Psalms 119
1 [Aleph.] O the happiness of those perfect in the way, They are walking in the law of Jehovah,
Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
2 O the happiness of those keeping His testimonies, With the whole heart they seek Him.
Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
3 Yea, they have not done iniquity, In His ways they have walked.
They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded us Thy precepts to keep diligently,
You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
5 O that my ways were prepared to keep Thy statutes,
May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
6 Then I am not ashamed In my looking unto all Thy commands.
Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
7 I confess Thee with uprightness of heart, In my learning the judgments of Thy righteousness.
I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
8 Thy statutes I keep, leave me not utterly!
I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me! Beth
9 [Beth.] With what doth a young man purify his path? To observe — according to Thy word.
How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
10 With all my heart I have sought Thee, Let me not err from Thy commands.
I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
11 In my heart I have hid Thy saying, That I sin not before Thee.
I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
12 Blessed [art] Thou, O Jehovah, teach me Thy statutes.
Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
13 With my lips I have recounted All the judgments of Thy mouth.
I repeat out loud your instructions.
14 In the way of Thy testimonies I have joyed, As over all wealth.
I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
15 In Thy precepts I meditate, And I behold attentively Thy paths.
I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
16 In Thy statutes I delight myself, I do not forget Thy word.
I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say. Gimel
17 [Gimel.] Confer benefits on Thy servant, I live, and I keep Thy word.
Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
18 Uncover mine eyes, and I behold wonders out of Thy law.
Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
19 A sojourner I [am] on earth, Hide not from me Thy commands.
I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
20 Broken hath my soul for desire Unto Thy judgments at all times.
I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
21 Thou hast rebuked the cursed proud, Who are erring from Thy commands.
You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt, For Thy testimonies I have kept.
Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
23 Princes also sat — against me they spoke, Thy servant doth meditate in Thy statutes,
Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
24 Thy testimonies also [are] my delight, The men of my counsel!
Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
25 [Daleth.] Cleaved to the dust hath my soul, Quicken me according to Thy word.
I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
26 My ways I have recounted, 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 The way of Thy precepts cause me to understand, And I meditate in Thy wonders.
Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
28 My soul hath dropped from affliction, Establish me according to Thy word.
I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
29 The way of falsehood turn aside from me And with Thy law favour me.
Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
30 The way of faithfulness I have chosen, Thy judgments I have compared,
I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
31 I have adhered to Thy testimonies, O Jehovah, put me not to shame.
I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
32 The way of Thy commands I run, For Thou dost enlarge my heart!
I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind! He
33 [He.] Show me, O Jehovah, the way of Thy statutes, And I keep it — [to] the end.
Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
34 Cause me to understand, and I keep Thy law, And observe it with the whole heart.
Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
35 Cause me to tread in the path of Thy commands, For in it I have delighted.
Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
36 Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, And not unto dishonest gain.
Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
37 Remove mine eyes from seeing vanity, In Thy way quicken Thou me.
Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
38 Establish to Thy servant Thy saying, That [is] concerning Thy fear.
Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
39 Remove my reproach that I have feared, For Thy judgments [are] good.
Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
40 Lo, I have longed for Thy precepts, In Thy righteousness quicken Thou me,
I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right. Waw
41 [Waw.] And meet me doth Thy kindness, O Jehovah, Thy salvation according to Thy saying.
Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
42 And I answer him who is reproaching me a word, For I have trusted in Thy word.
Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
43 And Thou takest not utterly away From my mouth the word of truth, Because for Thy judgment I have hoped.
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 And I keep Thy law continually, To the age and for ever.
I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
45 And I walk habitually in a broad place, For Thy precepts I have sought.
I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
46 And I speak of Thy testimonies before kings, And I am not ashamed.
I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
47 And I delight myself in Thy commands, That I have loved,
I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
48 And I lift up my hands unto Thy commands, That I have loved, And I do meditate on Thy statutes!
I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say. Zayin
49 [Zain.] Remember the word to Thy servant, On which Thou hast caused me to hope.
Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
50 This [is] my comfort in mine affliction, That Thy saying hath quickened me.
This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
51 The proud have utterly scorned me, From Thy law I have not turned aside.
Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
52 I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Jehovah, And I comfort myself.
I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
53 Horror hath seized me, Because of the wicked forsaking Thy law.
I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
54 Songs have been to me Thy statutes, In the house of my sojournings.
Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
55 I have remembered in the night Thy name, O Jehovah, And I do keep Thy law.
At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
56 This hath been to me, That Thy precepts I have kept!
For this is how I live my life—by following your principles. Heth
57 [Cheth.] My portion [is] Jehovah; I have said — to keep Thy words,
Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
58 I appeased Thy face with the whole heart, Favour me according to Thy saying.
My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
59 I have reckoned my ways, And turn back my feet unto Thy testimonies.
As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
60 I have made haste, And delayed not, to keep Thy commands.
I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
61 Cords of the wicked have surrounded me, Thy law I have not forgotten.
Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
62 At midnight I rise to give thanks to Thee, For the judgments of Thy righteousness.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
63 A companion I [am] to all who fear Thee, And to those keeping Thy precepts.
I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
64 Of Thy kindness, O Jehovah, the earth is full, Thy statutes teach Thou me!
Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do. Teth
65 [Teth.] Good Thou didst with Thy servant, O Jehovah, According to Thy word.
Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
66 The goodness of reason and knowledge teach me, For in Thy commands I have believed.
Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
67 Before I am afflicted, I — I am erring, And now Thy saying I have kept.
Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
68 Good Thou [art], and doing good, Teach me Thy statutes.
Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
69 Forged against me falsehood have the proud, I with the whole heart keep Thy precepts.
Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
70 Insensate as fat hath been their heart, I — in Thy law I have delighted.
They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
71 Good for me that I have been afflicted, That I might learn Thy statutes.
The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
72 Better to me [is] 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. Yodh
73 [Yod.] Thy hands made me and establish me, Cause me to understand, and I learn Thy commands.
You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
74 Those fearing Thee see me and rejoice, Because for Thy word I have hoped.
May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
75 I have known, O Jehovah, That righteous [are] Thy judgments, And [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 be to comfort me, According to Thy saying to Thy servant.
May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
77 Meet me do Thy mercies, and I live, For Thy law [is] my delight.
Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
78 Ashamed are the proud, For [with] falsehood they dealt perversely with me. I meditate in Thy precepts.
Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
79 Those fearing Thee turn back to me, And those knowing Thy testimonies.
Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
80 My heart is perfect in Thy statutes, So that I am not ashamed.
May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed. Kaph
81 [Kaph.] Consumed for Thy salvation hath been my soul, For Thy word I have hoped.
I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
82 Consumed have been mine eyes for Thy word, Saying, 'When doth it comfort me?'
I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have been as a bottle in smoke, Thy statutes I have not forgotten.
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 dost Thou execute Against my pursuers judgment?
How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
85 The proud have digged for me pits, That [are] not according to Thy law.
These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
86 All Thy commands [are] faithfulness, [With] falsehood they have pursued me, Help Thou me.
All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
87 Almost consumed me on earth have they, And I — I have not forsaken Thy precepts.
They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
88 According to Thy kindness quicken Thou me, And I keep the testimony of Thy mouth!
Since you love me with your trustworthy love, don't let me die, so I can go on following the instructions you have given. Lamedh
89 [Lamed.] To the age, O Jehovah, Thy word is set up in the heavens.
Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90 To all generations Thy faithfulness, Thou didst establish earth, and it standeth.
Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
91 According to Thine ordinances They have stood this day, for the whole [are] Thy servants.
Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
92 Unless Thy law [were] my delights, Then had I perished in mine affliction.
If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
93 To the age I forget not Thy precepts, For by them Thou hast quickened me.
I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
94 I [am] Thine, save Thou me, For Thy precepts I have sought.
I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
95 Thy wicked waited for me to destroy me, Thy testimonies I understand.
Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
96 Of all perfection I have seen an end, Broad [is] Thy command — exceedingly!
I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless. Mem
97 [Mem.] O how I have loved Thy law! All the day it [is] my (meditation)
I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98 Than mine enemies Thy command maketh me wiser, For it [is] before me to the age.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
99 Above all my teachers I have acted wisely. 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 Above elders I understand more, For Thy precepts I have kept.
I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
101 From every evil path I restrained my feet, So that I keep Thy word.
I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
102 From Thy judgments I turned not aside, For Thou — Thou hast directed me.
I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
103 How sweet to my palate hath been Thy saying, Above honey to my mouth.
Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 From Thy precepts I have understanding, Therefore I have hated every false path!
I gain understanding from what you say, so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Nun
105 [Nun.] A lamp to my foot [is] Thy word, And a light to 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 confirm [it], To keep the judgments of Thy righteousness.
I've made a promise, and I will keep it: I will keep your rules that are always right!
107 I have been afflicted very much, O Jehovah, quicken me, according to Thy word.
Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
108 Free-will-offerings of my mouth, Accept, I pray Thee, O Jehovah, And Thy judgments teach Thou me.
Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
109 My soul [is] in my hand continually, And Thy law I have not forgotten.
My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, And from thy precepts I wandered not.
Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
111 I have inherited Thy testimonies to the age, For the joy of my heart [are] they.
I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
112 I have inclined my heart To do Thy statutes, to the age — [to] the end!
I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end. Samekh
113 [Samech.] Doubting ones I have hated, And Thy law I have loved.
I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
114 My hiding place and my shield [art] Thou, For Thy word I have hoped.
You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
115 Turn aside from me, ye evil-doers, And I keep the commands of my God.
Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me according to Thy saying, And I live, and Thou puttest me not to shame Because of my hope.
Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
117 Support Thou me, and I am saved, And I look on Thy statutes continually.
Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
118 Thou hast trodden down All going astray 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 Dross! Thou hast caused to cease All the wicked of the earth; Therefore I have loved Thy testimonies.
You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
120 Trembled from Thy fear hath my flesh, And from Thy judgments I have been afraid!
I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments! Ayin
121 [Ain.] I have done judgment and righteousness, Leave me not to mine oppressors.
I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
122 Make sure Thy servant for good, Let not the proud oppress me.
Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
123 Mine eyes have been consumed for Thy salvation. And for the saying of Thy righteousness.
I strain my eyes looking for your salvation, watching for you to fulfill your promise to make everything good.
124 Do with Thy servant according to Thy kindness. And Thy statutes teach Thou me.
Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
125 Thy servant [am] I — cause me to understand, And I know Thy testimonies.
I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
126 Time for Jehovah to work! they have made void Thy law.
Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
127 Therefore I have loved Thy commands Above gold — even fine gold.
This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
128 Therefore all my appointments I have declared wholly right, Every path of falsehood I have hated!
All of your rules are right in every way, and so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Pe
129 [Pe.] Wonderful [are] Thy testimonies, Therefore hath my soul kept them.
Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
130 The opening of Thy words enlighteneth, Instructing the simple.
Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
131 My mouth I have opened, yea, I pant, For, for Thy commands I have longed.
With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
132 Look unto me, and favour me, As customary to those loving Thy name.
Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
133 My steps establish by Thy saying, And any iniquity doth not rule over me.
Tell me by your word the way I should go, and don't let any kind of evil control me.
134 Ransom me from the oppression of man, And I observe Thy precepts,
Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
135 Thy face cause to shine on Thy servant, And teach me Thy statutes.
Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
136 Rivulets of waters have come down mine eyes, Because they have not kept Thy law!
My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
137 [Tzade.] Righteous [art] Thou, O Jehovah, And upright [are] Thy judgments.
Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
138 Thou hast appointed Thy testimonies, Righteous and exceeding faithful,
You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
139 Cut me off hath my zeal, For mine adversaries forgot Thy words.
My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Tried [is] thy saying exceedingly, And Thy servant hath loved it.
Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
141 Small I [am], and despised, Thy precepts I have not forgotten.
I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
142 Thy righteousness [is] righteousness to the age, And Thy law [is] truth.
Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
143 Adversity and distress have found me, Thy commands [are] my delights.
When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
144 The righteousness of Thy testimonies [is] to Cause me to understand, and I live!
Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live. Qoph
145 [Koph.] I have called with the whole heart, Answer me, O Jehovah, Thy statutes I keep,
My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
146 I have called Thee, save Thou me, And I do keep Thy testimonies.
I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
147 I have gone forward in the dawn, and I cry, For Thy word I have hoped.
I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
148 Mine eyes have gone before the watches, To meditate in Thy saying.
During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
149 My voice hear, according to Thy kindness, Jehovah, according to Thy judgment quicken me.
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 Near have been my wicked pursuers, From Thy law they have been far off.
Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
151 Near [art] Thou, O Jehovah, And all Thy commands [are] truth.
But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
152 Of old I have known Thy testimonies, That to the age Thou hast founded them!
Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever. Resh
153 [Resh.] See my affliction, and deliver Thou me, For Thy law I have not forgotten.
Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Plead my plea, and redeem me, According to Thy saying quicken me.
Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
155 Far from the wicked [is] salvation, For Thy statutes they have not sought.
Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
156 Thy mercies [are] many, O Jehovah, According to Thy judgments quicken me.
Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
157 Many [are] my pursuers, and adversaries, From Thy testimonies I have not turned aside.
Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
158 I have seen treacherous ones, And grieve myself, Because Thy saying they have not kept.
Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
159 See, for thy precepts I have loved, Jehovah, According to Thy kindness quicken me.
See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
160 The sum of Thy word [is] truth, And to the age [is] every judgment of Thy righteousness!
Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever. Shin
161 [Shin.] Princes have pursued me without cause, And because of Thy words was my heart afraid.
Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
162 I do rejoice concerning Thy saying, As one finding abundant spoil.
Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
163 Falsehood I have hated, yea I abominate [it], Thy law I have loved.
I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
164 Seven [times] in a day I have praised Thee, Because of the judgments of Thy righteousness.
I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
165 Abundant peace have those loving Thy law, And they have no stumbling-block.
Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
166 I have waited for Thy salvation, O Jehovah, And Thy commands I have done.
Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
167 Kept hath my soul Thy testimonies, And I do love them exceedingly.
I obey your laws and love them very much.
168 I have kept Thy precepts and Thy testimonies, For all my ways are before Thee!
I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do. Taw
169 [Taw.] My loud cry cometh near before Thee, O Jehovah; According to Thy word cause me to understand.
Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
170 My supplication cometh in before Thee, According to Thy saying deliver Thou me.
Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
171 My lips do utter praise, For Thou dost teach me Thy statutes.
Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
172 My tongue doth sing of Thy saying, For all Thy commands [are] righteous.
I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
173 Thy hand is for a help to me, For Thy commands I have chosen.
Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
174 I have longed for Thy salvation, O Jehovah, And Thy law [is] my delight.
I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
175 My soul liveth, and it doth praise Thee, And Thy judgments do help me.
May I live my life in praise to you, and may your instructions help me.
176 I wandered as a lost sheep, seek Thy servant, For Thy precepts I have not forgotten!
I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
