< Psalms 119 >
1 Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
You have commanded us to keep your precepts diligently.
5 May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
O that my ways were directed to keep your 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 to all your commandments.
7 I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
I will praise you with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned your righteous judgments.
8 I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me! Beth
I will keep your statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
9 How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to your word.
10 I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
With my whole heart have I sought you: O let me not wander from your commandments.
11 I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
Blessed are you, O LORD: teach me your statutes.
13 I repeat out loud your instructions.
With my lips have I declared all the judgments of your mouth.
14 I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
I will meditate in your precepts, and have respect to your ways.
16 I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say. Gimel
I will delight myself in your statutes: I will not forget your word.
17 Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live, and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
Open you my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your 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 earth: hide not your commandments from me.
20 I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
My soul breaks for the longing that it has to your judgments at all times.
21 You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
You have rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from your commandments.
22 Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept your 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 speak against me: but your servant did meditate in your statutes.
24 Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
Your testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
25 I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
My soul sticks to the dust: quicken you me according to your word.
26 I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
I have declared my ways, and you heard me: teach me your 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 your precepts: so shall I talk of your wondrous works.
28 I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
My soul melts for heaviness: strengthen you me according to your word.
29 Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me your law graciously.
30 I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
I have chosen the way of truth: your judgments have I laid before me.
31 I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
I have stuck to your testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
32 I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind! He
I will run the way of your commandments, when you shall enlarge my heart.
33 Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I shall keep it to the end.
34 Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; yes, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
Make me to go in the path of your commandments; for therein do I delight.
36 Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken you me in your way.
38 Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
Establish your word to your servant, who is devoted to your fear.
39 Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
Turn away my reproach which I fear: for your 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 your precepts: quicken me in your righteousness.
41 Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
Let your mercies come also to me, O LORD, even your salvation, according to your word.
42 Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
So shall I have with which to answer him that reproaches me: for I trust in your 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; for I have hoped in your judgments.
44 I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
So shall I keep your 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 seek your precepts.
46 I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
I will speak of your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47 I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
And I will delight myself in your 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
My hands also will I lift up to your commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in your statutes.
49 Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
Remember the word to your servant, on which you have caused me to hope.
50 This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
This is my comfort in my affliction: for your word has quickened me.
51 Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from your law.
52 I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
I remembered your judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
53 I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
Horror has taken hold on me because of the wicked that forsake your law.
54 Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
Your 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 your name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept your law.
56 For this is how I live my life—by following your principles. Heth
This I had, because I kept your precepts.
57 Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
You are my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep your words.
58 My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
I entreated your favor with my whole heart: be merciful to me according to your word.
59 As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to your testimonies.
60 I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
I made haste, and delayed not to keep your commandments.
61 Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten your law.
62 I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you because of your righteous judgments.
63 I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
I am a companion of all them that fear you, and of them that keep your precepts.
64 Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do. Teth
The earth, O LORD, is full of your mercy: teach me your statutes.
65 Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word.
66 Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed your 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 have I kept your word.
68 Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
You are good, and do good; teach me your statutes.
69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep your precepts with my whole heart.
70 They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in your 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 your statutes.
72 What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver. Yodh
The law of your mouth is better to 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.
Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
They that fear you will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in your 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, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have afflicted me.
76 May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
Let, I pray you, your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.
77 Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live: for your 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 dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in your precepts.
79 Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
Let those that fear you turn to me, and those that have known your 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 sound in your statutes; that I be not ashamed.
81 I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
My soul faints for your salvation: but I hope in your word.
82 I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
My eyes fail for your word, saying, When will you 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; yet do I not forget your statutes.
84 How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
How many are the days of your servant? when will you 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 dig pits for me, which are not after your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
All your commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help you me.
87 They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
They had almost consumed me on earth; but I forsook not your 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 after your loving kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of your mouth.
89 Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
For ever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
Your faithfulness is to all generations: you have established the earth, and it stays.
91 Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
They continue this day according to your ordinances: for all are your servants.
92 If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
Unless your law had been my delights, I should then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
I will never forget your precepts: for with them you have quickened me.
94 I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
I am yours, save me: for I have sought your 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 waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider your testimonies.
96 I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless. Mem
I have seen an end of all perfection: but your commandment is exceeding broad.
97 I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
O how I love your 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.
You through your commandments have made me wiser than my 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 your testimonies are my (meditation)
100 I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your 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 way, that I might keep your word.
102 I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
I have not departed from your judgments: for you have taught me.
103 Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
How sweet are your words to my taste! yes, sweeter 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
Through your precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp that shows me where to walk, it's a light for my path.
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to 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 your righteous judgments.
107 Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according to your word.
108 Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
Accept, I beseech you, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me your judgments.
109 My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget your 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: yet I erred not from your precepts.
111 I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
Your testimonies have I taken as an 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 your statutes always, even to the end.
113 I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
I hate vain thoughts: but your law do I love.
114 You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
You are my hiding place and my shield: I hope in your word.
115 Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
Depart from me, you evildoers: for I will keep 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 your 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 you me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect to your statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
You have trodden down all them that err from your 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.
You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love your testimonies.
120 I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments! Ayin
My flesh trembles for fear of you; and I am afraid of your judgments.
121 I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to my oppressors.
122 Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
Be surety for your 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.
My eyes fail for your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness.
124 Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
Deal with your servant according to your mercy, and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
126 Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
It is time for you, LORD, to work: for they have made void your law.
127 This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
Therefore I love your commandments above gold; yes, 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 esteem all your precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129 Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
Your testimonies are wonderful: therefore does my soul keep them.
130 Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
131 With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for your commandments.
132 Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
Look you on me, and be merciful to me, as you use to do to those that love your name.
133 Tell me by your word the way I should go, and don't let any kind of evil control me.
Order my steps in your 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: so will I keep your precepts.
135 Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
Make your face to shine on your servant; and teach me your statutes.
136 My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
Rivers of waters run down my eyes, because they keep not your law.
137 Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
Righteous are you, O LORD, and upright are your judgments.
138 You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
Your testimonies that you have commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139 My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten your words.
140 Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
Your word is very pure: therefore your servant loves it.
141 I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
I am small and despised: yet do not I forget your precepts.
142 Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth.
143 When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet your 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 your testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
145 My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep your statutes.
146 I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
I cried to you; save me, and I shall keep your testimonies.
147 I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in your word.
148 During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
My eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in your 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 your loving kindness: O LORD, quicken me according to your judgment.
150 Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
They draw near that follow after mischief: they are far from your law.
151 But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
You are near, O LORD; and all your commandments are truth.
152 Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever. Resh
Concerning your testimonies, I have known of old that you have founded them for ever.
153 Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
Consider my affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to your 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 your statutes.
156 Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
Great are your tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to your judgments.
157 Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
Many are my persecutors and my enemies; yet do I not decline from your testimonies.
158 Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not your word.
159 See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
Consider how I love your precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to your loving kindness.
160 Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever. Shin
Your word is true from the beginning: and every one of your righteous judgments endures for ever.
161 Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart stands in awe of your word.
162 Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
I rejoice at your word, as one that finds great spoil.
163 I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
I hate and abhor lying: but your law do I love.
164 I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
Seven times a day do I praise you because of your righteous judgments.
165 Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them.
166 Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
LORD, I have hoped for your salvation, and done your commandments.
167 I obey your laws and love them very much.
My soul has kept your testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do. Taw
I have kept your precepts and your testimonies: for all my ways are before you.
169 Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
Let my cry come near before you, O LORD: give me understanding according to your word.
170 Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
Let my supplication come before you: deliver me according to your word.
171 Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
My lips shall utter praise, when you have taught me your statutes.
172 I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
My tongue shall speak of your word: for all your commandments are righteousness.
173 Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
Let your hand help me; for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
I have longed for your salvation, O LORD; and your 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 you; and let your 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 your servant; for I do not forget your commandments.