Psalms 119
1 ALEPH. Happy are they whose way is perfect, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
2 Happy are they who keep his testimonies, that seek him with all their heart.
Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
3 They also commit no injustice; in his ways do they walk.
They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
4 Thou thyself hast commanded us thy precepts, that we might keep [them] diligently.
You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
5 Oh that my ways were firmly directed to observe thy statutes!
May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
6 Then would I not be made ashamed, while I look at all thy commandments.
Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
7 I will thank thee with uprightness of heart, when I learn thy righteous ordinances.
I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
8 Thy statutes will I observe: oh forsake me not too greatly.
I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me!
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a youth keep his way pure? by guarding it according to thy word.
Beth How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
10 With all my heart have I sought thee: oh let me not wander astray from thy commandments.
I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
11 In my heart have I treasured up thy saying, in order that I may not sin against thee.
I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
13 With my lips have I related all the ordinances of thy mouth.
I repeat out loud your instructions.
14 On the way of thy testimonies have I been glad, as over all wealth.
I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
15 On thy precepts will I meditate, and direct my look unto thy paths.
I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
16 In thy statutes will I seek my delight: I will not forget thy word.
I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say.
17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant: let me live, that I may observe thy word.
Gimel Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
18 Open thou my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
19 A stranger am I on the earth: hide not from me thy commandments.
I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
20 My soul is broken from longing for thy ordinances at all times.
I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
21 Thou hast rebuked the accursed proud, who go erringly astray from thy commandments.
You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
22 Roll away from me reproach and contempt; for thy testimonies have I kept.
Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
23 Although even princes should sit and speak against me, thy servant would still meditate on thy statutes.
Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
24 Also thy testimonies are my delight, my counsellors.
Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: revive thou me according to thy word.
I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
26 My ways do I relate [to thee], and thou answerest me: teach me thy statutes.
I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
27 Cause me to understand the way of thy precepts, that I may meditate on thy wonders.
Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
28 My soul droppeth away from grief: sustain me according to thy word.
I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
29 The way of falsehood do thou remove from me, and grant me graciously thy law.
Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
30 The way of truth have I chosen: thy ordinances have I set [before me].
I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
31 I have adhered unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.
I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
32 The way of thy commandments will I run; for thou wilt enlarge my heart.
I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind!
33 HE. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it in all its windings.
He Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law, and I will observe it with all [my] heart.
Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
35 Guide me on the path of thy commandments; for therein do I find my 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 desire for gain.
Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
37 Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity: on thy way do thou give me life.
Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
38 Fulfill unto thy servant thy promise for those who are devoted to thy fear.
Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
39 Cause to pass away my disgrace of which I have dread; for thy ordinances are good.
Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: through thy righteousness do thou give my life.
I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right.
41 VAV. And let thy kindness come unto me, O Lord, thy salvation, according to thy promise.
Waw Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
42 Then shall I have a word to answer the one 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 snatch not the word of truth out of my mouth too greatly; for I wait for thy ordinances.
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 observe thy law continually for ever and ever.
I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
45 And I will walk in an open space; for thy precepts have I sought.
I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
46 And I will speak of thy testimonies 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 love.
I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
48 And so will I lift up my hands unto thy commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on thy statutes.
I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say.
49 ZAYIN. Remember thy word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to wait.
Zayin Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that thy promise hath revived me.
This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
51 The presumptuous have held me too greatly in derision: yet have I not departed away from thy law.
Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
52 I remembered thy decrees [which were] from olden times, O Lord, and thus comforted myself.
I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
53 Horror seized on me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
54 Songs have thy statutes been unto me in the house of my pilgrimage.
Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
55 I remembered in the night thy name, O Lord, and observed thy law.
At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
56 This came to pass unto me, because I had kept thy precepts.
For this is how I live my life—by following your principles.
57 CHETH. My portion is the Lord, have I said, that I might observe thy words.
Heth Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
58 I make entreaty before thee with all my heart: be gracious unto me according to thy promise.
My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
59 I have thought over my ways, and made my feet return unto thy testimonies.
As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
60 I hastened, and delayed not to observe thy commandments.
I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
61 Companies of wicked men have surrounded 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 midnights do I constantly rise to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous decrees.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
63 An associate am I unto all that fear thee, and unto those that keep thy precepts.
I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
64 Of thy kindness, O Lord, is the earth full: teach me thy statutes.
Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do.
65 TETH. Thou hast shown goodness on thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word.
Teth Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
66 The best of discernment and knowledge do thou teach me; for in thy commandments do I believe.
Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
67 Before I was afflicted I was in error; but now I observe thy saying.
Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
68 Thou art good, and doing good: teach me thy statutes.
Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
69 The presumptuous have invented falsehoods against me; but I will with all my heart indeed keep thy precepts.
Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
70 Gross as fat is their heart; but I take truly delight in thy law.
They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
71 It is well for me that I have been afflicted, in order 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 Better is unto me the law of thy mouth than thousands of gold and silver.
What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver.
73 YOD. Thy hands have made me and established me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
Yodh You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
74 Those that fear thee will see me and be rejoiced; because I have waited for 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 Lord, that thy decrees are righteous, and that in faithfulness thou 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 kindness come to comfort me, according to thy promise unto thy servant.
May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
77 Let thy 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 presumptuous be made ashamed; because they have without a cause dealt perversely with me; but I will indeed meditate on 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 return unto me, and those that know thy testimonies.
Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
80 Let my heart be entire in thy statutes, in order that I may not be put to shame.
May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed.
81 CAPH. My soul ardently desireth for thy salvation: for thy word do I wait.
Kaph I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
82 My eyes look eagerly for thy promise, 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 bottle 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 justice on my persecutors?
How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
85 The presumptuous have dug pits for me, which is not in accordance with 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 founded on truth: without cause they persecute me; help thou me.
All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
87 But little was wanting that they had consumed me upon earth; but I have truly not forsaken thy precepts.
They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
88 According to thy kindness give me life, that I may observe 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.
89 LAMED. To eternity, O Lord, standeth firm thy word with the heavens.
Lamedh Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90 Unto all generations endureth thy faithfulness: thou hast established the earth, and she standeth.
Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
91 According to thy ordinances they exist this day: 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 long since have been lost in my affliction.
If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
93 Never will I forget thy precepts; for with them thou hast kept me alive.
I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
94 Thine am I, save me; for thy precepts have I sought.
I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
95 Wicked men have waited for me to destroy me; [but] I will reflect on thy testimonies.
Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
96 Of all perfection have I seen the end; [but] thy commandment is exceedingly extended.
I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless.
97 MEM. Oh how do I love thy law! all the day is it my (meditation)
Mem I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98 Wiser than my enemy doth thy commandment make me; for it is perpetually with me.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
99 Above all my teachers have I obtained intelligence; 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 More than the elders do I possess understanding; because thy precepts do I keep.
I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
101 From every evil path have I withholden my feet, in order that I might observe thy word.
I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
102 From thy ordinances have I not departed; for thou hast instructed me.
I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
103 How much sweeter are to my palate thy sayings than honey to my mouth!
Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 Through thy precepts shall I obtain understanding: therefore do I hate every path of falsehood.
I gain understanding from what you say, so I hate any way of life that's just a lie.
105 NUN. A lamp unto my feet is thy word, and a light unto my path.
Nun 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, to observe thy righteous ordinances.
I've made a promise, and I will keep it: I will keep your rules that are always right!
107 I am afflicted exceedingly much: O Lord, revive me, according to thy word.
Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
108 Receive in favor the freewill-offerings of my mouth, I beseech thee, O Lord, and teach me thy ordinances.
Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
109 My life is in my hand continually: yet thy law do I not forget.
My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet have I not erred from thy precepts.
Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
111 I have taken thy testimonies as a heritage to eternity; for they are the joy of my heart.
I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes always, in all their ways.
I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end.
113 SAMECH. Those of divided thoughts I hate; but thy law do I love.
Samekh I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
114 My shelter and my shield art thou: for thy word do I wait.
You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of God.
Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to thy promise, that I may live, and let me not be made ashamed of my hope.
Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
117 Support me that I may be placed in safety, and I will direct my regard unto thy statutes continually.
Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
118 Thou hast trodden down all that erringly stray from thy statutes; for falsehood is their deceit.
You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
119 Like dross dost thou put away all the wicked of the earth: therefore do 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 shudderingly from dread of thee, and of thy decrees am I afraid.
I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments!
121 'AYIN. I have executed justice and righteousness: leave me not to those who oppress me.
Ayin I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
122 Protect thy servant for good: let not the presumptuous oppress me.
Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
123 My eyes look eagerly for thy salvation, and for thy righteous promise.
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 to thy kindness, and thy statutes do thou teach me.
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 to act for the Lord: they have broken thy law.
Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
127 Therefore do I love thy commandments more than gold, and more than fine gold.
This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
128 Therefore do I esteem all thy precepts in all things as right: every path of falsehood do I hate.
All of your rules are right in every way, and so I hate any way of life that's just a lie.
129 PE. Wonderful are thy testimonies: therefore doth my soul keep them.
Pe Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
130 The opening 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 breath; because for thy commandments did I long.
With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
132 Turn thou unto me, and be gracious unto me, as is thy wont 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 My steps establish thou through thy promise, and suffer not any wrong to 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, and I will observe thy precepts.
Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
135 Let thy face shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes.
Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
136 Streams of water have run down my eyes; because they had not observed thy law.
My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law.
137 TZADDE. Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy decrees.
Tsadhe Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
138 Thou hast commanded thy testimonies, as righteous and faithful exceedingly.
You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
139 My zeal destroyeth me; because my assailants have forgotten thy words.
My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Thy promise is greatly refined, and thy servant loveth it.
Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
141 I am little and despised: yet thy precepts have I not forgotten.
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 Distress and trouble have overtaken me: [yet] are thy commandments my delights.
When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
144 Righteous are thy testimonies for everlasting: give me understanding, that I may live.
Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live.
145 KOPH. I have called with all my heart: answer me, O Lord: thy statutes will I keep.
Qoph My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
146 I have called on thee, save me, and I will observe thy testimonies.
I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
147 I come before thee in the dawn of morning, and cry: for thy word do I wait.
I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes are awake before the night-watches, that I may meditate in thy saying.
During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
149 Hear my voice according to thy kindness: O Lord, according to thy decree do thou grant me life.
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 that pursue mischievous devices draw nigh: from thy law are they far.
Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
151 Near art thou, O Lord; and all thy commandments are the truth.
But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
152 Of old already I knew of thy testimonies; because for eternity hast thou founded them.
Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever.
153 RESH. Look on my affliction, and release me; for thy law have I not forgotten.
Resh Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: according to thy promise do thou revive me.
Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
155 Far from the wicked is salvation; because thy statutes have they not sought for.
Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
156 Thy mercies are abundant, O Lord; according to thy decrees do thou revive me.
Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
157 Many are my persecutors and my assailants: yet from thy testimonies do I not turn away.
Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
158 I beheld the treacherous, and felt disgust; because they observed not thy saying.
Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
159 Behold that I love thy precepts: O Lord, according to thy kindness do thou revive me.
See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
160 The summit of thy word is truth: and the whole of thy righteous judgment endureth for ever.
Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever.
161 SHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause; but of thy word standeth my heart in dread.
Shin Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
162 I am rejoiced over thy promise, as one that findeth great spoil.
Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
163 Falsehood I hate and abhor: but thy law do I love.
I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
164 Seven times in the day do I praise thee because of thy righteous decrees.
I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
165 Abundant peace have they who love thy law; and thee is nothing that causeth them to stumble.
Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
166 I have hoped for thy salvation, O Lord, and thy commandments have I fulfilled.
Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
167 My soul hath observed thy testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.
I obey your laws and love them very much.
168 I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; because all my ways are before thee.
I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do.
169 TAV. Let my entreaty come near before thee, O Lord: according to thy word grant me understanding.
Taw Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
170 Let my supplication come before thee: according to thy promise do thou deliver me.
Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
171 My lips shall utter praise; because thou wilt teach me thy statutes.
Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
172 My tongue shall speak loudly of thy promise; for all thy commandments are righteous.
I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
173 Let thy hand be [ready] to help me; for thy precepts have I chosen.
Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delights.
I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee: and let thy decrees help me.
May I live my life in praise to you, and may your instructions help me.
176 I have gone erringly astray like a lost sheep: seek thy servant; for thy commandments have I not forgotten.
I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
