Psalms 119
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
2 Blessed are they 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 You have commanded us to keep your precepts diligently.
You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep your 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 your commandments.
Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
7 I will praise you with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned your righteous judgments.
I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
8 I will keep your 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 your word.
How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
10 With my whole heart have I sought you: O let me not wander from your commandments.
I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
11 Your word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against you.
I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD: teach me your statutes.
Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of your mouth.
I repeat out loud your instructions.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
15 I will meditate in your precepts, and have respect unto your ways.
I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight myself in your statutes: I will not forget your word.
I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say. Gimel
17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live, and keep your word.
Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
18 Open you mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not your commandments from me.
I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
20 My soul breaks for the longing that it has unto your judgments at all times.
I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
21 You have rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do go astray from your 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 your 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 your servant did meditate in your statutes.
Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
25 My soul cleaves unto the dust: you restore life in me according to your word.
I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
26 I have declared my ways, and you heard me: teach me your 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 your precepts: so shall I talk of your wondrous works.
Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
28 My soul melts for heaviness: strengthen you me according unto your 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 your law graciously.
Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth: your 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 your testimonies: O LORD, 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 your commandments, when you shall enlarge my heart.
I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind! He
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your 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 your 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 your 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 your 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 you restore life in me in your way.
Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
38 Establish your word unto your servant, who is devoted to your 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 your judgments are good.
Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
40 Behold, I have longed after your precepts: restore life in me in your righteousness.
I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right. Waw
41 Let your mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even your salvation, according to your 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 reproaches me: for I trust in your 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 your 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 your 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 your precepts.
I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
46 I will speak of your 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 your commandments, which I have loved.
I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
48 My hands also will I lift up unto your commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in your 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 your servant, upon which you have 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 your word has 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 your law.
Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
52 I remembered your judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
53 Horror has taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake your law.
I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
54 Your 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 your name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept your 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 your precepts.
For this is how I live my life—by following your principles. Heth
57 You are my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep your words.
Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
58 I implored your favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to your 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 your testimonies.
As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep your commandments.
I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten your 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 you because of your 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 you, and of them that keep your precepts.
I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your mercy: teach me your statutes.
Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do. Teth
65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according unto your 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 your 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 your word.
Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
68 You are good, and do good; teach me your 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 your 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 your 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 your statutes.
The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
72 The law of your 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 Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
74 They that fear you will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in your word.
May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have 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 you, your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to your word unto your servant.
May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
77 Let your tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for your 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 your 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 you turn unto me, and those that have known your testimonies.
Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
80 Let my heart be sound in your 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 faints for your salvation: but I hope in your word.
I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
82 Mine eyes fail for your word, saying, When will you comfort me?
I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget your 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 your servant? when will you execute judgment on them that persecute me?
How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
85 The proud have dug pits for me, which are not after your law.
These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
86 All your commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help you 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 your precepts.
They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
88 Restore life in me after your loving kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of your 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 LORD, your word is settled in heaven.
Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness is unto all generations: you have established the earth, and it abides.
Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
91 They continue this day according to your ordinances: for all are your servants.
Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
92 Unless your 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 your precepts: for with them you have quickened me.
I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
94 I am yours, save me: for I have sought your 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 your 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 your commandment is exceeding broad.
I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless. Mem
97 O how I love your law! it is my meditation all the day.
I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98 You through your commandments have 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 your 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 your 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 your 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 your judgments: for you have taught me.
I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
103 How sweet are your 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 your 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 Your 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 your 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: restore life in me, O LORD, according unto your word.
Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
108 Accept, I plead to you, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me your 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 your 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 your precepts.
Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
111 Your 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 your statutes always, 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 your law do I love.
I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield: I hope in your word.
You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
115 Depart from me, all of you 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 your 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 you me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto your statutes continually.
Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
118 You have trodden down all them that go astray from your 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 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love your testimonies.
You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you; and I am afraid of your 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 justice: 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 guarantor for your 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 your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness.
I strain my eyes looking for your salvation, watching for you to fulfill your promise to make everything good.
124 Deal with your servant according unto your mercy, and teach me your statutes.
Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
126 It is time for you, LORD, to work: for they have made void your law.
Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
127 Therefore I love your 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 your 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 Your testimonies are wonderful: therefore does my soul keep them.
Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
130 The entrance of your words gives light; it gives 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 your commandments.
With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
132 Look you upon me, and be merciful unto me, as you use to do unto those that love your name.
Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
133 Order my steps in your 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 your precepts.
Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
135 Make your face to shine upon your servant; and teach me your 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 your law.
My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and upright are your judgments.
Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
138 Your testimonies that you have commanded are righteous and very faithful.
You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
139 My zeal has consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten your words.
My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your word is very pure: therefore your servant loves 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 your precepts.
I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your 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 your commandments are my delights.
When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
144 The righteousness of your 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 LORD: I will keep your statutes.
My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
146 I cried unto you; save me, and I shall keep your testimonies.
I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in your word.
I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in your word.
During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
149 Hear my voice according unto your loving kindness: O LORD, restore life in me according to your 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 your law.
Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
151 You are near, O LORD; and all your commandments are truth.
But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
152 Concerning your testimonies, I have known of old that you have 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 your law.
Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: restore life in me according to your word.
Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not your statutes.
Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
156 Great are your tender mercies, O LORD: restore life in me according to your 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 your 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 your word.
Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts: restore life in me, O LORD, according to your loving kindness.
See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
160 Your word is true from the beginning: and every one of your righteous judgments endures 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 stands in awe of your word.
Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
162 I rejoice at your word, as one that finds great spoil.
Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
163 I hate and detest lying: but your law do I love.
I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day do I praise you because of your righteous judgments.
I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
165 Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them.
Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
166 LORD, I have hoped for your salvation, and done your commandments.
Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
167 My soul has kept your testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
I obey your laws and love them very much.
168 I have kept your precepts and your testimonies: for all my ways are before you.
I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do. Taw
169 Let my cry come near before you, O LORD: give me understanding according to your word.
Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
170 Let my supplication come before you: deliver me according to your word.
Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
171 My lips shall utter praise, when you have taught me your statutes.
Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
172 My tongue shall speak of your word: for all your commandments are righteousness.
I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand help me; for I have chosen your precepts.
Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
174 I have longed for your salvation, O LORD; and your law is my delight.
I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise you; and let your 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 your servant; for I do not forget your commandments.
I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
