< Psalms 119 >
1 ALEPH. Happy are they whose way is perfect, who walk in the law of the Lord.
(Yahweh is pleased with/Happy are) those about whom no one can say truthfully that they have done things that are wrong, those who always obey the laws of Yahweh.
2 Happy are they who keep his testimonies, that seek him with all their heart.
Yahweh is pleased with those who (obey his requirements/do what he has instructed them to do), those who request him with their entire inner beings to help them [to do that].
3 They also commit no injustice; in his ways do they walk.
They do not do things that are wrong; they behave like Yahweh wants them to.
4 Thou thyself hast commanded us thy precepts, that we might keep [them] diligently.
Yahweh, you have given [us] (your principles of behavior/all the things that you have declared that we should do), [and you told us] to obey them carefully.
5 Oh that my ways were firmly directed to observe thy statutes!
I desire that I will faithfully/always obey all (your statutes/that you have said that [we] should do).
6 Then would I not be made ashamed, while I look at all thy commandments.
If I continually (heed/pay attention to) all (your commands/that you have commanded), I will not be disgraced/ashamed.
7 I will thank thee with uprightness of heart, when I learn thy righteous ordinances.
When I learn [all of] (your regulations/the rules that you have given [to us)], I will praise you with a pure inner being [IDM].
8 Thy statutes will I observe: oh forsake me not too greatly.
I will obey all (your statutes/that you have decreed that [we] should do); do not desert/abandon me!
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a youth keep his way pure? by guarding it according to thy word.
[I know] [RHQ] how a youth can (keep his life pure/avoid sinning); it is by obeying what you have told us to do.
10 With all my heart have I sought thee: oh let me not wander astray from thy commandments.
I try to serve you with my entire inner being; do not allow me to (wander away from obeying/disobey) (your commands/what you have commanded).
11 In my heart have I treasured up thy saying, in order that I may not sin against thee.
I have (memorized/stored in my mind) [many of] (your words/what you have promised) in order that I will not sin against you.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
Yahweh, I praise you; teach me (your statutes/what you have declared).
13 With my lips have I related all the ordinances of thy mouth.
I [MTY] tell others (the regulations/the rules that you have given [to us)].
14 On the way of thy testimonies have I been glad, as over all wealth.
I like to obey (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do)]; I enjoy that more than being very rich.
15 On thy precepts will I meditate, and direct my look unto thy paths.
I will (study/think about) (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and I will pay attention to what you have showed [me].
16 In thy statutes will I seek my delight: I will not forget thy word.
I will be happy [to obey] (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do), and I will not forget your words.
17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant: let me live, that I may observe thy word.
Do good things for me, who serve you, in order that I may continue to live and obey (your words/what you have told us to do) during all my life.
18 Open thou my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Open my mind in order that I may know the wonderful things that [are written] in your laws.
19 A stranger am I on the earth: hide not from me thy commandments.
I am living [here] on the earth for only a short time; (do not prevent me from [understanding]/help me to understand) [LIT] (your commands/what you have commanded).
20 My soul is broken from longing for thy ordinances at all times.
In my inner being I strongly desire to know (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) all the time.
21 Thou hast rebuked the accursed proud, who go erringly astray from thy commandments.
You rebuke those who are proud; cursed are those who disobey (your commands/what you have commanded).
22 Roll away from me reproach and contempt; for thy testimonies have I kept.
Do not allow them to continue to insult and scorn me; [I request this] because I have obeyed what you have instructed us to do.
23 Although even princes should sit and speak against me, thy servant would still meditate on thy statutes.
Rulers gather together and plan ways to harm me, but I will (meditate on/study) (your statutes/what you have decreed).
24 Also thy testimonies are my delight, my counsellors.
I am delighted with (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do)]; [it is as though] they are my advisors.
25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: revive thou me according to thy word.
[I think that] I will soon die [IDM]; revive/heal me, as you have told me that you would.
26 My ways do I relate [to thee], and thou answerest me: teach me thy statutes.
When I told you about my behavior, you answered me; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
27 Cause me to understand the way of thy precepts, that I may meditate on thy wonders.
Help me to understand (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and [then] I will (meditate on/think about) the wonderful things that you [have done].
28 My soul droppeth away from grief: sustain me according to thy word.
I am very sad/sorrowful [IDM], with the result that I have no strength; enable me to be strong [again], like you promised me that you would do.
29 The way of falsehood do thou remove from me, and grant me graciously thy law.
Prevent me from doing what is wrong, and be kind to me by teaching me your laws.
30 The way of truth have I chosen: thy ordinances have I set [before me].
I have decided that I will faithfully/always [obey you]; I have (paid attention to/heeded) (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
31 I have adhered unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.
Yahweh, I try to carefully hold fast to what you have instructed [us to do]; do not [abandon me, with the result that] I would become disgraced.
32 The way of thy commandments will I run; for thou wilt enlarge my heart.
I will eagerly obey [IDM] (your commands/what you have commanded), because you have enabled me to understand more [what you want me to do].
33 HE. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it in all its windings.
Yahweh, teach me the meaning of (your statutes/the things that you have decreed that we should do), and [then] I will obey them, every one of them.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law, and I will observe it with all [my] heart.
Help me to understand your laws in order that I may obey them with all my inner being.
35 Guide me on the path of thy commandments; for therein do I find my delight.
I am happy with (your commands/what you have commanded), so (lead me along the paths/enable me to walk on the road) that you [have chosen for me].
36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to desire for gain.
Cause me to want to obey your rules and not to want to become rich.
37 Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity: on thy way do thou give me life.
Do not allow me to look at things that are worthless, and allow me to continue to live, like you promised that you would do.
38 Fulfill unto thy servant thy promise for those who are devoted to thy fear.
[Because] I serve you, do what you promised to do for me, which is what you also promise to do for [all] those who revere you.
39 Cause to pass away my disgrace of which I have dread; for thy ordinances are good.
[People] insult me; protect me from those insults, [because] I hate them. The (regulations/rules that you have given [to us]) are [very] good!
40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: through thy righteousness do thou give my life.
I very much desire [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do); because you are righteous, allow me to continue to live (OR, be good to me).
41 VAV. And let thy kindness come unto me, O Lord, thy salvation, according to thy promise.
Yahweh, show me that you faithfully love me, and rescue/save me, like you have said/promised that you would.
42 Then shall I have a word to answer the one that reproacheth me; for I trust in thy word.
After you do that, I will be able to reply to those who insult me, because I trust in (your word/what you have promised that you would do).
43 And snatch not the word of truth out of my mouth too greatly; for I wait for thy ordinances.
Always enable me to [LIT] speak your truth, because I have confidence in (your regulations/the rules that you have given us).
44 So shall I observe thy law continually for ever and ever.
I will always obey your laws, forever.
45 And I will walk in an open space; for thy precepts have I sought.
I will be free [from (affliction/my enemies’ attacks)], because I have tried [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
46 And I will speak of thy testimonies before kings, and will not be ashamed.
I will tell to kings (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do); and [because I did not abandon you], those kings will not cause me to be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I love.
I am delighted to [obey] (your commands/what you have commanded), and 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 respect/revere [IDM] (your commands/what you have commanded), and I love them, and I will (meditate on/think about) (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
49 ZAYIN. Remember thy word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to wait.
Do not forget what you said/promised to do for me, who serve you, [because] what you have said has caused me to confidently expect [good things from you].
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that thy promise hath revived me.
When I have been suffering, you comforted me; you did what you promised me, and that [PRS] revived me.
51 The presumptuous have held me too greatly in derision: yet have I not departed away from thy law.
Proud people are always making fun of me, but I do not (turn away from/stop) [obeying] your laws.
52 I remembered thy decrees [which were] from olden times, O Lord, and thus comforted myself.
Yahweh, when I think about (your regulations/the rules) that you gave to us long ago, I am comforted/encouraged.
53 Horror seized on me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
When [I see that] wicked people have disregarded your laws, I become very angry.
54 Songs have thy statutes been unto me in the house of my pilgrimage.
While I have been living here for a short time on the earth, I have written songs about (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
55 I remembered in the night thy name, O Lord, and observed thy law.
Yahweh, during the night I think about you [MTY], and [so] I obey your laws.
56 This came to pass unto me, because I had kept thy precepts.
What I have always done is to obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
57 CHETH. My portion is the Lord, have I said, that I might observe thy words.
Yahweh, you are the one whom I have chosen, and I promise to (obey your words/do what you have told us to do).
58 I make entreaty before thee with all my heart: be gracious unto me according to thy promise.
With all my inner being I plead with you to be good to me; be kind to me, like you promised/said that you would do.
59 I have thought over my ways, and made my feet return unto thy testimonies.
I have thought about my behavior, and I [have decided to] return to [obeying] (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
60 I hastened, and delayed not to observe thy commandments.
I hurry to obey (your commands/what you have commanded); I do not delay [at all].
61 Companies of wicked men have surrounded me; but I have not forgotten thy law.
Wicked people have [tried to] seize me, [like a hunter tries to catch an animal] with a net [MET], but I do not forget your laws.
62 At midnights do I constantly rise to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous decrees.
In the middle of the night I wake up, and I praise you for (your commands/the rules that you have given us to do); they are fair/just.
63 An associate am I unto all that fear thee, and unto those that keep thy precepts.
I am a friend of all those who revere you, those who obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
64 Of thy kindness, O Lord, is the earth full: teach me thy statutes.
Yahweh, you faithfully/always love [people] all over the earth; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
65 TETH. Thou hast shown goodness on thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word.
Yahweh, you have done good things for me, like you promised/said that you would do.
66 The best of discernment and knowledge do thou teach me; for in thy commandments do I believe.
Teach me to think carefully before I decide what to do, and [teach me other things that I need to] know, because I believe [that it is good for us to obey] (your commands/what you have commanded).
67 Before I was afflicted I was in error; but now I observe thy saying.
Before you afflicted/punished me, I did things that were wrong, but now I obey (your words/what you have told us to do).
68 Thou art good, and doing good: teach me thy statutes.
You are [very] good, and what you do is good; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
69 The presumptuous have invented falsehoods against me; but I will with all my heart indeed keep thy precepts.
Proud people have told many lies about me, but [the truth is that] with all my inner being I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
70 Gross as fat is their heart; but I take truly delight in thy law.
Those proud people (are stupid/do not understand your laws) [IDM], but [as for me], I am delighted with your laws.
71 It is well for me that I have been afflicted, in order that I might learn thy statutes.
It was good for me that [you] afflicted/punished me, because the result was that I learned (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
72 Better is unto me the law of thy mouth than thousands of gold and silver.
The laws that you [MTY] gave/told [to us] are [worth] more to me than gold, more than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
73 YOD. Thy hands have made me and established me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
You created me and formed my body (OR, kept me safe); help me to be wise in order that I may learn (your commands/what you have commanded).
74 Those that fear thee will see me and be rejoiced; because I have waited for thy word.
Those who have an awesome respect for you will see [what you have done for] me, and they will rejoice, because [they will see that] I have trusted in (your words/what you told us).
75 I know, O Lord, that thy decrees are righteous, and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.
Yahweh, I know that (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) are right/fair and that you have afflicted/punished me because you faithfully do [what you have promised].
76 Let, I pray thee, thy kindness come to comfort me, according to thy promise unto thy servant.
Cause me to be comforted/encouraged by [knowing that] you faithfully love [me], like you said to me that you would do.
77 Let thy mercies come unto me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight.
Be merciful to me in order that I may [continue to] live, because I am delighted with your laws.
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.
Cause the proud people who falsely accuse me to be ashamed, [but] as for me, I will [continue] (meditating on/thinking about) (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
79 Let those that fear thee return unto me, and those that know thy testimonies.
Cause those who revere you to come [back] to me in order that they may (OR, specifically, those who) know (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do]).
80 Let my heart be entire in thy statutes, in order that I may not be put to shame.
Enable me to perfectly [obey] (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do) in order that I may not be ashamed [because of not doing that].
81 CAPH. My soul ardently desireth for thy salvation: for thy word do I wait.
I am very tired/exhausted while I wait for you to save [me from my enemies]; [but] I confidently expect that you will tell [me what you will do].
82 My eyes look eagerly for thy promise, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
My eyes are tired from waiting a long time for you to do what you promised/said that you would do, and I ask, “When will you help/encourage me?”
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke: [yet] do I not forget thy statutes.
I have become [as useless as] [MET] a wineskin that is [shriveled from hanging a long time] in the smoke [inside a house], but I have not forgotten (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute justice on my persecutors?
How long must I wait? When will you punish those who (persecute/cause trouble for) me?
85 The presumptuous have dug pits for me, which is not in accordance with thy law.
[It is as though] proud people have dug deep pits for me [to fall into], people who do not obey your laws.
86 All thy commandments are founded on truth: without cause they persecute me; help thou me.
All (your commands are/what you have commanded is) trustworthy; [but] people are (persecuting/causing trouble for) me by telling lies [about me, so please] help me!
87 But little was wanting that they had consumed me upon earth; but I have truly not forsaken thy precepts.
Those people have almost killed me, but I have not stopped [obeying] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
88 According to thy kindness give me life, that I may observe the testimony of thy mouth.
Because you faithfully love [me], allow me [to continue] to live in order that I may [continue to] obey (your rules/what you have instructed [us to do]).
89 LAMED. To eternity, O Lord, standeth firm thy word with the heavens.
Yahweh, your words will last forever; they will last as long as heaven lasts.
90 Unto all generations endureth thy faithfulness: thou hast established the earth, and she standeth.
You will faithfully [continue doing] ([for people who are not yet born/in every generation]) what you have (promised/said that you would do); you have put the earth in its place, and it remains firmly [there].
91 According to thy ordinances they exist this day: for all are thy servants.
To this day, [all things on the earth] remain because you decided that they should remain; everything [on the earth] serves you.
92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should long since have been lost in my affliction.
If I had not been delighted [in obeying] your laws, I would have died because of what I was suffering.
93 Never will I forget thy precepts; for with them thou hast kept me alive.
I will never forget (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), because as a result of [my obeying them] you have enabled me to [continue to] live.
94 Thine am I, save me; for thy precepts have I sought.
I belong to you; save/rescue me [from my enemies], because I have tried to obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
95 Wicked men have waited for me to destroy me; [but] I will reflect on thy testimonies.
Wicked [men] are waiting to kill me, but I [will] think about what you have instructed [us to do].
96 Of all perfection have I seen the end; [but] thy commandment is exceedingly extended.
I have learned that there is a limit/end for everything, but what you command (has no limits/never ends).
97 MEM. Oh how do I love thy law! all the day is it my (meditation)
I love your laws very much. I (meditate on/think about) them all during the day.
98 Wiser than my enemy doth thy commandment make me; for it is perpetually with me.
Because I know (your commands/what you have commanded), and because I think about them all the time, I have become wiser than my enemies.
99 Above all my teachers have I obtained intelligence; for thy testimonies are my (meditation)
I understand more than my teachers do, because I (meditate on/think about) (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
100 More than the elders do I possess understanding; because thy precepts do I keep.
I understand more than [many] old people do, because I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
101 From every evil path have I withholden my feet, in order that I might observe thy word.
I have avoided all evil behavior in order that I may obey (your words/what you have told us to do).
102 From thy ordinances have I not departed; for thou hast instructed me.
I have not (turned away from/quit) [obeying] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us), because you have taught me [while I have studied them].
103 How much sweeter are to my palate thy sayings than honey to my mouth!
[When I read] your words, they are like [MET] sweet things that I taste/eat, [yes], they are even sweeter than honey.
104 Through thy precepts shall I obtain understanding: therefore do I hate every path of falsehood.
Because [I have learned] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), I am able to understand [many things]; therefore, I hate all evil things [that some people do].
105 NUN. A lamp unto my feet is thy word, and a light unto my path.
Your words are [like] [MET] a lamp to guide me; they are [like] a light [MET] to show me the path [that I should walk on].
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, to observe thy righteous ordinances.
I have solemnly promised, and I am solemnly promising it again, that I will [always] obey your (regulations/rules that you have given to us), and they are [all] fair/just.
107 I am afflicted exceedingly much: O Lord, revive me, according to thy word.
Yahweh, I am suffering very much; cause me to be strong/healthy [again], as you have promised to do.
108 Receive in favor the freewill-offerings of my mouth, I beseech thee, O Lord, and teach me thy ordinances.
Yahweh, when I thank you while I pray, it is [like] [MET] a sacrifice to you; [please] accept it, and teach me your (regulations/rules that you have given to us).
109 My life is in my hand continually: yet thy law do I not forget.
[My enemies are] often trying to kill me [IDM], but I do not forget your laws.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet have I not erred from thy precepts.
Wicked [people] have tried to seize me [like a hunter tries to catch an animal] with a trap [MET], but I have not disobeyed (your principles of behavior/what you declared that we should do).
111 I have taken thy testimonies as a heritage to eternity; for they are the joy of my heart.
(Your requirements/What you have instructed us to do) are my possession forever; because of them [PRS], I am joyful.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes always, in all their ways.
I (have decided/am determined) [IDM] to obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do) until the day that I die [MTY].
113 SAMECH. Those of divided thoughts I hate; but thy law do I love.
I hate people who are [only] partly committed to you, but I love your laws.
114 My shelter and my shield art thou: for thy word do I wait.
You are [like] a place where I can hide [from my enemies], and you are [like] a shield [MET] [behind which I am protected from them], and I trust in your promises.
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of God.
You evil people, stay away from me in order than I may obey (my God’s commands/what my God has commanded)!
116 Uphold me according to thy promise, that I may live, and let me not be made ashamed of my hope.
Enable me to be strong, as you promised/said that you would do, in order that I may [continue to] live. I am confidently expecting [that you will restore me]; (do not disappoint me/do not allow me to be disappointed).
117 Support me that I may be placed in safety, and I will direct my regard unto thy statutes continually.
Hold me up, in order that I will be safe and always (pay attention to/heed) (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
118 Thou hast trodden down all that erringly stray from thy statutes; for falsehood is their deceit.
You reject all those who disobey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do); but what they deceitfully plan to do will be (useless/in vain).
119 Like dross dost thou put away all the wicked of the earth: therefore do I love thy testimonies.
You get rid of all the wicked [people] on the earth like [SIM] [people throw away] trash; therefore I love what you have instructed us to do.
120 My flesh trembleth shudderingly from dread of thee, and of thy decrees am I afraid.
I [SYN] tremble because I am afraid of you; I am afraid [because you punish those who do not obey] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
121 'AYIN. I have executed justice and righteousness: leave me not to those who oppress me.
[But] I have done what is right and fair/just; [so] do not allow people to oppress/mistreat me.
122 Protect thy servant for good: let not the presumptuous oppress me.
Promise me that you will do good things for me and do not allow proud [people] to oppress me.
123 My eyes look eagerly for thy salvation, and for thy righteous promise.
My eyes are tired from waiting a long time for you to rescue [me], for you to save [me] like you promised/said that you would.
124 Deal with thy servant according to thy kindness, and thy statutes do thou teach me.
Do something for me to show that you faithfully love [me], and teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
125 I am thy servant: give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
I am one who serves you; enable me to understand [what you want me to know] in order that I will know (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
126 It is time to act for the Lord: they have broken thy law.
Yahweh, now is the time for you to [punish people] because they have disobeyed your laws.
127 Therefore do I love thy commandments more than gold, and more than fine gold.
Truly, I love (your commands/what you have commanded) more than I love gold; I love them more than I love [very] pure gold.
128 Therefore do I esteem all thy precepts in all things as right: every path of falsehood do I hate.
So I conduct my life by (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and I hate all the evil things that [some people do].
129 PE. Wonderful are thy testimonies: therefore doth my soul keep them.
(Your requirements are/All the things that you have instructed us to do are) wonderful, so I obey them with all my inner being.
130 The opening of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding unto the simple.
When someone explains (your words/what you have said), [it is as though] they are lighting a light; what they say causes [even] people who have not learned your laws to be wise.
131 I opened my mouth, and panted for breath; because for thy commandments did I long.
I eagerly desire to know (your commands/what you have commanded), like [SIM] a [dog] that pants with its mouth open [wanting to be fed].
132 Turn thou unto me, and be gracious unto me, as is thy wont unto those that love thy name.
Listen to me and act kindly to me, like you do to [all] those who love you [MTY].
133 My steps establish thou through thy promise, and suffer not any wrong to have dominion over me.
Guide me as you promised/said that you would do and help me not to fall/sin; do not allow evil [people] to control what I do.
134 Deliver me from the oppression of man, and I will observe thy precepts.
Rescue/Save me from those who oppress me in order that I may obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
135 Let thy face shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes.
Be kind to me and teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
136 Streams of water have run down my eyes; because they had not observed thy law.
I cry very much because [many] people do not obey your laws.
137 TZADDE. Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy decrees.
Yahweh, you are righteous and (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) are just/fair.
138 Thou hast commanded thy testimonies, as righteous and faithful exceedingly.
(Your requirements/All the things that you have instructed us to do) are true and are all very right and fair.
139 My zeal destroyeth me; because my assailants have forgotten thy words.
I am (furious/very angry) because my enemies disregard (your words/what you have told us to do).
140 Thy promise is greatly refined, and thy servant loveth it.
(Your promises are/All the things that you have said that you will do are) dependable and I love them.
141 I am little and despised: yet thy precepts have I not forgotten.
I am not important and people despise me, but I do not forget (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
You are righteous and you will be righteous forever, and your laws will never be changed.
143 Distress and trouble have overtaken me: [yet] are thy commandments my delights.
I [constantly] have troubles/difficulties and I am worried, but (your commands cause/what you have commanded causes) me to be happy.
144 Righteous are thy testimonies for everlasting: give me understanding, that I may live.
(Your requirements are/All the things that you have instructed us to do are) always fair; help me to understand them in order that I may [continue to] live.
145 KOPH. I have called with all my heart: answer me, O Lord: thy statutes will I keep.
Yahweh, with all my inner being I call out to you; answer me and I will obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
146 I have called on thee, save me, and I will observe thy testimonies.
I call out to you; save/rescue me in order that I [can continue to] obey [all] (your requirements/the things that you have instructed us to do).
147 I come before thee in the dawn of morning, and cry: for thy word do I wait.
[Each morning] I arise before dawn and call to you to help me; I confidently expect you to do what you have (promised/said that you will do).
148 My eyes are awake before the night-watches, that I may meditate in thy saying.
All during the night I am awake, and I (meditate on/think about) what you have (promised/said that you would do).
149 Hear my voice according to thy kindness: O Lord, according to thy decree do thou grant me life.
Yahweh, because you faithfully love me, listen to me [while I pray], and keep me safe because of [my obeying] (your regulations/what you have told us to do).
150 They that pursue mischievous devices draw nigh: from thy law are they far.
Those evil people who oppress/persecute me are coming closer to me; they do not pay any attention to your laws.
151 Near art thou, O Lord; and all thy commandments are the truth.
But Yahweh, you are near to me, and [I know that] (your commands/what you command) will never be changed.
152 Of old already I knew of thy testimonies; because for eternity hast thou founded them.
Long ago I found out about (your requirements/all the things that you have instructed us to do), and [I know that] you intended them to last forever.
153 RESH. Look on my affliction, and release me; for thy law have I not forgotten.
Look at me and see that I am suffering [very much], and heal me, because I do not forget your laws.
154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: according to thy promise do thou revive me.
Defend me [when others accuse me], and rescue me [from them]; allow me to [continue to] live, as you promised/said that you would.
155 Far from the wicked is salvation; because thy statutes have they not sought for.
Wicked [people] do not obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do), so you will certainly not save them.
156 Thy mercies are abundant, O Lord; according to thy decrees do thou revive me.
Yahweh, you are very merciful; allow me to [continue to] live because of [my obeying] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
157 Many are my persecutors and my assailants: yet from thy testimonies do I not turn away.
Many [people] are my enemies and [many people] (cause me to suffer/persecute me), but I (do not turn aside from/have not stopped obeying) [LIT] (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
158 I beheld the treacherous, and felt disgust; because they observed not thy saying.
When I look at those who are not faithful to you, I am disgusted because they do not obey (your requirements/what you have instructed [us] to do).
159 Behold that I love thy precepts: O Lord, according to thy kindness do thou revive me.
[Yahweh], notice that I love (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do); because you faithfully love [me], allow me to [continue to] live.
160 The summit of thy word is truth: and the whole of thy righteous judgment endureth for ever.
All that you have said is truth, and all (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) will endure forever.
161 SHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause; but of thy word standeth my heart in dread.
Rulers persecute me for no reason, but in my inner being I revere (your words/what you have said).
162 I am rejoiced over thy promise, as one that findeth great spoil.
I am happy about (your words/what you have promised [to do for me)], as happy as someone who has found a great treasure.
163 Falsehood I hate and abhor: but thy law do I love.
I thoroughly hate [DOU] [all] lies but I love your laws.
164 Seven times in the day do I praise thee because of thy righteous decrees.
Seven/Many times each day I thank you for (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us), and they are [all] just/fair.
165 Abundant peace have they who love thy law; and thee is nothing that causeth them to stumble.
Things go well for those who love your laws; there is nothing adverse/bad that will happen to them.
166 I have hoped for thy salvation, O Lord, and thy commandments have I fulfilled.
Yahweh, I confidently expect that you will rescue me [from my troubles], and I obey (your commands/what you have commanded us).
167 My soul hath observed thy testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.
I obey (what you require/what you have instructed) us to do; I love it [all] very much.
168 I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; because all my ways are before thee.
I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and you see everything that I do.
169 TAV. Let my entreaty come near before thee, O Lord: according to thy word grant me understanding.
Yahweh, listen while I pray [for you to help me]; help me to understand [(your words/what you have told us to do)].
170 Let my supplication come before thee: according to thy promise do thou deliver me.
Hear me while I pray and rescue/save me as you promised/said that you would.
171 My lips shall utter praise; because thou wilt teach me thy statutes.
I [MTY] will always praise you because you teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
172 My tongue shall speak loudly of thy promise; for all thy commandments are righteous.
I will sing about (your words/what you have promised to do) because (all your commands are/everything that you have commanded is) just/fair.
173 Let thy hand be [ready] to help me; for thy precepts have I chosen.
I ask you [SYN] to [always] be ready to help me because I have chosen [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delights.
Yahweh, I eagerly desire for you to rescue/save me [from my enemies]; I am delighted with your laws.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee: and let thy decrees help me.
Allow me to [continue to] live in order that I can [continue to] praise you, and that your regulations/rules [that you have given to us] will continue to 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 from you] like [SIM] a sheep that has become lost; search for me, because I have not forgotten (your commands/what you have commanded us).