Psalms 119
1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, 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 they who search his testimonies: that seek him with their whole heart.
Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
3 For they that work iniquity, have not walked in his ways.
They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded thy commandments to be kept most diligently.
You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
5 O! that my ways may be directed to keep thy justifications.
May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
6 Then shall I not be confounded, when I shall look into all thy commandments.
Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned the judgments of thy justice.
I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
8 I will keep thy justifications: O! do not thou utterly forsake me.
I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me! Beth
9 BETH. By what doth a young man correct his way? by observing thy words.
How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
10 With my whole heart have I sought after thee: let me not stray from thy commandments.
I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
11 Thy words have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against thee.
I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications.
Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
13 With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of thy mouth.
I repeat out loud your instructions.
14 I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies, as in all riches.
I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
15 I will meditate on thy commandments: and I will consider thy ways.
I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
16 I will think of thy justifications: I will not forget thy words.
I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say. Gimel
17 GIMEL. Give bountifully to thy servant, enliven me: and I shall keep thy words.
Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
18 Open thou my eyes: and I will consider the wondrous things of thy law.
Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
20 My soul hath coveted to long for thy justifications, at all times.
I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
21 Thou hast rebuked the proud: they are cursed who decline from thy commandments.
You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
22 Remove from reproach and contempt: because I have sought after thy testimonies.
Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
23 For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications.
Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
24 For thy testimonies are my (meditation) and thy justifications my counsel.
Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
25 DALETH. My soul hath cleaved to the pavement: quicken thou me according to thy word.
I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
26 I have declared my ways, and thou hast heard me: teach me thy justifications.
I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
27 Make me to understand the way of thy justifications: and I shall be exercised in thy wondrous works.
Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
28 My soul hath slumbered through heaviness: strengthen thou me in thy words.
I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
29 Remove from me the way of iniquity: and out of thy law have mercy on me.
Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments I have not forgotten.
I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
31 I have stuck to thy testimonies, O Lord: put me not to shame.
I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
32 I have run the way of thy commandments, when thou didst enlarge my heart.
I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind! He
33 HE. Set before me for a law the way of thy justifications, O Lord: and I will always seek after it.
Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
34 Give me understanding, and I will search thy law; and I will keep it with my whole heart.
Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
35 Lead me into the path of thy commandments; for this same I have desired.
Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
36 Incline my heart into thy testimonies and not to covetousness.
Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
37 Turn away my eyes that they may not behold vanity: quicken me in thy way.
Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
38 Establish thy word to thy servant, in thy fear.
Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
39 Turn away my reproach, which I have apprehended: for thy judgments are delightful.
Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
40 Behold I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy justice.
I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right. Waw
41 VAU. Let thy mercy also come upon me, O Lord: thy salvation according to thy word.
Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
42 So shall I answer them that reproach me in any thing; that I have trusted in thy words.
Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
43 And take not thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth: for in thy words have I hoped exceedingly.
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 So shall I always keep thy law, for ever and ever.
I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
45 And I walked at large: because I have sought after thy commandments.
I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
46 And I spoke of thy testimonies before kings: and I was not ashamed.
I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
47 I meditated also on thy commandments, which I loved.
I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
48 And I lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I loved: and I was exercised in thy justifications.
I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say. Zayin
49 ZAIN. Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast given me hope.
Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
50 This hath comforted me in my humiliation: because thy word hath enlivened me.
This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
51 The proud did iniquitously altogether: but I declined not from thy law.
Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
52 I remembered, O Lord, thy judgments of old: and I was comforted.
I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
53 A fainting hath taken hold of me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
54 Thy justifications were the subject of my song, in the place of my pilgrimage.
Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
55 In the night I have remembered thy name, O Lord: and have kept thy law.
At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
56 This happened to me: because I sought after thy justifications.
For this is how I live my life—by following your principles. Heth
57 HETH. O Lord, my portion, I have said, I would keep the law.
Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
58 I entreated thy face with all my heart: have mercy on me according to thy word.
My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
59 I have thought on my ways: and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
60 I am ready, and am not troubled: that I may keep thy commandments.
I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
61 The cords of the wicked have encompassed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
62 I rose at midnight to give praise to thee; for the judgments of thy justification.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
63 I am a partaker with all them that fear thee, and that keep thy commandments.
I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy justifications.
Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do. Teth
65 TETH. Thou hast done well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word.
Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
66 Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge; for I have believed thy commandments.
Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
67 Before I was humbled I offended; therefore have I kept thy word.
Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
68 Thou art good; and in thy goodness teach me thy justifications.
Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
69 The iniquity of the proud hath been multiplied over me: but I will seek thy commandments with my whole heart.
Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
70 Their heart is curdled like milk: but I have meditated on thy law.
They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
71 It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy justifications.
The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
72 The law of thy mouth is good to me, above thousands of gold and silver.
What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver. Yodh
73 JOD. Thy hands have made me and formed me: give me understanding, and I will learn thy commandments.
You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
74 They that fear thee shall see me, and shall be glad: because I have greatly hoped in thy words.
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 thy judgments are equity: and in thy truth thou hast humbled me.
Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.
76 O! let thy mercy be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: for thy law is my (meditation)
Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
78 Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in thy commandments.
Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
79 Let them that fear thee turn to me and they that know thy testimonies.
Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
80 Let my heart be undefiled in thy justifications, that I may not be confounded.
May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed. Kaph
81 CAPH. My soul hath fainted after thy salvation: and in thy word I have very much hoped.
I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
82 My eyes have failed for thy word, saying: When wilt thou comfort me?
I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I am become like a bottle in the frost: I have not forgotten thy justifications.
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 are the days of thy servant: when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
85 The wicked have told me fables: but not as thy law.
These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
86 All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me.
All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth: but I have not forsaken thy commandments.
They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
88 Quicken thou me according to thy mercy: and I shall keep the testimonies of thy 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 LAMED. For ever, O Lord, thy word standeth firm in heaven.
Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90 Thy truth unto all generations: thou hast founded the earth, and it continueth.
Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
91 By thy ordinance the day goeth on: for all things serve thee.
Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
92 Unless thy law had been my (meditation) I had then perhaps perished in my abjection.
If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
93 Thy justifications I will never forget: for by them thou hast given me life.
I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
94 I am thine, save thou me: for I have sought thy justifications.
I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood thy 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 an end to all persecution: thy commandment is exceeding broad.
I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless. Mem
97 MEM. O how have I loved thy law, O Lord! it is my meditation all the day.
I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98 Through thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than my enemies: for it is ever with me.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
99 I have understood more than all my teachers: because thy 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 have had understanding above ancients: because I have sought thy commandments.
I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way: that I may keep thy words.
I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
102 I have not declined from thy judgments, because thou hast set me a law.
I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
103 How sweet are thy words to my palate! more than honey to my mouth.
Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 By thy commandments I have had understanding: therefore have I hated every way of iniquity.
I gain understanding from what you say, so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Nun
105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths.
Your word is a lamp that shows me where to walk, it's a light for my path.
106 I have sworn and am determined to keep the judgments of thy justice.
I've made a promise, and I will keep it: I will keep your rules that are always right!
107 I have been humbled, O Lord, exceedingly: quicken thou me according to thy word.
Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
108 The free offerings of my mouth make acceptable, O Lord: and teach me thy judgments.
Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
109 My soul is continually in my hands: and I have not forgotten thy law.
My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
110 Sinners have laid a snare for me: but I have not erred from thy precepts.
Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
111 I have purchased thy testimonies for an inheritance for ever: because they are a joy to 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 do thy justifications for ever, for the reward.
I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end. Samekh
113 SAMECH. I have hated the unjust: and have loved thy law.
I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
114 Thou art my helper and my protector: and in thy word I have greatly hoped.
You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
115 Depart from me, ye malignant: and I will search the commandments of my God.
Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to thy word, and I shall live: and let me not be confounded in my expectation.
Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
117 Help me, and I shall be saved: and I will meditate always on thy justifications.
Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
118 Thou hast despised all them that fall off from thy judgments; for their thought is unjust.
You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
119 I have accounted all the sinners of the earth prevaricators: therefore have I loved thy testimonies.
You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
120 Pierce thou my flesh with thy fear: for I am afraid of thy judgments.
I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments! Ayin
121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice: give me not up to them that slander me.
I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
122 Uphold thy servant unto good: let not the proud calumniate me.
Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
123 My eyes have fainted after thy salvation: and for the word of thy justice.
I strain my eyes looking for your salvation, watching for you to fulfill your promise to make everything good.
124 Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy: and teach me thy justifications.
Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
125 I am thy servant: give me understanding that I may know thy testimonies.
I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
126 It is time, O Lord, to do: they have dissipated thy law.
Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
127 Therefore have I loved thy commandments above gold and the topaz.
This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
128 Therefore was I directed to all thy commandments: I have hated all wicked ways.
All of your rules are right in every way, and so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Pe
129 PHE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul hath sought them.
Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
130 The declaration of thy words giveth light: and giveth understanding to little ones.
Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
131 I opened my mouth and panted: because I longed for thy commandments.
With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
132 Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love thy name.
Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
133 Direct my steps according to thy word: and let no iniquity have dominion 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 calumnies of men: that I may keep thy commandments.
Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: and teach me thy justifications.
Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
136 My eyes have sent forth springs of water: because they have not kept thy law.
My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
137 SADE. Thou art just, O Lord: and thy judgment is right.
Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
138 Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies: and thy truth exceedingly.
You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
139 My zeal hath made me pine away: because my enemies forgot thy words.
My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Thy word is exceedingly refined: and thy servant hath loved it.
Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
141 I am very young and despised; but I forgot not thy justifications.
I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
142 Thy justice is justice for ever: and thy law is the truth.
Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me: thy commandments are my (meditation)
When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
144 Thy testimonies are justice for ever: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live. Qoph
145 COPH. I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O Lord: I will seek thy justifications.
My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
146 I cried unto thee, save me: that I may keep thy commandments.
I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
147 I prevented the dawning of the day, and cried: because in thy words I very much hoped.
I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes to thee have prevented the morning: that I might meditate on thy words.
During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
149 Hear thou my voice, O Lord, according to thy mercy: and quicken me according to thy mercy.
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 They that persecute me have drawn nigh to iniquity; but they are gone far off from the law.
Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
151 Thou art near, O Lord: and all thy ways are truth.
But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
152 I have known from the beginning concerning thy testimonies: that thou hast founded them for ever.
Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever. Resh
153 RES. See my humiliation and deliver me: for I have not forgotten the law.
Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Judge my judgment and redeem me: quicken thou me for thy word’s sake.
Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
155 Salvation is far from sinners; because they have not sought thy justifications.
Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
156 Many, O Lord, are thy mercies: quicken me according to thy judgment.
Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
157 Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me; but I have not declined from thy testimonies.
Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
158 I beheld the transgressors, and I pined away; because they kept not thy word.
Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
159 Behold I have loved thy commandments, O Lord; quicken me thou in thy mercy.
See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
160 The beginning of thy words is truth: all the judgments of thy justice are for ever.
Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever. Shin
161 SIN. Princes have persecuted me without cause: and my heart hath been in awe of thy words.
Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
162 I will rejoice at thy words, as one that hath found great spoil.
Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
163 I have hated and abhorred iniquity; but I have loved thy law.
I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day I have given praise to thee, for the judgments of thy justice.
I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
165 Much peace have they that love thy law, and to them there is no stumbling block.
Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
166 I looked to thy salvation, O Lord: and I loved thy commandments.
Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies: and hath loved them exceedingly.
I obey your laws and love them very much.
168 I have kept thy commandments and thy testimonies: because all my ways are in thy sight.
I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do. Taw
169 TAU. Let my supplication, O Lord, come near in thy sight: give me understanding according to thy word.
Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
170 Let my request come in before thee; deliver thou me according to thy word.
Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
171 My lips shall utter a hymn, when thou shalt teach me thy justifications.
Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
172 My tongue shall pronounce thy word: because all thy commandments are justice.
I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
173 Let thy hand be with me to save me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my (meditation)
I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
175 My soul shall live and shall praise thee: and thy judgments shall help me.
May I live my life in praise to you, and may your instructions help me.
176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: seek thy servant, because I have not forgotten thy commandments.
I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
