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
[People] insult me; protect me from those insults, [because] I hate them. The (regulations/rules that you have given [to us]) are [very] good!
40 Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness.
I very much desire [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do); because you are righteous, allow me to continue to live (OR, be good to me).
41 VAV Let your loving kindness also come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your word.
Yahweh, show me that you faithfully love me, and rescue/save me, like you have said/promised that you would.
42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word.
After you do that, I will be able to reply to those who insult me, because I trust in (your word/what you have promised that you would do).
43 Do not snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances.
Always enable me to [LIT] speak your truth, because I have confidence in (your regulations/the rules that you have given us).
44 So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever.
I will always obey your laws, forever.
45 I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
I will be free [from (affliction/my enemies’ attacks)], because I have tried [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
46 I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed.
I will tell to kings (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do); and [because I did not abandon you], those kings will not cause me to be ashamed.
47 I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them.
I am delighted to [obey] (your commands/what you have commanded), and I love them.
48 I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.
I respect/revere [IDM] (your commands/what you have commanded), and I love them, and I will (meditate on/think about) (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
49 ZAYIN Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.
Do not forget what you said/promised to do for me, who serve you, [because] what you have said has caused me to confidently expect [good things from you].
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.
When I have been suffering, you comforted me; you did what you promised me, and that [PRS] revived me.
51 The arrogant mock me excessively, but I do not swerve from your law.
Proud people are always making fun of me, but I do not (turn away from/stop) [obeying] your laws.
52 I remember your ordinances of old, LORD, and have comforted myself.
Yahweh, when I think about (your regulations/the rules) that you gave to us long ago, I am comforted/encouraged.
53 Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law.
When [I see that] wicked people have disregarded your laws, I become very angry.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I live.
While I have been living here for a short time on the earth, I have written songs about (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
55 I have remembered your name, LORD, in the night, and I obey your law.
Yahweh, during the night I think about you [MTY], and [so] I obey your laws.
56 This is my way, that I keep your precepts.
What I have always done is to obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
57 HETH The LORD is my portion. I promised to obey your words.
Yahweh, you are the one whom I have chosen, and I promise to (obey your words/do what you have told us to do).
58 I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.
With all my inner being I plead with you to be good to me; be kind to me, like you promised/said that you would do.
59 I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.
I have thought about my behavior, and I [have decided to] return to [obeying] (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
60 I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.
I hurry to obey (your commands/what you have commanded); I do not delay [at all].
61 The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I will not forget your law.
Wicked people have [tried to] seize me, [like a hunter tries to catch an animal] with a net [MET], but I do not forget your laws.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances.
In the middle of the night I wake up, and I praise you for (your commands/the rules that you have given us to do); they are fair/just.
63 I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.
I am a friend of all those who revere you, those who obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
64 The earth is full of your loving kindness, LORD. Teach me your statutes.
Yahweh, you faithfully/always love [people] all over the earth; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
65 TETH You have treated your servant well, according to your word, LORD.
Yahweh, you have done good things for me, like you promised/said that you would do.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
Teach me to think carefully before I decide what to do, and [teach me other things that I need to] know, because I believe [that it is good for us to obey] (your commands/what you have commanded).
67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word.
Before you afflicted/punished me, I did things that were wrong, but now I obey (your words/what you have told us to do).
68 You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes.
You are [very] good, and what you do is good; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
69 The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
Proud people have told many lies about me, but [the truth is that] with all my inner being I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
70 Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law.
Those proud people (are stupid/do not understand your laws) [IDM], but [as for me], I am delighted with your laws.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.
It was good for me that [you] afflicted/punished me, because the result was that I learned (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
The laws that you [MTY] gave/told [to us] are [worth] more to me than gold, more than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
73 YODH Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
You created me and formed my body (OR, kept me safe); help me to be wise in order that I may learn (your commands/what you have commanded).
74 Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.
Those who have an awesome respect for you will see [what you have done for] me, and they will rejoice, because [they will see that] I have trusted in (your words/what you told us).
75 LORD, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Yahweh, I know that (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) are right/fair and that you have afflicted/punished me because you faithfully do [what you have promised].
76 Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.
Cause me to be comforted/encouraged by [knowing that] you faithfully love [me], like you said to me that you would do.
77 Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Be merciful to me in order that I may [continue to] live, because I am delighted with your laws.
78 Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.
Cause the proud people who falsely accuse me to be ashamed, [but] as for me, I will [continue] (meditating on/thinking about) (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
79 Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes.
Cause those who revere you to come [back] to me in order that they may (OR, specifically, those who) know (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do]).
80 Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed.
Enable me to perfectly [obey] (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do) in order that I may not be ashamed [because of not doing that].
81 KAPF My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.
I am very tired/exhausted while I wait for you to save [me from my enemies]; [but] I confidently expect that you will tell [me what you will do].
82 My eyes fail for your word. I say, “When will you comfort me?”
My eyes are tired from waiting a long time for you to do what you promised/said that you would do, and I ask, “When will you help/encourage me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I do not forget your statutes.
I have become [as useless as] [MET] a wineskin that is [shriveled from hanging a long time] in the smoke [inside a house], but I have not forgotten (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
84 How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?
How long must I wait? When will you punish those who (persecute/cause trouble for) me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law.
[It is as though] proud people have dug deep pits for me [to fall into], people who do not obey your laws.
86 All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me!
All (your commands are/what you have commanded is) trustworthy; [but] people are (persecuting/causing trouble for) me by telling lies [about me, so please] help me!
87 They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I did not forsake your precepts.
Those people have almost killed me, but I have not stopped [obeying] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
88 Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Because you faithfully love [me], allow me [to continue] to live in order that I may [continue to] obey (your rules/what you have instructed [us to do]).
89 LAMEDH LORD, your word is settled in heaven forever.
Yahweh, your words will last forever; they will last as long as heaven lasts.
90 Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.
You will faithfully [continue doing] ([for people who are not yet born/in every generation]) what you have (promised/said that you would do); you have put the earth in its place, and it remains firmly [there].
91 Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.
To this day, [all things on the earth] remain because you decided that they should remain; everything [on the earth] serves you.
92 Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
If I had not been delighted [in obeying] your laws, I would have died because of what I was suffering.
93 I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me.
I will never forget (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), because as a result of [my obeying them] you have enabled me to [continue to] live.
94 I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts.
I belong to you; save/rescue me [from my enemies], because I have tried to obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.
Wicked [men] are waiting to kill me, but I [will] think about what you have instructed [us to do].
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless.
I have learned that there is a limit/end for everything, but what you command (has no limits/never ends).
97 MEM How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.
I love your laws very much. I (meditate on/think about) them all during the day.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
Because I know (your commands/what you have commanded), and because I think about them all the time, I have become wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my (meditation)
I understand more than my teachers do, because I (meditate on/think about) (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
100 I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.
I understand more than [many] old people do, because I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
101 I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word.
I have avoided all evil behavior in order that I may obey (your words/what you have told us to do).
102 I have not turned away from your ordinances, for you have taught me.
I have not (turned away from/quit) [obeying] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us), because you have taught me [while I have studied them].
103 How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!
[When I read] your words, they are like [MET] sweet things that I taste/eat, [yes], they are even sweeter than honey.
104 Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Because [I have learned] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), I am able to understand [many things]; therefore, I hate all evil things [that some people do].
105 NUN Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
Your words are [like] [MET] a lamp to guide me; they are [like] a light [MET] to show me the path [that I should walk on].
106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances.
I have solemnly promised, and I am solemnly promising it again, that I will [always] obey your (regulations/rules that you have given to us), and they are [all] fair/just.
107 I am afflicted very much. Revive me, LORD, according to your word.
Yahweh, I am suffering very much; cause me to be strong/healthy [again], as you have promised to do.
108 Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. LORD, teach me your ordinances.
Yahweh, when I thank you while I pray, it is [like] [MET] a sacrifice to you; [please] accept it, and teach me your (regulations/rules that you have given to us).
109 My soul is continually in my hand, yet I will not forget your law.
[My enemies are] often trying to kill me [IDM], but I do not forget your laws.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not gone astray from your precepts.
Wicked [people] have tried to seize me [like a hunter tries to catch an animal] with a trap [MET], but I have not disobeyed (your principles of behavior/what you declared that we should do).
111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
(Your requirements/What you have instructed us to do) are my possession forever; because of them [PRS], I am joyful.
112 I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end.
I (have decided/am determined) [IDM] to obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do) until the day that I die [MTY].
113 SAMEKH I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
I hate people who are [only] partly committed to you, but I love your laws.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.
You are [like] a place where I can hide [from my enemies], and you are [like] a shield [MET] [behind which I am protected from them], and I trust in your promises.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
You evil people, stay away from me in order than I may obey (my God’s commands/what my God has commanded)!
116 Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Enable me to be strong, as you promised/said that you would do, in order that I may [continue to] live. I am confidently expecting [that you will restore me]; (do not disappoint me/do not allow me to be disappointed).
117 Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.
Hold me up, in order that I will be safe and always (pay attention to/heed) (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
118 You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.
You reject all those who disobey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do); but what they deceitfully plan to do will be (useless/in vain).
119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross. Therefore I love your testimonies.
You get rid of all the wicked [people] on the earth like [SIM] [people throw away] trash; therefore I love what you have instructed us to do.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you. I am afraid of your judgments.
I [SYN] tremble because I am afraid of you; I am afraid [because you punish those who do not obey] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
121 AYIN I have done what is just and righteous. Do not leave me to my oppressors.
[But] I have done what is right and fair/just; [so] do not allow people to oppress/mistreat me.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being. Do not let the proud oppress me.
Promise me that you will do good things for me and do not allow proud [people] to oppress me.
123 My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.
My eyes are tired from waiting a long time for you to rescue [me], for you to save [me] like you promised/said that you would.
124 Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes.
Do something for me to show that you faithfully love [me], and teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
125 I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
I am one who serves you; enable me to understand [what you want me to know] in order that I will know (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
126 It is time to act, LORD, for they break your law.
Yahweh, now is the time for you to [punish people] because they have disobeyed your laws.
127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.
Truly, I love (your commands/what you have commanded) more than I love gold; I love them more than I love [very] pure gold.
128 Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.
So I conduct my life by (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and I hate all the evil things that [some people do].
129 PE Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them.
(Your requirements are/All the things that you have instructed us to do are) wonderful, so I obey them with all my inner being.
130 The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
When someone explains (your words/what you have said), [it is as though] they are lighting a light; what they say causes [even] people who have not learned your laws to be wise.
131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.
I eagerly desire to know (your commands/what you have commanded), like [SIM] a [dog] that pants with its mouth open [wanting to be fed].
132 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
Listen to me and act kindly to me, like you do to [all] those who love you [MTY].
133 Establish my footsteps in your word. Do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.
Guide me as you promised/said that you would do and help me not to fall/sin; do not allow evil [people] to control what I do.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts.
Rescue/Save me from those who oppress me in order that I may obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
135 Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.
Be kind to me and teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
136 Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they do not observe your law.
I cry very much because [many] people do not obey your laws.
137 TZADHE You are righteous, LORD. Your judgments are upright.
Yahweh, you are righteous and (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) are just/fair.
138 You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.
(Your requirements/All the things that you have instructed us to do) are true and are all very right and fair.
139 My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.
I am (furious/very angry) because my enemies disregard (your words/what you have told us to do).
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
(Your promises are/All the things that you have said that you will do are) dependable and I love them.
141 I am small and despised. I do not forget your precepts.
I am not important and people despise me, but I do not forget (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth.
You are righteous and you will be righteous forever, and your laws will never be changed.
143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.
I [constantly] have troubles/difficulties and I am worried, but (your commands cause/what you have commanded causes) me to be happy.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.
(Your requirements are/All the things that you have instructed us to do are) always fair; help me to understand them in order that I may [continue to] live.
145 QOPH I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, LORD! I will keep your statutes.
Yahweh, with all my inner being I call out to you; answer me and I will obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
146 I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.
I call out to you; save/rescue me in order that I [can continue to] obey [all] (your requirements/the things that you have instructed us to do).
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words.
[Each morning] I arise before dawn and call to you to help me; I confidently expect you to do what you have (promised/said that you will do).
148 My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.
All during the night I am awake, and I (meditate on/think about) what you have (promised/said that you would do).
149 Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, LORD, according to your ordinances.
Yahweh, because you faithfully love me, listen to me [while I pray], and keep me safe because of [my obeying] (your regulations/what you have told us to do).
150 They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law.
Those evil people who oppress/persecute me are coming closer to me; they do not pay any attention to your laws.
151 You are near, LORD. All your commandments are truth.
But Yahweh, you are near to me, and [I know that] (your commands/what you command) will never be changed.
152 Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.
Long ago I found out about (your requirements/all the things that you have instructed us to do), and [I know that] you intended them to last forever.
153 RESH Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.
Look at me and see that I am suffering [very much], and heal me, because I do not forget your laws.
154 Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise.
Defend me [when others accuse me], and rescue me [from them]; allow me to [continue to] live, as you promised/said that you would.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.
Wicked [people] do not obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do), so you will certainly not save them.
156 Great are your tender mercies, LORD. Revive me according to your ordinances.
Yahweh, you are very merciful; allow me to [continue to] live because of [my obeying] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I have not swerved from your testimonies.
Many [people] are my enemies and [many people] (cause me to suffer/persecute me), but I (do not turn aside from/have not stopped obeying) [LIT] (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
158 I look at the faithless with loathing, because they do not observe your word.
When I look at those who are not faithful to you, I am disgusted because they do not obey (your requirements/what you have instructed [us] to do).
159 Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, LORD, according to your loving kindness.
[Yahweh], notice that I love (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do); because you faithfully love [me], allow me to [continue to] live.
160 All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.
All that you have said is truth, and all (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) will endure forever.
161 SIN AND SHIN Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
Rulers persecute me for no reason, but in my inner being I revere (your words/what you have said).
162 I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great plunder.
I am happy about (your words/what you have promised [to do for me)], as happy as someone who has found a great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law.
I thoroughly hate [DOU] [all] lies but I love your laws.
164 Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.
Seven/Many times each day I thank you for (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us), and they are [all] just/fair.
165 Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.
Things go well for those who love your laws; there is nothing adverse/bad that will happen to them.
166 I have hoped for your salvation, LORD. I have done your commandments.
Yahweh, I confidently expect that you will rescue me [from my troubles], and I obey (your commands/what you have commanded us).
167 My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.
I obey (what you require/what you have instructed) us to do; I love it [all] very much.
168 I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and you see everything that I do.
169 TAV Let my cry come before you, LORD. Give me understanding according to your word.
Yahweh, listen while I pray [for you to help me]; help me to understand [(your words/what you have told us to do)].
170 Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word.
Hear me while I pray and rescue/save me as you promised/said that you would.
171 Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.
I [MTY] will always praise you because you teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
172 Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.
I will sing about (your words/what you have promised to do) because (all your commands are/everything that you have commanded is) just/fair.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
I ask you [SYN] to [always] be ready to help me because I have chosen [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
174 I have longed for your salvation, LORD. Your law is my delight.
Yahweh, I eagerly desire for you to rescue/save me [from my enemies]; I am delighted with your laws.
175 Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me.
Allow me to [continue to] live in order that I can [continue to] praise you, and that your regulations/rules [that you have given to us] will continue to help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
I have [wandered away from you] like [SIM] a sheep that has become lost; search for me, because I have not forgotten (your commands/what you have commanded us).