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Psalm 119
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Psalm 119
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Psalm 119[a]
A Prayer to God, the Lawgiver
Aleph
1 Blessed those whose way is blameless,
who walk by the law of the Lord.(A)
2 Blessed those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with all their heart.(B)
3 They do no wrong;
they walk in his ways.
4 You have given them the command
to observe your precepts with care.
5 May my ways be firm
in the observance of your statutes!
6 Then I will not be ashamed
to ponder all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with sincere heart
as I study your righteous judgments.
8 I will observe your statutes;
do not leave me all alone.
Beth
9 How can the young keep his way without fault?
Only by observing your words.
10 With all my heart I seek you;
do not let me stray from your commandments.
11 In my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes.(C)
13 With my lips I recite
all the judgments you have spoken.
14 I find joy in the way of your testimonies
more than in all riches.
15 I will ponder your precepts
and consider your paths.
16 In your statutes I take delight;
I will never forget your word.
Gimel
17 Be kind to your servant that I may live,
that I may keep your word.
18 Open my eyes to see clearly
the wonders of your law.
19 I am a sojourner in the land;[b](D)
do not hide your commandments from me.
20 At all times my soul is stirred
with longing for your judgments.
21 With a curse you rebuke the proud
who stray from your commandments.
22 Free me from disgrace and contempt,
for I keep your testimonies.
23 Though princes meet and talk against me,
your servant meditates on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Daleth
25 My soul clings to the dust;(E)
give me life in accord with your word.
26 I disclosed my ways and you answered me;
teach me your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts;
I will ponder your wondrous deeds.
28 My soul is depressed;
lift me up acccording to your word.
29 Lead me from the way of deceit;
favor me with your law.
30 The way of loyalty I have chosen;
I have kept your judgments.
31 I cling to your testimonies, Lord;
do not let me come to shame.
32 I will run the way of your commandments,
for you will broaden my heart.
He
33 Lord, teach me the way of your statutes;
I shall keep them with care.(F)
34 Give me understanding to keep your law,
to observe it with all my heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,(G)
for that is my delight.
36 Direct my heart toward your testimonies
and away from gain.
37 Avert my eyes from what is worthless;
by your way give me life.
38 For your servant, fulfill your promise
made to those who fear you.
39 Turn away from me the taunts I dread,
for your judgments are good.
40 See how I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life.
Waw
41 Let your mercy come to me, Lord,
salvation in accord with your promise.
42 Let me answer my taunters with a word,
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not take the word of truth from my mouth,
for in your judgments is my hope.
44 I will keep your law always,
for all time and forever.
45 I will walk freely in an open space
because I cherish your precepts.
46 I will speak openly of your testimonies
without fear even before kings.
47 I delight in your commandments,
which I dearly love.
48 [c]I lift up my hands to your commandments;
I study your statutes, which I love.
Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant
by which you give me hope.
50 This is my comfort in affliction,
your promise that gives me life.
51 Though the arrogant utterly scorn me,
I do not turn from your law.
52 When I recite your judgments of old
I am comforted, Lord.
53 Rage seizes me because of the wicked;
they forsake your law.
54 Your statutes become my songs
wherever I make my home.
55 Even at night I remember your name
in observance of your law, Lord.
56 This is my good fortune,
for I have kept your precepts.
Heth
57 My portion is the Lord;
I promise to observe your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart:
have mercy on me in accord with your promise.
59 I have examined my ways
and turned my steps to your testimonies.
60 I am prompt, I do not hesitate
in observing your commandments.
61 Though the snares of the wicked surround me,
your law I do not forget.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you
because of your righteous judgments.
63 I am the friend of all who fear you,
of all who observe your precepts.
64 The earth, Lord, is filled with your mercy;(H)
teach me your statutes.
Teth
65 You have treated your servant well,
according to your word, O Lord.
66 Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commandments I trust.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I hold to your promise.
68 You are good and do what is good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant smear me with lies,
but I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are gross and fat;(I)
as for me, your law is my delight.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted,
in order to learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is more precious to me
than heaps of silver and gold.
Yodh
73 Your hands made me and fashioned me;
give me understanding to learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you rejoice to see me,
because I hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your judgments are righteous;
though you afflict me, you are faithful.
76 May your mercy comfort me
in accord with your promise to your servant.
77 Show me compassion that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 Shame the proud for leading me astray with falsehood,
that I may study your testimonies.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
those who acknowledge your testimonies.
80 May I be wholehearted toward your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame.
Kaph
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I put my hope in your word.(J)
82 My eyes long to see your promise.(K)
When will you comfort me?
83 I am like a wineskin shriveled by smoke,(L)
but I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long can your servant survive?
When will your judgment doom my foes?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me;
defying your law.
86 All your commandments are steadfast.
Help me! I am pursued without cause.
87 They have almost put an end to me on earth,
but I do not forsake your precepts.
88 In your mercy give me life,
to observe the testimonies of your mouth.
Lamedh
89 [d]Your word, Lord, stands forever;(M)
it is firm as the heavens.
90 Through all generations your truth endures;
fixed to stand firm like the earth.
91 By your judgments they stand firm to this day,
for all things are your servants.
92 Had your law not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts;
through them you give me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I cherish your precepts.
95 The wicked hope to destroy me,
but I seek to understand your testimonies.
96 I have seen the limits of all perfection,
but your commandment is without bounds.
Mem
97 How I love your law, Lord![e]
I study it all day long.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my foes,
as it is forever with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
because I ponder your testimonies.
100 I have more understanding than my elders,
because I keep your precepts.(N)
101 I keep my steps from every evil path,
that I may observe your word.
102 From your judgments I do not turn,
for you have instructed me.
103 How sweet to my tongue is your promise,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!(O)
104 Through your precepts I gain understanding;
therefore I hate all false ways.
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light for my path.(P)
106 I make a solemn vow
to observe your righteous judgments.
107 I am very much afflicted, Lord;
give me life in accord with your word.
108 Accept my freely offered praise;(Q)
Lord, teach me your judgments.
109 My life is always at risk,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set snares for me,
but from your precepts I do not stray.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on fulfilling your statutes;
they are my reward forever.
Samekh
113 I hate every hypocrite;
your law I love.
114 You are my refuge and shield;
in your word I hope.
115 Depart from me, you wicked,(R)
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me by your promise that I may live;
do not disappoint me in my hope.
117 Strengthen me that I may be safe,
ever to contemplate your statutes.
118 You reject all who stray from your statutes,
for vain is their deceit.
119 Like dross you regard all the wicked on earth;
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh shudders with dread of you;
I fear your judgments.
Ayin
121 I have fulfilled your righteous judgment;
do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s welfare;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes long to see your salvation
and the promise of your righteousness.
124 Act with mercy toward your servant;
teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may know your testimonies.
126 It is time for the Lord to act;
they have disobeyed your law.
127 Truly I love your commandments
more than gold, more than the finest gold.
128 Thus, I follow all your precepts;
every wrong way I hate.
Pe
129 Wonderful are your testimonies;
therefore I keep them.
130 The revelation of your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple.
131 I sigh with open mouth,
yearning for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious,(S)
according to your judgment for those who love your name.
133 Steady my feet in accord with your promise;
do not let iniquity lead me.
134 Free me from human oppression,
that I may observe your precepts.
135 Let your face shine upon your servant;
teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears
because your law is not observed.
Sadhe
137 You are righteous, Lord,
and just are your judgments.(T)
138 You have given your testimonies in righteousness
and in surpassing faithfulness.
139 I am consumed with rage,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your servant loves your promise;
it has been proved by fire.
141 Though belittled and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your justice is forever right,
your law true.
143 Though distress and anguish come upon me,
your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are forever righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.
145 I call with all my heart, O Lord;
answer me that I may keep your statutes.
146 I call to you to save me
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry out;
I put my hope in your words.
148 My eyes greet the night watches
as I meditate on your promise.(U)
149 Hear my voice in your mercy, O Lord;
by your judgment give me life.
150 Malicious persecutors draw near me;
they are far from your law.
151 You are near, O Lord;
reliable are all your commandments.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have established them forever.
Resh
153 Look at my affliction and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Take up my cause and redeem me;(V)
for the sake of your promise give me life.
155 Salvation is far from sinners
because they do not cherish your statutes.
156 Your compassion is great, O Lord;
in accord with your judgments, give me life.
157 Though my persecutors and foes are many,
I do not turn from your testimonies.
158 I view the faithless with loathing(W)
because they do not heed your promise.
159 See how I love your precepts, Lord;
in your mercy give me life.
160 Your every word is enduring;
all your righteous judgments are forever.
Shin
161 Princes persecute me without reason,
but my heart reveres only your word.
162 I rejoice at your promise,
as one who has found rich spoil.
163 Falsehood I hate and abhor;
your law I love.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
because your judgments are righteous.
165 Lovers of your law have much peace;(X)
for them there is no stumbling block.
166 I look for your salvation, Lord,
and I fulfill your commandments.
167 I observe your testimonies;
I love them very much.
168 I observe your precepts and testimonies;
all my ways are before you.
Taw
169 Let my cry come before you, Lord;(Y)
in keeping with your word, give me understanding.
170 Let my prayer come before you;
rescue me according to your promise.
171 May my lips pour forth your praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
172 May my tongue sing of your promise,
for all your commandments are righteous.
173 Keep your hand ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord;
your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live to praise you;
may your judgments give me help.
176 I have wandered like a lost sheep;
seek out your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.(Z)
Footnotes
- Psalm 119 This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. Several expected elements do not appear in the Psalm: Mount Sinai with its story of God’s revelation and gift to Israel of instruction and commandments, the Temple and other institutions related to revelation and laws (frequent in other Psalms). The Psalm is fascinated with God’s word directing and guiding human life. The poem is an acrostic; its twenty-two stanzas (of eight verses each) are in the order of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within a stanza begins with the same letter. Each verse contains one word for “instruction.” The translation here given attempts to translate each Hebrew word for “instruction” with the same English word. There are, however, nine words for “instruction,” not eight, so the principle of a different word for “instruction” in each verse cannot be maintained with perfect consistency. The nine words for “instruction” in the translation are: law, statute, commandment, precept, testimony, word, judgment, way, and promise.
- 119:19 A sojourner in the land: like someone without the legal protection of a native inhabitant, the psalmist has a special need for the guidance of God’s teaching.
- 119:48 I lift up my hands to your commandments: to lift up the hands was an ancient gesture of reverence to God. Here the picture is applied to God’s law.
- 119:89–91 God’s word creates the world, which manifests that word by its permanence and reliability.
- 119:97 Lord: the inclusion of “Lord” follows the tradition of the Septuagint and the Vulgate.
Psalm 119
New International Version
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
- 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.
- Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
- Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way
- Psalm 119:112 Or decrees / for their enduring reward
New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)
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