Psalms 119
1 Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
[Aleph.] O the happiness of those perfect in the way, They are walking in the law of Jehovah,
2 Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
O the happiness of those keeping His testimonies, With the whole heart they seek Him.
3 They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
Yea, they have not done iniquity, In His ways they have walked.
4 You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
Thou hast commanded us Thy precepts to keep diligently,
5 May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
O that my ways were prepared to keep Thy statutes,
6 Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
Then I am not ashamed In my looking unto all Thy commands.
7 I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
I confess Thee with uprightness of heart, In my learning the judgments of Thy righteousness.
8 I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me! Beth
Thy statutes I keep, leave me not utterly!
9 How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
[Beth.] With what doth a young man purify his path? To observe — according to Thy word.
10 I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
With all my heart I have sought Thee, Let me not err from Thy commands.
11 I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
In my heart I have hid Thy saying, That I sin not before Thee.
12 Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
Blessed [art] Thou, O Jehovah, teach me Thy statutes.
13 I repeat out loud your instructions.
With my lips I have recounted All the judgments of Thy mouth.
14 I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
In the way of Thy testimonies I have joyed, As over all wealth.
15 I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
In Thy precepts I meditate, And I behold attentively Thy paths.
16 I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say. Gimel
In Thy statutes I delight myself, I do not forget Thy word.
17 Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
[Gimel.] Confer benefits on Thy servant, I live, and I keep Thy word.
18 Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
Uncover mine eyes, and I behold wonders out of Thy law.
19 I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
A sojourner I [am] on earth, Hide not from me Thy commands.
20 I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
Broken hath my soul for desire Unto 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 cursed proud, Who are erring from Thy commands.
22 Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
Remove from me reproach and contempt, For Thy testimonies I have kept.
23 Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
Princes also sat — against me they spoke, Thy servant doth meditate in Thy statutes,
24 Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
Thy testimonies also [are] my delight, The men of my counsel!
25 I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
[Daleth.] Cleaved to the dust hath my soul, Quicken me according to Thy word.
26 I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
My ways I have recounted, And Thou answerest me, teach me Thy statutes,
27 Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
The way of Thy precepts cause me to understand, And I meditate in Thy wonders.
28 I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
My soul hath dropped from affliction, Establish me according to Thy word.
29 Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
The way of falsehood turn aside from me And with Thy law favour me.
30 I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
The way of faithfulness I have chosen, Thy judgments I have compared,
31 I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
I have adhered to Thy testimonies, O Jehovah, put me not to shame.
32 I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind! He
The way of Thy commands I run, For Thou dost enlarge my heart!
33 Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
[He.] Show me, O Jehovah, the way of Thy statutes, And I keep it — [to] the end.
34 Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
Cause me to understand, and I keep Thy law, And observe it with the whole heart.
35 Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
Cause me to tread in the path of Thy commands, For in it I have delighted.
36 Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, And not unto dishonest gain.
37 Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
Remove mine eyes from seeing vanity, In Thy way quicken Thou me.
38 Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
Establish to Thy servant Thy saying, That [is] concerning Thy fear.
39 Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
Remove my reproach that I have feared, 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
Lo, I have longed for Thy precepts, In Thy righteousness quicken Thou me,
41 Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
[Waw.] And meet me doth Thy kindness, O Jehovah, Thy salvation according to Thy saying.
42 Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
And I answer him who is reproaching me a word, For I have trusted 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 Thou takest not utterly away From my mouth the word of truth, Because for Thy judgment I have hoped.
44 I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
And I keep Thy law continually, To the age and for ever.
45 I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
And I walk habitually in a broad place, For Thy precepts I have sought.
46 I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
And I speak of Thy testimonies before kings, And I am not ashamed.
47 I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
And I delight myself in Thy commands, That 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 lift up my hands unto Thy commands, That I have loved, And I do meditate on Thy statutes!
49 Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
[Zain.] Remember the word to Thy servant, On 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, That Thy saying hath quickened me.
51 Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
The proud have utterly scorned me, From Thy law I have not turned aside.
52 I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Jehovah, And I comfort myself.
53 I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
Horror hath seized me, Because of the wicked forsaking Thy law.
54 Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
Songs have been to me Thy statutes, In the house of my sojournings.
55 At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
I have remembered in the night Thy name, O Jehovah, And I do keep Thy law.
56 For this is how I live my life—by following your principles. Heth
This hath been to me, That Thy precepts I have kept!
57 Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
[Cheth.] My portion [is] Jehovah; I have said — to keep Thy words,
58 My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
I appeased Thy face with the whole heart, Favour me according to Thy saying.
59 As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
I have reckoned my ways, And turn back my feet unto Thy testimonies.
60 I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
I have made haste, And delayed not, to keep Thy commands.
61 Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
Cords of the wicked have surrounded me, Thy law I have not forgotten.
62 I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
At midnight I rise to give thanks to Thee, For the judgments of Thy righteousness.
63 I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
A companion I [am] to all who fear Thee, And to those keeping Thy precepts.
64 Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do. Teth
Of Thy kindness, O Jehovah, the earth is full, Thy statutes teach Thou me!
65 Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
[Teth.] Good Thou didst with Thy servant, O Jehovah, According to Thy word.
66 Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
The goodness of reason and knowledge teach me, For in Thy commands I have believed.
67 Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
Before I am afflicted, I — I am erring, And now Thy saying I have kept.
68 Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
Good Thou [art], and doing good, Teach me Thy statutes.
69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
Forged against me falsehood have the proud, I with the whole heart keep Thy precepts.
70 They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
Insensate as fat hath been their heart, I — in Thy law I have delighted.
71 The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
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
Better to me [is] the law of Thy mouth 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 made me and establish me, Cause me to understand, and I learn Thy commands.
74 May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
Those fearing Thee see me and rejoice, Because for Thy word I have hoped.
75 Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.
I have known, O Jehovah, That righteous [are] Thy judgments, And [in] faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me.
76 May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
Let, I pray Thee, Thy kindness be to comfort me, According to Thy saying to Thy servant.
77 Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
Meet me do Thy mercies, and I 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.
Ashamed are the proud, For [with] falsehood they dealt perversely with me. I meditate in Thy precepts.
79 Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
Those fearing Thee turn back to me, And those knowing Thy testimonies.
80 May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed. Kaph
My heart is perfect in Thy statutes, So that I am not ashamed.
81 I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
[Kaph.] Consumed for Thy salvation hath been my soul, For Thy word I have hoped.
82 I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
Consumed have been mine eyes for Thy word, Saying, 'When doth it 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 have been as a bottle in smoke, Thy statutes I have not forgotten.
84 How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
How many [are] the days of Thy servant? When dost Thou execute Against my pursuers judgment?
85 These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
The proud have digged for me pits, That [are] not according to Thy law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
All Thy commands [are] faithfulness, [With] falsehood they have pursued me, Help Thou me.
87 They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
Almost consumed me on earth have they, And I — I have not forsaken 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
According to Thy kindness quicken Thou me, And I keep the testimony of Thy mouth!
89 Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
[Lamed.] To the age, O Jehovah, Thy word is set up in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
To all generations Thy faithfulness, Thou didst establish earth, and it standeth.
91 Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
According to Thine ordinances They have stood this day, for the whole [are] Thy servants.
92 If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
Unless Thy law [were] my delights, Then had I perished in mine affliction.
93 I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
To the age I forget not 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 Thou me, For Thy precepts I have sought.
95 Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
Thy wicked waited for me to destroy me, Thy testimonies I understand.
96 I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless. Mem
Of all perfection I have seen an end, Broad [is] Thy command — exceedingly!
97 I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
[Mem.] O how I have loved Thy law! All the day it [is] my (meditation)
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
Than mine enemies Thy command maketh me wiser, For it [is] before me to the age.
99 In fact I have a better insight than all of my teachers because I spend time concentrating on what you say.
Above all my teachers I have acted wisely. For Thy testimonies [are] my (meditation)
100 I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
Above elders I understand more, For Thy precepts I have kept.
101 I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
From every evil path I restrained my feet, So that I keep Thy word.
102 I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
From Thy judgments I turned not aside, For Thou — Thou hast directed me.
103 Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
How sweet to my palate hath been Thy saying, Above 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 have understanding, Therefore I have hated every false path!
105 Your word is a lamp that shows me where to walk, it's a light for my path.
[Nun.] A lamp to my foot [is] Thy word, 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 confirm [it], To keep the judgments of Thy righteousness.
107 Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
I have been 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.
Free-will-offerings of my mouth, Accept, I pray Thee, O Jehovah, And Thy judgments teach Thou me.
109 My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
My soul [is] in my hand continually, And Thy law I have not forgotten.
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, And from thy precepts I wandered not.
111 I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
I have inherited Thy testimonies to the age, For the joy of my heart [are] they.
112 I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end. Samekh
I have inclined my heart To do Thy statutes, to the age — [to] the end!
113 I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
[Samech.] Doubting ones I have hated, And Thy law I have loved.
114 You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
My hiding place and my shield [art] Thou, For Thy word I have hoped.
115 Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
Turn aside from me, ye evil-doers, And I keep the commands of my God.
116 Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
Sustain me according to Thy saying, And I live, and Thou puttest me not to shame Because of my hope.
117 Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
Support Thou me, and I am saved, And I look on Thy statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
Thou hast trodden down All going astray from Thy statutes, For falsehood [is] their deceit.
119 You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
Dross! Thou hast caused to cease All the wicked of the earth; Therefore I have loved Thy testimonies.
120 I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments! Ayin
Trembled from Thy fear hath my flesh, And from Thy judgments I have been afraid!
121 I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
[Ain.] I have done judgment and righteousness, 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.
Make sure 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 have been consumed for Thy salvation. And for the saying of Thy righteousness.
124 Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
Do with Thy servant according to Thy kindness. And Thy statutes teach Thou me.
125 I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
Thy servant [am] I — cause me to understand, And I know Thy testimonies.
126 Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
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 have loved Thy commands Above gold — even 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 all my appointments I have declared wholly right, Every path of falsehood I have hated!
129 Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
[Pe.] Wonderful [are] Thy testimonies, Therefore hath my soul kept them.
130 Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
The opening of Thy words enlighteneth, Instructing the simple.
131 With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
My mouth I have opened, yea, I pant, For, for Thy commands I have longed.
132 Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
Look unto me, and favour me, As customary to those loving Thy name.
133 Tell me by your word the way I should go, and don't let any kind of evil control me.
My steps establish by Thy saying, And any iniquity doth not rule over me.
134 Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
Ransom me from the oppression of man, And I observe Thy precepts,
135 Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
Thy face cause to shine on Thy servant, And teach me Thy statutes.
136 My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
Rivulets of waters have come down mine eyes, Because they have not kept Thy law!
137 Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
[Tzade.] Righteous [art] Thou, O Jehovah, And upright [are] Thy judgments.
138 You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
Thou hast appointed Thy testimonies, Righteous and exceeding faithful,
139 My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
Cut me off hath my zeal, For mine adversaries forgot Thy words.
140 Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
Tried [is] thy saying exceedingly, And Thy servant hath loved it.
141 I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
Small I [am], and despised, Thy precepts I have not forgotten.
142 Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
Thy righteousness [is] righteousness to the age, And Thy law [is] truth.
143 When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
Adversity and distress have found me, Thy commands [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] to Cause me to understand, and I live!
145 My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
[Koph.] I have called with the whole heart, Answer me, O Jehovah, Thy statutes I keep,
146 I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
I have called Thee, save Thou me, And I do keep Thy testimonies.
147 I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
I have gone forward in the dawn, and I cry, For Thy word I have hoped.
148 During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
Mine eyes have gone before the watches, To meditate in Thy saying.
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.
My voice hear, according to Thy kindness, Jehovah, according to Thy judgment quicken me.
150 Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
Near have been my wicked pursuers, From Thy law they have been far off.
151 But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
Near [art] Thou, O Jehovah, And all Thy commands [are] truth.
152 Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever. Resh
Of old I have known Thy testimonies, That to the age Thou hast founded them!
153 Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
[Resh.] See my affliction, and deliver Thou me, For Thy law I have not forgotten.
154 Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
Plead my plea, and redeem me, According to Thy saying quicken me.
155 Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
Far from the wicked [is] salvation, For Thy statutes they have not sought.
156 Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
Thy mercies [are] many, O Jehovah, According to Thy judgments quicken me.
157 Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
Many [are] my pursuers, and adversaries, From Thy testimonies I have not turned aside.
158 Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
I have seen treacherous ones, And grieve myself, Because Thy saying they have not kept.
159 See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
See, for thy precepts I have loved, Jehovah, According to Thy kindness quicken me.
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 to the age [is] every judgment of Thy righteousness!
161 Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
[Shin.] Princes have pursued me without cause, And because of Thy words was my heart afraid.
162 Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
I do rejoice concerning Thy saying, As one finding abundant spoil.
163 I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
Falsehood I have hated, yea I abominate [it], Thy law I have loved.
164 I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
Seven [times] in a day I have praised Thee, Because of the judgments of Thy righteousness.
165 Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
Abundant peace have those loving Thy law, And they have no stumbling-block.
166 Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
I have waited for Thy salvation, O Jehovah, And Thy commands I have done.
167 I obey your laws and love them very much.
Kept hath my soul Thy testimonies, And I do 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.
[Taw.] My loud cry cometh near before Thee, O Jehovah; According to Thy word cause me to understand.
170 Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
My supplication cometh in before Thee, According to Thy saying deliver Thou me.
171 Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
My lips do utter praise, For Thou dost teach me Thy statutes.
172 I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
My tongue doth sing of Thy saying, For all Thy commands [are] righteous.
173 Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
Thy hand is for a help to me, For Thy commands I have chosen.
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.
My soul liveth, and it doth praise Thee, And Thy judgments do 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 wandered as a lost sheep, seek Thy servant, For Thy precepts I have not forgotten!
