Psalms 119
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.
Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.
Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
3 They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.
They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
4 You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.
You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
5 Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes!
May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
6 Then I would not be ashamed when I consider all Your commandments.
Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
7 I will praise You with an upright heart when I learn Your righteous judgments.
I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
8 I will keep Your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.
I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me! Beth
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.
How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
10 With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments.
I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD; teach me Your statutes.
Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
13 With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth.
I repeat out loud your instructions.
14 I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.
I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways.
I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say. Gimel
17 Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word.
Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
18 Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.
I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
20 My soul is consumed with longing for Your judgments at all times.
I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
21 You rebuke the arrogant— the cursed who stray from Your commandments.
You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
22 Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.
Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
23 Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
24 Your testimonies are indeed my delight; they are my counselors.
Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
25 My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word.
I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
26 I recounted my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes.
I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
27 Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.
Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
28 My soul melts with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word.
I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
29 Remove me from the path of deceit and graciously grant me Your law.
Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set Your ordinances before me.
I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
31 I cling to Your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame.
I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
32 I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart.
I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind! He
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep them to the end.
Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
34 Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.
Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
35 Direct me in the path of Your commandments, for there I find delight.
Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
36 Turn my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain.
Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word.
Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant, to produce reverence for You.
Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
39 Turn away the disgrace I dread, for Your judgments are good.
Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
40 How I long for Your precepts! Revive me in Your righteousness.
I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right. Waw
41 May Your loving devotion come to me, O LORD, Your salvation, according to Your promise.
Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
42 Then I can answer him who taunts, for I trust in Your word.
Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
43 Never take Your word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in Your judgments.
Don't ever prevent me from being able to speak your words of truth, for I place my complete confidence in your just judgments.
44 I will always obey Your law, forever and ever.
I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
45 And I will walk in freedom, for I have sought Your precepts.
I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
46 I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed.
I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
47 I delight in Your commandments because I love them.
I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
48 I lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on Your statutes.
I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say. Zayin
49 Remember Your word to Your servant, upon which You have given me hope.
Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
50 This is my comfort in affliction, that Your promise has given me life.
This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
51 The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn from Your law.
Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
52 I remember Your judgments of old, O LORD, and in them I find comfort.
I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
53 Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law.
I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
54 Your statutes are songs to me in the house of my pilgrimage.
Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
55 In the night, O LORD, I remember Your name, that I may keep Your law.
At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
56 This is my practice, for I obey Your precepts.
For this is how I live my life—by following your principles. Heth
57 The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words.
Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
58 I have sought Your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise.
My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
59 I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies.
As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
60 I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.
I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
61 Though the ropes of the wicked bind me, I do not forget Your law.
Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
62 At midnight I rise to give You thanks for Your righteous judgments.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.
I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
64 The earth is filled with Your loving devotion, O LORD; teach me Your statutes.
Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do. Teth
65 You are good to Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word.
Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.
Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.
Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
68 You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.
Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep Your precepts with all my heart.
Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
70 Their hearts are hard and callous, but I delight in Your law.
They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.
The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
72 The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver. Yodh
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments.
You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
74 May those who fear You see me and rejoice, for I have hoped in Your word.
May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.
76 May Your loving devotion comfort me, I pray, according to Your promise to Your servant.
May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
77 May Your compassion come to me, that I may live, for Your law is my delight.
Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for subverting me with a lie; I will meditate on Your precepts.
Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
79 May those who fear You turn to me, those who know Your testimonies.
Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
80 May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, that I may not be put to shame.
May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed. Kaph
81 My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word.
I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I ask, “When will You comfort me?”
I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin dried up by smoke, I do not forget Your statutes.
I've become like a wineskin that's been shriveled up by smoke, but I have not forgotten to do as you say.
84 How many days must Your servant wait? When will You execute judgment on my persecutors?
How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me in violation of Your law.
These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful; I am persecuted without cause—help me!
All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
87 They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken Your precepts.
They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
88 Revive me according to Your loving devotion, that I may obey the testimony of Your mouth.
Since you love me with your trustworthy love, don't let me die, so I can go on following the instructions you have given. Lamedh
89 Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures.
Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
91 Your ordinances stand to this day, for all things are servants to You.
Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
92 If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.
If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
93 I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me.
I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
94 I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts.
I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
95 The wicked wait to destroy me, but I will ponder Your testimonies.
Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit.
I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless. Mem
97 Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my (meditation)
I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my (meditation)
In fact I have a better insight than all of my teachers because I spend time concentrating on what you say.
100 I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.
I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word.
I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
102 I have not departed from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me.
I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth!
Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way.
I gain understanding from what you say, so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Your word is a lamp that shows me where to walk, it's a light for my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
I've made a promise, and I will keep it: I will keep your rules that are always right!
107 I am severely afflicted, O LORD; revive me through Your word.
Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
108 Accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me Your judgments.
Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
109 I constantly take my life in my hands, yet I do not forget Your law.
My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from Your precepts.
Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes, even to the very end.
I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end. Samekh
113 The double-minded I despise, but Your law I love.
I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I put my hope in Your word.
You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God.
Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me as You promised, that I may live; let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
117 Uphold me, and I will be saved, that I may always regard Your statutes.
Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
118 You reject all who stray from Your statutes, for their deceitfulness is in vain.
You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
119 All the wicked on earth You discard like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies.
You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
120 My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.
I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments! Ayin
121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
122 Ensure Your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me.
Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
123 My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, and for Your righteous promise.
I strain my eyes looking for your salvation, watching for you to fulfill your promise to make everything good.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your loving devotion, and teach me Your statutes.
Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
125 I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.
I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
126 It is time for the LORD to act, for they have broken Your law.
Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
127 Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.
This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
128 Therefore I admire all Your precepts and hate every false way.
All of your rules are right in every way, and so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Pe
129 Wonderful are Your testimonies; therefore I obey them.
Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.
Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commandments.
With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
132 Turn to me and show me mercy, as You do to those who love Your name.
Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
133 Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me.
Tell me by your word the way I should go, and don't let any kind of evil control me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts.
Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
137 Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments.
Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
138 The testimonies You have laid down are righteous and altogether faithful.
You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
139 My zeal has consumed me because my foes forget Your words.
My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promise is completely pure; therefore Your servant loves it.
Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
141 I am lowly and despised, but I do not forget Your precepts.
I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true.
Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and distress have found me, but Your commandments are my delight.
When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.
Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live. Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will obey Your statutes.
My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
146 I call to You; save me, that I may keep Your testimonies.
I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; in Your word I have put my hope.
I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word.
During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
149 Hear my voice, O LORD, according to Your loving devotion; give me life according to Your justice.
Listen to what I have to say, Lord, because of your trustworthy love. Keep me alive, Lord, because you always do what's right.
150 Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Your law.
Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
151 You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are true.
But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
152 Long ago I learned from Your testimonies that You have established them forever.
Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever. Resh
153 Look upon my affliction and rescue me, for I have not forgotten Your law.
Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.
Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes.
Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
156 Great are Your mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your ordinances.
Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
157 Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies.
Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing because they do not keep Your word.
Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts, O LORD; give me life according to Your loving devotion.
See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
160 The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.
Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever. Shin
161 Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart fears only Your word.
Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
162 I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil.
Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but Your law I love.
I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous judgments.
I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
165 Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing can make them stumble.
Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
166 I wait for Your salvation, O LORD, and I carry out Your commandments.
Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
167 I obey Your testimonies and love them greatly.
I obey your laws and love them very much.
168 I obey Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You.
I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do. Taw
169 May my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.
Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
170 May my plea come before You; rescue me according to Your promise.
Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
171 My lips pour forth praise, for You teach me Your statutes.
Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
172 My tongue sings of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteous.
I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
173 May Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts.
Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.
I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
175 Let me live to praise You; may Your judgments sustain me.
May I live my life in praise to you, and may your instructions help me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.
I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
