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Psalm 119
International Standard Version

Alef [a]

Living in the Law of God

119 How blessed are those whose life[b] is blameless,
    who walk in the Law of the Lord!
2 How blessed are those who observe his decrees,
    who seek him with all of their heart,
3 who practice no evil
    while they walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded concerning your precepts,
    that they be guarded with diligence.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast,
    so I may keep your statutes.
6 Then I will not be ashamed,
    since my eyes will be fixed on all of your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
    as I learn your righteous decrees.
8 I will keep your statutes;
    do not ever abandon me.

Bet

The Benefits of the Word

9 How can a young man keep his behavior pure?
    By guarding it in accordance with your word.
10 I have sought you with all of my heart;
    do not let me drift away from your commands.
11 I have stored what you have said[c] in my heart,
    so I won’t sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, Lord!
    Teach me your statutes.
13 I have spoken with my lips
    about all your decrees that you have announced.[d]
14 I find joy in the path of your decrees,
    as if I owned all kinds of riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts,
    and I will respect your ways.
16 I am delighted with your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.[e]

Gimmel

Living and Keeping God’s Word

17 Deal kindly with your servant
    so I may live and keep your word.[f]
18 Open my eyes
    so that I will observe amazing things from your instruction.[g]
19 Since I am a stranger on the earth,
    do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
    for your decrees at all times.
21 You rebuke the accursed ones,
    who wander from your commands.
22 Remove scorn and disrespect from me,
    for I observe your decrees.
23 Though nobles take their seat and gossip about me,
    your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 I take joy in your decrees,
    for they are my counselors.

Daleth

Strength Comes from the Word

25 My soul clings to the dust;
    revive me according to your word.
26 I have talked about my ways,
    and you have answered me;
        Teach me your statutes.
27 Help me understand how your precepts function,[h]
    and I will meditate on your wondrous acts.
28 I weep because of sorrow;
    fortify me according to your word.
29 Remove false paths from me;
    and graciously give me your instruction.[i]
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
    I have firmly placed your ordinances before me.[j]
31 I cling to your decrees;
    Lord, do not put me to shame.
32 I eagerly race along the way of your commands,
    for you enable me to do so.[k]

He

Instructed by the Word

33 Teach me, Lord, about the way of your statutes,
    and I will observe them without fail.[l]
34 Give me understanding
    and I will observe your instruction.[m]
        I will keep it with all of my heart.
35 Help me live my life by your commands,
    because my joy is in them.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees
    and away from unjust gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from gazing at worthless things,
    and revive me by your ways.
38 Confirm your promise to your servant,
    which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the shame that I dread,
    because your ordinances are good.
40 Look, I long for your precepts;
    revive me through your righteousness.

Vav

A Song of Praise

41 May your gracious love come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, just as you said.
42 Then I can answer the one who insults me,
    for I place my trust in your word.
43 Never take your truthful words from me,
    For I wait for[n] your ordinances.
44 Then I will always keep your Law,
    forever and ever,
45 I will walk in liberty,
    for I seek your precepts.
46 Then I will speak of your decrees before kings
    and not be ashamed.
47 I will take delight in your commands,
    which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commands,
    which I love,
        and I will meditate on your statutes.

Zayin

Remembering What God Has Said

49 Remember what you said[o] to your servant,
    by which you caused me to hope.
50 This is what comforts me in my troubles:
    that what you say revives me.
51 Even though the arrogant utterly deride me,
    I do not turn away from your instruction.[p]
52 I have remembered your ancient ordinances, Lord,
    and I take comfort in them.
53 I burn with indignation because of the wicked
    who forsake your instruction.[q]
54 Your statutes are my songs,
    no matter where I make my home.[r]
55 In the night I remember your name, Lord,
    and keep your instruction.[s]
56 I have made it my personal responsibility
    to keep your precepts.

Cheth

Keeping God’s Word

57 The Lord is my inheritance;
    I have given my promise to keep your word.
58 I have sought your favor with all of my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I examined my lifestyle
    and set my feet in the direction of your decrees.
60 I hurried and did not procrastinate
    to keep your commands.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked have ensnared me,
    I have not forgotten your instruction.[t]
62 At midnight I will get up to thank you
    for your righteous ordinances.
63 I am united with all who fear you,
    and with everyone who keeps your precepts.
64 Lord, the earth overflows with your gracious love!
    Teach me your statutes.

Teth

Praise for God’s Word

65 Lord, you have dealt well with your servant,
    according to your word.
66 Teach me both knowledge and appropriate discretion,
    because I believe in your commands.
67 Before I was humbled, I wandered away,
    but now I observe your words.
68 Lord,[u] you are good[v], and do what is good;
    teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant have accused me falsely;
    but I will observe your precepts wholeheartedly.
70 Their minds are clogged as with greasy fat,
    but I find joy in your instruction.[w]
71 It was for my good that I was humbled;[x]
    so that I would learn your statutes.
72 Instruction[y] that comes from you[z] is better for me
    than thousands of gold and silver coins.[aa]

Yod

Prayer for God’s Grace

73 Your hands made and formed me;
    give me understanding,
        that I may learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you see me and be glad,
    for I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your decrees are just,
    and that you have rightfully humbled me.
76 May your gracious love comfort me
    in accordance with your promise to your servant.
77 May your mercies come to me that I may live,
    for your instruction[ab] is my delight.
78 May the arrogant become ashamed,
    because they have subverted me with deceit;
        as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
    along with those who know your decrees.
80 May my heart be blameless with respect to your statutes
    so that I may not become ashamed.

Kaf

On Obeying God’s Word

81 I long for your deliverance;
    I have looked to your word,
        placing my hope in it.
82 My eyes grow weary
    with respect to what you have promised—
        I keep asking, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I have become like a water skin dried by[ac] smoke,
    I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How many days must your servant endure this?[ad]
    When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me,
    disobeying your instruction.[ae]
86 All of your commands are reliable.
    I am persecuted without cause—help me!
87 Though the arrogant[af] nearly destroyed me on earth,
    I did not abandon your precepts.
88 Revive me according to your gracious love;
    and I will keep the decrees that you have proclaimed.

Lamed

Pay Attention to God’s Word

89 Your word is forever, Lord;
    it is firmly established in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation.
    You established the earth, and it stands firm.
91 To this day they stand by means of your rulings,
    for all things serve you.
92 Had your instruction[ag] not been my pleasure,
    I would have died in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
    for you have revived me with them.
94 I am yours, so save me,
    since I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lay in wait to destroy me,
    while I ponder your decrees.
96 I have observed that all things have their limit,
    but your commandment is very broad.

Mem

Loving God’s Word

97 How I love your instruction![ah]
    Every day it is my meditation.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my adversaries,
    since they are always with me.
99 I am more insightful than my teachers,
    because your decrees are my meditations.
100 I have more common sense than the elders,
    for I observe your precepts.
101 I keep away from every evil choice[ai]
    so that I may keep your word.[aj]
102 I do not avoid your judgments,
    for you pointed them out to me.
103 How pleasing is what you have to say to me—
    tasting better than honey.
104 I obtain understanding from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every false way.

Nun

God’s Word a Light

105 Your word is[ak] a lamp for my feet,
    a light for my pathway.
106 I have given my word and affirmed it,
    to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am severely afflicted.
    Revive me, Lord, according to your word.
108 Lord, please accept my voluntary offerings of praise,[al]
    and teach me your judgments.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
    I do not forget your instruction.[am]
110 Though the wicked lay a trap for me,
    I haven’t wandered away from your precepts.
111 I have inherited your decrees forever,
    because they are the joy of my heart.
112 As a result, I am determined
    to carry out your statutes forever.

Samek

Loving God’s Law

113 I despise the double-minded,
    but I love your instruction.[an]
114 You are my fortress and shield;
    I hope in your word.
115 Leave me, you who practice evil,
    that I may observe the commands of my God.
116 Sustain me, God,[ao] as you have promised,
    and I will live.
        Do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Support me, that I may be saved,
    and I will carry out your statutes consistently.
118 You reject all who wander from your statutes,
    since their deceitfulness is vain.
119 You remove[ap] all the wicked of the earth like[aq] dross;
    therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh trembles out of fear of you,
    and I am in awe of[ar] your judgments.

Ayin

Praying for God’s Deliverance

121 I have acted with justice and righteousness;
    do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Back up your servant in a positive way;
    do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail as I look[as] for your salvation
    and for your righteous promise.
124 Act toward your servant consistent with your gracious love,
    and teach me your statutes.
125 Since I am your servant, give me understanding,
    so I will know your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
    since they have violated your instruction.[at]
127 I truly love your commands more than gold,
    including fine gold.
128 I truly consider all of your precepts—all of them—to be just,
    while I despise every false way.

Peyh

Living in God’s Word

129 Your decrees are wonderful—
    that’s why I observe them.
130 The disclosure of your words illuminates,
    providing understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant
    as I long for your commands.
132 Turn in my direction and show mercy to me,
    as you have decreed regarding those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps by your promise,
    and do not let any kind of iniquity rule over me.
134 Deliver me from human oppression
    and I will keep your precepts.
135 Show favor to[au] your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed rivers of tears,
    when others do not obey your instruction.[av]

Tsade

God’s Righteous Decrees

137 Lord, you are righteous,
    and your judgments are right.
138 You have ordered your decrees to us rightly,
    and they are very faithful.
139 My zeal consumes me
    because my enemies forget your words.
140 Your word is very pure,
    and your servant loves it.
141 Though I may be small and despised,
    I do not neglect your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an eternal righteousness,
    and your instruction[aw] is true.
143 Though trouble and anguish overwhelm me,
    your commands remain my delight.
144 Your righteous decrees are eternal;
    give me understanding, and I will live.

Qof

Waiting in Hope

145 I have cried out with all of my heart.
    Answer me, Lord!
        I will observe your statutes.
146 I have called out to you, “Save me,
    so I may keep your decrees.”
147 I get up before dawn and cry for help;
    I place my hope in your word.
148 I look forward to the night watches,
    when I may meditate on what you have said.
149 Hear my voice according to your gracious love.
    Lord, revive me in keeping with your justice.
150 Those who pursue wickedness draw near;
    they remain far from your instruction.[ax]
151 You are near, Lord,
    and all of your commands are true.
152 I discovered long ago about your decrees
    that you have confirmed them forever.

Resh

God’s Word is Truth

153 Look on my misery, and rescue me,
    for I do not ignore your instruction.[ay]
154 Defend my case and redeem me;
    revive me according to your promise.
155 Deliverance remains remote from the wicked,
    for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Your mercies are magnificent, Lord;
    revive me according to your judgments.
157 Though my persecutors and adversaries are numerous,
    I do not turn aside from your decrees.
158 I watch the treacherous, and despise them,
    because they do not do what you have said.
159 Look how I love your precepts, Lord;
    revive me according to your gracious love.
160 The sum[az] of your word[ba] is truth,
    and each righteous ordinance of yours is everlasting.

Sin/Shin

Loving God’s Instruction

161 Though nobles persecute me for no reason,
    my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I find joy at what you have said
    like one who has discovered a great treasure.
163 I despise and hate falsehood,
    but[bb] I love your instruction.[bc]
164 I praise you seven times a day
    because of your righteous ordinances.
165 Great peace belongs to those who love your instruction,[bd]
    and nothing makes them stumble.
166 I am looking in hope for your deliverance, Lord,
    as I carry out your commands.
167 My soul treasures[be] your decrees,
    and I love them deeply.
168 I keep your precepts and your decrees
    because all of my ways are before you.

Tav

The Joy of God’s Word

169 May my cry arise before you, Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my request come before you;
    deliver me, as you have promised.
171 May my lips utter praise,
    for you teach me your statutes.
172 May my tongue sing about your promise,
    for all of your commands are right.
173 May your hand stand ready to assist me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I am longing for your deliverance, Lord,
    and your instruction[bf] is my joy.
175 Let me live, and I will praise you;
    let your ordinances[bg] help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
    come find your servant,
        for I do not forget your commands.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:1 This Psalm is an acrostic in which all verses in each eight-verse section begin with the letter of the Heb. alphabet indicated.
  2. Psalm 119:1 Lit. way
  3. Psalm 119:11 So MT DSS 4QPsh; LXX Syr read stored your oracles
  4. Psalm 119:13 Lit. decrees of your mouth
  5. Psalm 119:16 So MT; LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa read words
  6. Psalm 119:17 So MT; LXX DSS 11QPsa read words
  7. Psalm 119:18 Or Law
  8. Psalm 119:27 Lit. understand the ways of your precepts
  9. Psalm 119:29 Or Law
  10. Psalm 119:30 The Heb. lacks before me
  11. Psalm 119:32 Lit. will enlarge my heart
  12. Psalm 119:33 Or them to the end
  13. Psalm 119:34 Or Law
  14. Psalm 119:43 Or place my hope in
  15. Psalm 119:49 Lit. Remember the word
  16. Psalm 119:51 Or Law
  17. Psalm 119:53 Or Law
  18. Psalm 119:54 Lit. songs in the house of my sojourn
  19. Psalm 119:55 Or Law
  20. Psalm 119:61 Or Law
  21. Psalm 119:68 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks Lord
  22. Psalm 119:68 So MT; LXX reads kind
  23. Psalm 119:70 Or Law
  24. Psalm 119:71 So MT; LXX reads that you humbled me; DSS 11QPsa reads that you afflicted me
  25. Psalm 119:72 Or Law
  26. Psalm 119:72 Lit. from your mouth
  27. Psalm 119:72 Lit. pieces
  28. Psalm 119:77 Or Law
  29. Psalm 119:83 The Heb. lacks dried by
  30. Psalm 119:84 The Heb. lacks this
  31. Psalm 119:85 Or Law
  32. Psalm 119:87 Lit. they
  33. Psalm 119:92 Or Law
  34. Psalm 119:97 Or Law
  35. Psalm 119:101 Lit. way
  36. Psalm 119:101 So MT DSS 5QPs; LXX reads words
  37. Psalm 119:105 So MT and LXX; the DSS 11QPsa reads words are
  38. Psalm 119:108 Lit. of my mouth
  39. Psalm 119:109 Or Law
  40. Psalm 119:113 Or Law
  41. Psalm 119:116 The Heb. lacks God
  42. Psalm 119:119 So MT; Hieronymus Aquila Symmachus read You consider; LXX reads I considered; DSS 11QPsa reads I consider
  43. Psalm 119:119 The Heb. lacks like
  44. Psalm 119:120 Or I fear
  45. Psalm 119:123 The Heb. lacks as I look
  46. Psalm 119:126 Or Law
  47. Psalm 119:135 Lit. Make your face shine on
  48. Psalm 119:136 Or Law
  49. Psalm 119:142 Or Law
  50. Psalm 119:150 Or Law
  51. Psalm 119:153 Or Law
  52. Psalm 119:160 So MT; LXX reads beginning
  53. Psalm 119:160 So MT; LXX Hieronymous DSS 11QPsa read words
  54. Psalm 119:163 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks but
  55. Psalm 119:163 Or Law
  56. Psalm 119:165 Or Law
  57. Psalm 119:167 Lit. guards
  58. Psalm 119:174 Or Law
  59. Psalm 119:175 So LXX Targ DSS 11QPsa (original); MT reads ordinance
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Psalm 119
New International Version

Psalm 119[a]

א Aleph

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,(A)
    who walk(B) according to the law of the Lord.(C)
2 Blessed(D) are those who keep his statutes(E)
    and seek him(F) with all their heart—(G)
3 they do no wrong(H)
    but follow his ways.(I)
4 You have laid down precepts(J)
    that are to be fully obeyed.(K)
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
    in obeying your decrees!(L)
6 Then I would not be put to shame(M)
    when I consider all your commands.(N)
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
    as I learn your righteous laws.(O)
8 I will obey your decrees;
    do not utterly forsake me.(P)

ב Beth

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?(Q)
    By living according to your word.(R)
10 I seek you with all my heart;(S)
    do not let me stray from your commands.(T)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart(U)
    that I might not sin(V) against you.
12 Praise be(W) to you, Lord;
    teach me(X) your decrees.(Y)
13 With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.(Z)
14 I rejoice in following your statutes(AA)
    as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts(AB)
    and consider your ways.
16 I delight(AC) in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.

ג Gimel

17 Be good to your servant(AD) while I live,
    that I may obey your word.(AE)
18 Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;(AF)
    do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed(AG) with longing
    for your laws(AH) at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant,(AI) who are accursed,(AJ)
    those who stray(AK) from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn(AL) and contempt,
    for I keep your statutes.(AM)
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
    your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

ד Daleth

25 I am laid low in the dust;(AN)
    preserve my life(AO) according to your word.(AP)
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
    teach me your decrees.(AQ)
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.(AR)
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;(AS)
    strengthen me(AT) according to your word.(AU)
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;(AV)
    be gracious to me(AW) and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen(AX) the way of faithfulness;(AY)
    I have set my heart(AZ) on your laws.
31 I hold fast(BA) to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.

ה He

33 Teach me,(BB) Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.[b]
34 Give me understanding,(BC) so that I may keep your law(BD)
    and obey it with all my heart.(BE)
35 Direct me(BF) in the path of your commands,(BG)
    for there I find delight.(BH)
36 Turn my heart(BI) toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.(BJ)
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life(BK) according to your word.[c](BL)
38 Fulfill your promise(BM) to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace(BN) I dread,
    for your laws are good.
40 How I long(BO) for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.(BP)

ו Waw

41 May your unfailing love(BQ) come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, according to your promise;(BR)
42 then I can answer(BS) anyone who taunts me,(BT)
    for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,(BU)
    for I have put my hope(BV) in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,(BW)
    for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
    for I have sought out your precepts.(BX)
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings(BY)
    and will not be put to shame,(BZ)
47 for I delight(CA) in your commands
    because I love them.(CB)
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
    that I may meditate(CC) on your decrees.

ז Zayin

49 Remember your word(CD) to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.(CE)
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life.(CF)
51 The arrogant mock me(CG) unmercifully,
    but I do not turn(CH) from your law.
52 I remember,(CI) Lord, your ancient laws,
    and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me(CJ) because of the wicked,
    who have forsaken your law.(CK)
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song(CL)
    wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember(CM) your name,
    that I may keep your law.(CN)
56 This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts.(CO)

ח Heth

57 You are my portion,(CP) Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.(CQ)
58 I have sought(CR) your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me(CS) according to your promise.(CT)
59 I have considered my ways(CU)
    and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
    to obey your commands.(CV)
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
    I will not forget(CW) your law.
62 At midnight(CX) I rise to give you thanks
    for your righteous laws.(CY)
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,(CZ)
    to all who follow your precepts.(DA)
64 The earth is filled with your love,(DB) Lord;
    teach me your decrees.(DC)

ט Teth

65 Do good(DD) to your servant
    according to your word,(DE) Lord.
66 Teach me knowledge(DF) and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted(DG) I went astray,(DH)
    but now I obey your word.(DI)
68 You are good,(DJ) and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.(DK)
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,(DL)
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous(DM) and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted(DN)
    so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.(DO)

י Yodh

73 Your hands made me(DP) and formed me;
    give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice(DQ) when they see me,
    for I have put my hope in your word.(DR)
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,(DS)
    and that in faithfulness(DT) you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love(DU) be my comfort,
    according to your promise(DV) to your servant.
77 Let your compassion(DW) come to me that I may live,
    for your law is my delight.(DX)
78 May the arrogant(DY) be put to shame for wronging me without cause;(DZ)
    but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
    those who understand your statutes.(EA)
80 May I wholeheartedly follow(EB) your decrees,(EC)
    that I may not be put to shame.(ED)

כ Kaph

81 My soul faints(EE) with longing for your salvation,(EF)
    but I have put my hope(EG) in your word.
82 My eyes fail,(EH) looking for your promise;(EI)
    I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
    I do not forget(EJ) your decrees.
84 How long(EK) must your servant wait?
    When will you punish my persecutors?(EL)
85 The arrogant(EM) dig pits(EN) to trap me,
    contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;(EO)
    help me,(EP) for I am being persecuted(EQ) without cause.(ER)
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
    but I have not forsaken(ES) your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love(ET) preserve my life,(EU)
    that I may obey the statutes(EV) of your mouth.

ל Lamedh

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal;(EW)
    it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness(EX) continues through all generations;(EY)
    you established the earth, and it endures.(EZ)
91 Your laws endure(FA) to this day,
    for all things serve you.(FB)
92 If your law had not been my delight,(FC)
    I would have perished in my affliction.(FD)
93 I will never forget(FE) your precepts,
    for by them you have preserved my life.(FF)
94 Save me,(FG) for I am yours;
    I have sought out your precepts.(FH)
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,(FI)
    but I will ponder your statutes.(FJ)
96 To all perfection I see a limit,
    but your commands are boundless.(FK)

מ Mem

97 Oh, how I love your law!(FL)
    I meditate(FM) on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
    and make me wiser(FN) than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
    for I meditate on your statutes.(FO)
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
    for I obey your precepts.(FP)
101 I have kept my feet(FQ) from every evil path
    so that I might obey your word.(FR)
102 I have not departed from your laws,(FS)
    for you yourself have taught(FT) me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey(FU) to my mouth!(FV)
104 I gain understanding(FW) from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path.(FX)

נ Nun

105 Your word is a lamp(FY) for my feet,
    a light(FZ) on my path.
106 I have taken an oath(GA) and confirmed it,
    that I will follow your righteous laws.(GB)
107 I have suffered much;
    preserve my life,(GC) Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,(GD)
    and teach me your laws.(GE)
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,(GF)
    I will not forget(GG) your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare(GH) for me,
    but I have not strayed(GI) from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.(GJ)
112 My heart is set(GK) on keeping your decrees
    to the very end.[d](GL)

ס Samekh

113 I hate double-minded people,(GM)
    but I love your law.(GN)
114 You are my refuge and my shield;(GO)
    I have put my hope(GP) in your word.
115 Away from me,(GQ) you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commands of my God!
116 Sustain me,(GR) my God, according to your promise,(GS) and I will live;
    do not let my hopes be dashed.(GT)
117 Uphold me,(GU) and I will be delivered;(GV)
    I will always have regard for your decrees.(GW)
118 You reject all who stray(GX) from your decrees,
    for their delusions come to nothing.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;(GY)
    therefore I love your statutes.(GZ)
120 My flesh trembles(HA) in fear of you;(HB)
    I stand in awe(HC) of your laws.

ע Ayin

121 I have done what is righteous and just;(HD)
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being;(HE)
    do not let the arrogant oppress me.(HF)
123 My eyes fail,(HG) looking for your salvation,(HH)
    looking for your righteous promise.(HI)
124 Deal with your servant according to your love(HJ)
    and teach me your decrees.(HK)
125 I am your servant;(HL) give me discernment
    that I may understand your statutes.(HM)
126 It is time for you to act, Lord;
    your law is being broken.(HN)
127 Because I love your commands(HO)
    more than gold,(HP) more than pure gold,(HQ)
128 and because I consider all your precepts right,(HR)
    I hate every wrong path.(HS)

פ Pe

129 Your statutes are wonderful;(HT)
    therefore I obey them.(HU)
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;(HV)
    it gives understanding to the simple.(HW)
131 I open my mouth and pant,(HX)
    longing for your commands.(HY)
132 Turn to me(HZ) and have mercy(IA) on me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.(IB)
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;(IC)
    let no sin rule(ID) over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,(IE)
    that I may obey your precepts.(IF)
135 Make your face shine(IG) on your servant
    and teach me your decrees.(IH)
136 Streams of tears(II) flow from my eyes,
    for your law is not obeyed.(IJ)

צ Tsadhe

137 You are righteous,(IK) Lord,
    and your laws are right.(IL)
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;(IM)
    they are fully trustworthy.(IN)
139 My zeal wears me out,(IO)
    for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises(IP) have been thoroughly tested,(IQ)
    and your servant loves them.(IR)
141 Though I am lowly and despised,(IS)
    I do not forget your precepts.(IT)
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.(IU)
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.(IV)
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding(IW) that I may live.

ק Qoph

145 I call with all my heart;(IX) answer me, Lord,
    and I will obey your decrees.(IY)
146 I call out to you; save me(IZ)
    and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn(JA) and cry for help;
    I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,(JB)
    that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice(JC) in accordance with your love;(JD)
    preserve my life,(JE) Lord, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes(JF) are near,
    but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near,(JG) Lord,
    and all your commands are true.(JH)
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes(JI)
    that you established them to last forever.(JJ)

ר Resh

153 Look on my suffering(JK) and deliver me,(JL)
    for I have not forgotten(JM) your law.
154 Defend my cause(JN) and redeem me;(JO)
    preserve my life(JP) according to your promise.(JQ)
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek out(JR) your decrees.
156 Your compassion, Lord, is great;(JS)
    preserve my life(JT) according to your laws.(JU)
157 Many are the foes who persecute me,(JV)
    but I have not turned(JW) from your statutes.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing,(JX)
    for they do not obey your word.(JY)
159 See how I love your precepts;
    preserve my life,(JZ) Lord, in accordance with your love.
160 All your words are true;
    all your righteous laws are eternal.(KA)

ש Sin and Shin

161 Rulers persecute me(KB) without cause,
    but my heart trembles(KC) at your word.
162 I rejoice(KD) in your promise
    like one who finds great spoil.(KE)
163 I hate and detest(KF) falsehood
    but I love your law.(KG)
164 Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous laws.(KH)
165 Great peace(KI) have those who love your law,
    and nothing can make them stumble.(KJ)
166 I wait for your salvation,(KK) Lord,
    and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes,
    for I love them(KL) greatly.
168 I obey your precepts(KM) and your statutes,(KN)
    for all my ways are known(KO) to you.

ת Taw

169 May my cry come(KP) before you, Lord;
    give me understanding(KQ) according to your word.(KR)
170 May my supplication come(KS) before you;
    deliver me(KT) according to your promise.(KU)
171 May my lips overflow with praise,(KV)
    for you teach me(KW) your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing(KX) of your word,
    for all your commands are righteous.(KY)
173 May your hand be ready to help(KZ) me,
    for I have chosen(LA) your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation,(LB) Lord,
    and your law gives me delight.(LC)
175 Let me live(LD) that I may praise you,
    and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.(LE)
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten(LF) your commands.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet; moreover, the verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
  2. Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
  3. Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way
  4. Psalm 119:112 Or decrees / for their enduring reward
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Psalm 118
Psalm 120
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