Psalms 119
1 ALEPH. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
2 Blessed are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart.
Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
3 Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways.
They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.
You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
5 Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes.
May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
6 Then I wouldn't be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.
Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
7 I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.
I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
8 I will observe your statutes. Do not utterly forsake me.
I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me!
9 BET. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
Beth How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
10 With my whole heart, I have sought you. Do not let me wander from your commandments.
I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
11 In my heart I have hidden your word, 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, LORD. Teach me your statutes.
Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
13 With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances 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 on your precepts, and consider 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.
17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
Gimel Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your Law.
Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on the earth. Do not hide 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 is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
21 You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
22 Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.
Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
23 Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
24 Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.
Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
25 DALET. My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word.
I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
26 I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes.
I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts. Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word.
I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your Law graciously.
Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.
I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
31 I cling to your statutes, LORD. Do not let me be disappointed.
I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
32 I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.
I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind!
33 HEY Teach me, LORD, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.
He Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your Law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
35 Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.
Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.
Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.
Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.
Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
39 Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
40 Look, I long for your precepts. Revive me in your righteousness.
I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right.
41 WAW. Let your loving kindness also come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your word.
Waw Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word.
Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
43 Do not snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your 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 I will obey your Law continually, forever and ever.
I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
45 I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
46 I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed.
I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
47 I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them.
I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
48 I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.
I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say.
49 ZAYIN. Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.
Zayin Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.
This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
51 The arrogant mock me excessively, but I do not swerve from your Law.
Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
52 I remember your ordinances of old, LORD, and have comforted myself.
I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
53 Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who 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 where I live.
Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
55 I have remembered your name, LORD, in the night, and I obey your Law.
At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
56 This is my way, that I keep your precepts.
For this is how I live my life—by following your principles.
57 HET. The LORD is my portion. I promised to obey your words.
Heth Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
58 I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.
My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
59 I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.
As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
60 I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.
I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
61 The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won't forget 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 to you, because of your righteous ordinances.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
63 I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.
I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
64 The earth is full of your loving kindness, LORD. Teach me your statutes.
Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do.
65 TET. Do good to your servant, according to your word, LORD.
Teth Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in 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 I observe 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 smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
70 Their heart is as callous as the fat, 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 may learn your statutes.
The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
72 The Law you have spoken is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver.
73 YOD Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
Yodh You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.
May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
75 LORD, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.
76 Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.
May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
77 Let your tender mercies come to 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 disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.
Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes.
Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
80 Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed.
May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed.
81 KAPH. My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.
Kaph I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
82 My eyes fail for your word. I say, "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 have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I do 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 those who persecute me?
How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
85 The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your Law.
These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
86 All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me.
All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
87 They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I did not forsake your precepts.
They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
88 Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes 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.
89 LAMED. LORD, your word is settled in heaven forever.
Lamedh Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.
Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
91 Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.
Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
92 Unless your Law had been my delight, I would have perished in my 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 revived 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. I will consider your statutes.
Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless.
I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless.
97 MEM. How I love your Law. It is my meditation all day.
Mem I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always 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 aged, because I have kept your precepts.
I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe 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 turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me.
I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
103 How sweet are your promises to my taste, more 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.
105 NUN. Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for 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 have confirmed it, that I will obey your 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 very much. Revive me, LORD, according to your word.
Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
108 Please accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, LORD, and teach me your ordinances.
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 I won't 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 haven't gone astray from your precepts.
Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, 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 set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end.
I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end.
113 SAMEKH. I hate double-minded men, but I love your Law.
Samekh 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, you evildoers, that I may 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 to your word, that I may live. 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 me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.
Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
118 You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.
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. I am afraid of your judgments.
I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments!
121 AYIN. I have done what is just and righteous. Do not leave me to my oppressors.
Ayin I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
122 Ensure your servant's well-being. Do not let the proud oppress me.
Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
123 My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.
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 to your loving kindness. 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 to act, LORD, for they break your Law.
Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.
This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
128 Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. 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.
129 PEY. Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them.
Pe Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
130 The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.
With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
132 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
133 Establish my footsteps in your word. Do not let 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 Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts.
Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
135 Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.
Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
136 Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they do not observe your Law.
My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law.
137 TZADE. You are righteous, LORD. Your judgments are upright.
Tsadhe Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
138 You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.
You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.
My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
141 I am small and despised. I do not 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. Your Law is truth.
Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.
When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.
Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live.
145 QOPH. I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, LORD. I will keep your statutes.
Qoph My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
146 I have called to you. Save me. I will obey your statutes.
I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words.
I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.
During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
149 Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, LORD, according to your ordinances.
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 near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your Law.
Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
151 You are near, LORD. All your commandments are truth.
But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
152 Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.
Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever.
153 RESH. Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I do not forget your Law.
Resh Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Plead my cause, and redeem me. Revive me according to your promise.
Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.
Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
156 Great are your tender mercies, LORD. Revive me according to your ordinances.
Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven't swerved from your testimonies.
Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
158 I look at the faithless with loathing, because they do not observe your word.
Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, LORD, according to your loving kindness.
See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
160 All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.
Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever.
161 SIN and SHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
Shin Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
162 I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great spoil.
Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your Law.
I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.
I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
165 Those who love your Law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.
Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
166 I have hoped for your salvation, LORD. I have done your commandments.
Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
167 My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.
I obey your laws and love them very much.
168 I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do.
169 TAW. Let my cry come before you, LORD. Give me understanding according to your word.
Taw Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
170 Let my petition 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 Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.
Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
172 Let my tongue sing 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 be ready to 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, LORD. Your Law is my delight.
I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
175 Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances 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.
