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