Psalms 119
1 Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
ALEPH. Blessed are the perfect in the way, who walk in the law of Jehovah.
2 Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
Blessed are they that observe his testimonies, that seek him with the whole heart;
3 They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
Who also do no unrighteousness: they walk in his ways.
4 You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
Thou hast enjoined thy precepts, to be kept diligently.
5 May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
Oh that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6 Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
I will give thee thanks with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8 I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me! Beth
I will keep thy statutes: forsake me not utterly.
9 How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his path? by taking heed according to thy word.
10 I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
With my whole heart have I sought thee: let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
Blessed art thou, Jehovah! teach me thy statutes.
13 I repeat out loud your instructions.
With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as [much as] in all wealth.
15 I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
I will meditate upon thy precepts, and have respect unto thy paths.
16 I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say. Gimel
I delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word.
17 Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant [and] I shall live; and I will keep thy word.
18 Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
Open mine eyes, and I shall behold wondrous things out of thy law.
19 I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
I am a stranger in the land; hide not thy commandments from me.
20 I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
My soul breaketh for longing after thy judgments at all times.
21 You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
Thou hast rebuked the proud [that are] cursed, who wander from thy commandments.
22 Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
Roll off from me reproach and contempt; for I observe thy testimonies.
23 Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
Princes also did sit [and] talk together against me: thy servant doth meditate in thy statutes.
24 Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
Thy testimonies also are my delight [and] my counsellors.
25 I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken me according to thy word.
26 I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
I have declared my ways, and thou hast answered me: teach me thy statutes.
27 Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts, and I will meditate upon thy wondrous works.
28 I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
My soul melteth for sadness: strengthen me according to thy word.
29 Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
Remove from me the way of falsehood, and graciously grant me thy law.
30 I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; thy judgments have I set [before me].
31 I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
I cleave unto thy testimonies; Jehovah, let me not be ashamed.
32 I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind! He
I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
33 Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
HE. Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes, and I will observe it [unto] the end.
34 Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
Give me understanding, and I will observe thy law; and I will keep it with [my] whole heart.
35 Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
Make me to walk in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36 Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to gain.
37 Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; quicken me in thy way.
38 Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
Establish thy word unto thy servant, who is [devoted] to thy fear.
39 Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
Turn away my reproach which I fear; for thy judgments are good.
40 I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right. Waw
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
41 Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
VAU. And let thy loving-kindness come unto me, O Jehovah, — thy salvation according to thy word.
42 Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me; for I confide in thy word.
43 Don't ever prevent me from being able to speak your words of truth, for I place my complete confidence in your just judgments.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; because I have hoped in thy judgments.
44 I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
Then will I keep thy law continually, for ever and ever;
45 I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
And I will walk at liberty, for I have sought thy precepts;
46 I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
And I will speak of thy testimonies before kings, and will not be ashamed;
47 I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved;
48 I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say. Zayin
And I will lift up my hands unto thy commandments, which I have loved, and I will meditate in thy statutes.
49 Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
ZAIN. Remember the word for thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50 This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
This is my comfort in mine affliction; for thy word hath quickened me.
51 Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
The proud have derided me beyond measure: I have not declined from thy law.
52 I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
I remembered thy judgments of old, O Jehovah, and have comforted myself.
53 I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
Burning indignation hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked who forsake thy law.
54 Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56 For this is how I live my life—by following your principles. Heth
This I have had, because I have observed thy precepts.
57 Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
CHETH. My portion, O Jehovah, I have said, is to keep thy words.
58 My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
I have sought thy favour with [my] whole heart: be gracious unto me according to thy word.
59 As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
I have thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60 I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
I have made haste, and not delayed, to keep thy commandments.
61 Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
The bands of the wicked have wrapped me round: I have not forgotten thy law.
62 I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
At midnight I rise up to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous judgments.
63 I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
I am the companion of all that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
64 Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do. Teth
The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy loving-kindness: teach me thy statutes.
65 Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Jehovah, according to thy word.
66 Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
Teach me good discernment and knowledge; for I have believed in thy commandments.
67 Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep thy word.
68 Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
The proud have forged falsehood against me: I will observe thy precepts with [my] whole heart.
70 They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
Their heart is as fat as grease: as for me, I delight in thy law.
71 The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.
72 What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver. Yodh
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
73 You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
YOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, and I will learn thy commandments.
74 May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
They that fear thee will see me, and rejoice; because I have hoped in thy word.
75 Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.
I know, Jehovah, that thy Judgments are righteousness, and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.
76 May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
Oh let thy loving-kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77 Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight.
78 Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
Let the proud be ashamed; for they have acted perversely towards me with falsehood: as for me, I meditate in thy precepts.
79 Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that know thy testimonies.
80 May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed. Kaph
Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, that I be not ashamed.
81 I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation; I hope in thy word.
82 I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83 I've become like a wineskin that's been shriveled up by smoke, but I have not forgotten to do as you say.
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; I do not forget thy statutes.
84 How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
How many shall be the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85 These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
The proud have digged pits for me, which is not according to thy law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
All thy commandments are faithfulness. They persecute me wrongfully: help thou me.
87 They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
They had almost consumed me upon the earth; but as for me, I forsook not thy precepts.
88 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
Quicken me according to thy loving-kindness, and I will keep the testimony of thy mouth.
89 Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
LAMED. For ever, O Jehovah, thy word is settled in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
Thy faithfulness is from generation to generation: thou hast established the earth, and it standeth.
91 Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
By thine ordinances they stand this day; for all things are thy servants.
92 If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93 I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
I will never forget thy precepts; for by them thou hast quickened me.
94 I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
95 Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
The wicked have awaited me to destroy me; [but] I attend unto thy testimonies.
96 I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless. Mem
I have seen an end of all perfection: thy commandment is exceeding broad.
97 I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
MEM. Oh how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; for they are ever with me.
99 In fact I have a better insight than all of my teachers because I spend time concentrating on what you say.
I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my (meditation)
100 I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
I understand more than the aged, because I have observed thy precepts.
101 I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
I have refrained my feet from every evil path, that I might keep thy word.
102 I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
I have not departed from thy judgments; for it is thou that hast taught me.
103 Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! more than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from what you say, so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Nun
From thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false path.
105 Your word is a lamp that shows me where to walk, it's a light for my path.
NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106 I've made a promise, and I will keep it: I will keep your rules that are always right!
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
I am afflicted very much; O Jehovah, quicken me according to thy word.
108 Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
Accept, I beseech thee, Jehovah, the voluntary-offerings of my mouth, and teach me thy judgments.
109 My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
My life is continually in my hand; but I do not forget thy law.
110 Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
The wicked have laid a snare for me; but I have not wandered from thy precepts.
111 I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end. Samekh
I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes for ever, unto the end.
113 I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
SAMECH. The double-minded have I hated; but thy law do I love.
114 You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115 Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
Depart from me, ye evil-doers; and I will observe the commandments of my God.
116 Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
Uphold me according to thy word, that I may live; and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe; and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
Thou hast set at nought all them that wander from thy statutes; for their deceit is falsehood.
119 You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth [like] dross; therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments! Ayin
My flesh shuddereth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
121 I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
122 Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
Be surety for thy servant for good; let not the proud oppress me.
123 I strain my eyes looking for your salvation, watching for you to fulfill your promise to make everything good.
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
124 Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
Deal with thy servant according to thy loving-kindness, and teach me thy statutes.
125 I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
I am thy servant; give me understanding that I may know thy testimonies.
126 Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
It is time for Jehovah to work: they have made void thy law.
127 This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold.
128 All of your rules are right in every way, and so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Pe
Therefore I regard all [thy] precepts concerning all things to be right: I hate every false path.
129 Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful; therefore doth my soul observe them.
130 Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
The entrance of thy words giveth light, giving understanding unto the simple.
131 With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
I opened my mouth wide and panted; for I longed for thy commandments.
132 Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
Turn unto me, and be gracious unto me, as thou art wont to do unto those that love thy name.
133 Tell me by your word the way I should go, and don't let any kind of evil control me.
Establish my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
Deliver me from the oppression of man; and I will keep thy precepts.
135 Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes.
136 My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
Mine eyes run down with streams of water, because they keep not thy law.
137 Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
TZADE. Righteous art thou, Jehovah, and upright are thy judgments.
138 You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness and exceeding faithfulness.
139 My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
My zeal destroyeth me, because mine oppressors have forgotten thy words.
140 Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
Thy word is exceeding pure, and thy servant loveth it.
141 I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
I am little and despised: thy precepts have I not forgotten.
142 Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is truth.
143 When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
Trouble and anguish have taken hold upon me: thy commandments are my delights.
144 Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live. Qoph
The righteousness of thy testimonies is for ever: give me understanding, and I shall live.
145 My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
KOPH. I have called with [my] whole heart; answer me, O Jehovah: I will observe thy statutes.
146 I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
I call upon thee; save me, and I will keep thy testimonies.
147 I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
I anticipate the morning-dawn and I cry: I hope in thy word.
148 During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
Mine eyes anticipate the night-watches, that I may meditate in thy word.
149 Listen to what I have to say, Lord, because of your trustworthy love. Keep me alive, Lord, because you always do what's right.
Hear my voice according to thy loving-kindness: O Jehovah, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150 Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
They have drawn nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
151 But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
Thou, Jehovah, art near, and all thy commandments are truth.
152 Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever. Resh
From thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
153 Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
RESH. See mine affliction, and deliver me; for I have not forgotten thy law.
154 Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
Plead my cause, and redeem me: quicken me according to thy word.
155 Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
Salvation is far from the wicked; for they seek not thy statutes.
156 Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
Many are thy tender mercies, O Jehovah; quicken me according to thy judgments.
157 Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
Many are my persecutors and mine oppressors; I have not declined from thy testimonies.
158 Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
I beheld them that deal treacherously, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159 See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
See how I have loved thy precepts: quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy loving-kindness.
160 Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever. Shin
The sum of thy word is truth, and every righteous judgment of thine is for ever.
161 Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
SHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause; but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162 Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
I have joy in thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
163 I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
I hate and abhor falsehood; thy law do I love.
164 I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
165 Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing doth stumble them.
166 Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, and have done thy commandments.
167 I obey your laws and love them very much.
My soul hath kept thy testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do. Taw
I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies; for all my ways are before thee.
169 Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, Jehovah: give me understanding according to thy word.
170 Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
171 Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
My lips shall pour forth praise when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172 I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
My tongue shall speak aloud of thy word; for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173 Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
Let thy hand be for my help; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah, and thy law is my delight.
175 May I live my life in praise to you, and may your instructions help me.
Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep: seek thy servant; for I have not forgotten thy commandments.
