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א Aleph

119 Blessed are those who live without blame.
    They live in keeping with the law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who obey his covenant laws.
    They trust in him with all their hearts.
They don’t do anything wrong.
    They live as he wants them to live.
You have given me rules
    that I must obey completely.
I hope I will always stand firm
    in following your orders.
Then I won’t be put to shame
    when I think about all your commands.
I will praise you with an honest heart
    as I learn about how fair your decisions are.
I will obey your orders.
    Please don’t leave me all alone.

ב Beth

How can a young person keep their life pure?
    By living according to your word.
10 I trust in you with all my heart.
    Don’t let me wander away from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
    so that I won’t sin against you.
12 Lord, I give praise to you.
    Teach me your orders.
13 With my lips I talk about
    all the decisions you have made.
14 Following your covenant laws gives me joy
    just as great riches give joy to others.
15 I spend time thinking about your rules.
    I consider how you want me to live.
16 I take delight in your orders.
    I won’t fail to obey your word.

ג Gimel

17 Be good to me while I am alive.
    Do this so that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I can see
    the wonderful truths in your law.
19 I’m a stranger on earth.
    Don’t hide your commands from me.
20 My heart is filled with longing
    for your laws at all times.
21 You correct proud people. They are under your curse.
    They wander away from your commands.
22 I obey your covenant laws.
    So don’t let evil people laugh at me or hate me.
23 Even if rulers sit together and tell lies about me,
    I will spend time thinking about your orders.
24 Your covenant laws are my delight.
    They give me wise advice.

ד Daleth

25 I lie in the dust. I’m about to die.
    Keep me alive as you have promised.
26 I told you how I’ve lived, and you gave me your answer.
    Teach me your orders.
27 Help me understand how your rules direct me to live.
    Then I may think deeply about the wonderful things you have done.
28 My sadness has worn me out.
    Give me strength as you have promised.
29 Keep me from cheating and telling lies.
    Be kind to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen to be faithful to you.
    I put my trust in your laws.
31 Lord, I’m careful to obey your covenant laws.
    Don’t let me be put to shame.
32 I am quick to follow your commands,
    because you have added to my understanding.

ה He

33 Lord, teach me how your orders direct me to live.
    Then I will live that way to the very end.
34 Help me understand your law so that I may follow it.
    I will obey it with all my heart.
35 Teach me to live as you command,
    because that makes me very happy.
36 Make me want to follow your covenant laws
    instead of wanting to gain things only for myself.
37 Turn my eyes away from things that are worthless.
    Keep me alive as you have promised.
38 Keep your promise to me.
    Then other people will have respect for you.
39 Please don’t let me be put to shame.
    Your laws are good.
40 I really want to follow your rules.
    Keep me alive, because you do what is right.

ו Waw

41 Lord, show me your faithful love.
    Save me as you have promised.
42 Then I can answer anyone who makes fun of me,
    because I trust in your word.
43 Help me always to tell the truth about how faithful you are.
    I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
    for ever and ever.
45 I will lead a full and happy life,
    because I’ve tried to obey your rules.
46 I will talk about your covenant laws to kings.
    I will not be put to shame.
47 I take delight in obeying your commands
    because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands that I love.
    I do this so that I may think deeply about your orders.

ז Zayin

49 Remember what you have said to me.
    You have given me hope.
50 Even when I suffer, I am comforted
    because you promised to keep me alive.
51 Proud people make fun of me without mercy.
    But I don’t turn away from your law.
52 Lord, I remember the laws you gave long ago.
    I find comfort in them.
53 I am very angry
    because evil people have turned away from your law.
54 No matter where I live,
    I sing about your orders.
55 Lord, during the night I remember who you are.
    That’s why I keep your law.
56 I have really done my best
    to obey your rules.

ח Heth

57 Lord, you are everything I need.
    I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have looked to you with all my heart.
    Be kind to me as you have promised.
59 I have thought about the way I live.
    And I have decided to follow your covenant laws.
60 I won’t waste any time.
    I will be quick to obey your commands.
61 Evil people may tie me up with ropes.
    But I won’t forget to obey your law.
62 At midnight I get up to give you thanks
    because your decisions are very fair.
63 I’m a friend to everyone who has respect for you.
    I’m a friend to everyone who follows your rules.
64 Lord, the earth is filled with your love.
    Teach me your orders.

ט Teth

65 Lord, be good to me
    as you have promised.
66 Increase my knowledge and give me good sense,
    because I trust your commands.
67 Before I went through suffering, I went down the wrong path.
    But now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good.
    Teach me your orders.
69 The lies of proud people have taken away my good name.
    But I follow your rules with all my heart.
70 Their unfeeling hearts are hard and stubborn.
    But I take delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to suffer.
    That’s what helped me to understand your orders.
72 The law you gave is worth more to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

י Yodh

73 You made me and formed me with your own hands.
    Give me understanding so that I can learn your commands.
74 May those who have respect for you be filled with joy when they see me.
    I have put my hope in your word.
75 Lord, I know that your laws are right.
    You were faithful to your promise when you made me suffer.
76 May your faithful love comfort me
    as you have promised me.
77 Show me your tender love so that I can live.
    I take delight in your law.
78 May proud people be put to shame for treating me badly for no reason.
    I will think deeply about your rules.
79 May those who have respect for you come to me.
    Then I can teach them your covenant laws.
80 May I follow your orders with all my heart.
    Then I won’t be put to shame.

כ Kaph

81 I deeply long for you to save me.
    I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes grow tired looking for what you have promised.
    I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 I’m as useless as a wineskin that smoke has dried up.
    But I don’t forget to follow your orders.
84 How long do I have to wait?
    When will you punish those who attack me?
85 Proud people do what is against your law.
    They dig pits for me to fall into.
86 All your commands can be trusted.
    Help me, because people attack me without any reason.
87 They almost wiped me off the face of the earth.
    But I have not turned away from your rules.
88 Keep me alive, because of your faithful love.
    Do this so that I may obey the covenant laws you have given.

ל Lamedh

89 Lord, your word lasts forever.
    It stands firm in the heavens.
90 You will be faithful for all time to come.
    You made the earth, and it continues to exist.
91 Your laws continue to this very day,
    because all things serve you.
92 If I had not taken delight in your law,
    I would have died because of my suffering.
93 I will never forget your rules.
    You have kept me alive, because I obey them.
94 Save me, because I belong to you.
    I’ve tried to obey your rules.
95 Sinful people are waiting to destroy me.
    But I will spend time thinking about your covenant laws.
96 I’ve learned that everything has its limits.
    But your commands are perfect. They are always there when I need them.

מ Mem

97 Lord, I really love your law!
    All day long I spend time thinking about it.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
    because your commands are always in my heart.
99 I know more than all my teachers do,
    because I spend time thinking about your covenant laws.
100 I understand more than the elders do,
    because I obey your rules.
101 I’ve kept my feet from every path that sinners take
    so that I might obey your word.
102 I haven’t turned away from your laws,
    because you yourself have taught me.
103 Your words are very sweet to my taste!
    They are sweeter than honey to me.
104 I gain understanding from your rules.
    So I hate every path that sinners take.

נ Nun

105 Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way.
    It is like a light that guides me.
106 I have made a promise
    to follow your laws, because they are right.
107 I have suffered very much.
    Lord, keep me alive as you have promised.
108 Lord, accept the praise I freely give you.
    Teach me your laws.
109 I keep putting my life in danger.
    But I won’t forget to obey your law.
110 Evil people have set a trap for me.
    But I haven’t wandered away from your rules.
111 Your covenant laws are your gift to me forever.
    They fill my heart with joy.
112 I have decided to obey your orders
    to the very end.

ס Samekh

113 I hate people who can’t make up their minds.
    But I love your law.
114 You are my place of safety.
    You are like a shield that keeps me safe.
    I have put my hope in your word.
115 Get away from me, you who do evil!
    Then I can do what my God commands me to do.
116 My God, keep me going as you have promised. Then I will live.
    Don’t let me lose all hope.
117 Take good care of me, and I will be saved.
    I will always honor your orders.
118 You turn your back on all those who wander away from your orders.
    Their wrong thoughts will be proved to be wrong.
119 You throw away all the sinners on earth as if they were trash.
    So I love your covenant laws.
120 My body trembles because I have respect for you.
    I have great respect for your laws.

ע Ayin

121 I have done what is right and fair.
    So don’t leave me to those who treat me badly.
122 Make sure that everything goes well with me.
    Don’t let proud people treat me badly.
123 My eyes grow tired as I look to you to save me.
    Please save me as you have promised.
124 Be good to me, because you love me.
    Teach me your orders.
125 I serve you, so help me to understand what is right.
    Then I will understand your covenant laws.
126 Lord, it’s time for you to act.
    People are breaking your law.
127 I love your commands more than gold.
    I love them more than pure gold.
128 I consider all your rules to be right.
    So I hate every path that sinners take.

פ Pe

129 Your covenant laws are wonderful.
    So I obey them.
130 When your words are made clear, they bring light.
    They bring understanding to childish people.
131 I open my mouth and pant like a dog,
    because I long to know your commands.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me.
    That’s what you’ve always done for those who love you.
133 Teach me how to live as you have promised.
    Don’t let any sin be my master.
134 Set me free from people who treat me badly.
    Then I will obey your rules.
135 Have mercy on me.
    Teach me your orders.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
    because people don’t obey your law.

צ Tsadhe

137 Lord, you do what is fair.
    And your laws are right.
138 The laws you have made are fair.
    They can be completely trusted.
139 My anger is wearing me out,
    because my enemies don’t pay any attention to your words.
140 Your promises have proved to be true.
    I love them.
141 I’m not important. People look down on me.
    But I don’t forget to obey your rules.
142 You always do what is right.
    And your law is true.
143 I’ve had my share of trouble and suffering.
    But your commands give me delight.
144 Your covenant laws are always right.
    Help me to understand them. Then I will live.

ק Qoph

145 Lord, I call out to you with all my heart.
    Answer me, and I will obey your orders.
146 I call out to you.
    Save me, and I will keep your covenant laws.
147 I get up before the sun rises. I cry out for help.
    I’ve put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open all night long.
    I spend my time thinking about your promises.
149 Listen to me, because you love me.
    Lord, keep me alive as you have promised.
150 Those who think up evil plans are near.
    They have wandered far away from your law.
151 But Lord, you are near.
    All your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your covenant laws
    that you made them to last forever.

ר Resh

153 Look at how I’m suffering!
    Save me, because I haven’t forgotten to obey your law.
154 Stand up for me and set me free.
    Keep me alive as you have promised.
155 Those who are evil are far from being saved.
    They don’t want to obey your orders.
156 Lord, you have deep concern for me.
    Keep me alive as you have promised.
157 Many enemies attack me.
    But I haven’t turned away from your covenant laws.
158 I get very angry when I see people who aren’t faithful to you.
    They don’t obey your word.
159 See how I love your rules!
    Lord, keep me alive, because you love me.
160 All your words are true.
    All your laws are right. They last forever.

ש Sin and Shin

161 Rulers attack me for no reason.
    But I tremble because of your word.
162 I’m filled with joy because of your promise.
    It’s like finding a great fortune.
163 I hate lies with a deep hatred.
    But I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
    for your laws, because they are right.
165 Those who love your law enjoy great peace.
    Nothing can make them trip and fall.
166 Lord, I wait for you to save me.
    I follow your commands.
167 I obey your covenant laws,
    because I love them greatly.
168 I obey your rules and your covenant laws,
    because you know all about how I live.

ת Taw

169 Lord, may you hear my cry.
    Give me understanding, just as you said you would.
170 May you hear my prayer.
    Save me, just as you promised.
171 May my lips pour out praise to you,
    because you teach me your orders.
172 May my tongue sing about your word,
    because all your commands are right.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
    because I have chosen to obey your rules.
174 Lord, I long for you to save me.
    Your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live so that I can praise you.
    May your laws keep me going.
176 Like a lost sheep, I’ve gone down the wrong path.
    Come and look for me,
    because I haven’t forgotten to obey your commands.

Psalm 119[a]

א Aleph

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

ב Beth

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