Psalm 119

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

Aleph

1 t Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3  who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4  You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5  Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6  Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7  I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.t
8  I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Beth

9  How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10  With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11  I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12  Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
13  With my lips I declare
all the rulest of your mouth.
14  In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15  I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16  I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.

Gimel

17  Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18  Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19  I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20  My soul is consumed with longing
for your rulest at all times.
21  You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22  Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23  Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24  Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.

Daleth

25  My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26  When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27  Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28  My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29  Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30  I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31  I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
32  I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!t

He

33  Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.t
34  Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35  Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36  Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37  Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38  Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39  Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40  Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!

Waw

41  Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
42  then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44  I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45  and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46  I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47  for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48  I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.

Zayin

49  Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50  This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51  The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52  When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53  Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54  Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
55  I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56  This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.

Heth

57  The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58  I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59  When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60  I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62  At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63  I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64  The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!

Teth

65  You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67  Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68  You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69  The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70  their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71  It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72  The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh

73  Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74  Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75  I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76  Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77  Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78  Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79  Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80  May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!

Kaph

81  My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82  My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, "When will you comfort me?"
83  For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84  How long must your servant endure?t
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85  The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86  All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87  They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88  In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Lamedh

89  Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90  Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91  By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92  If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93  I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94  I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95  The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96  I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Mem

97  Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98  Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99  I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100  I understand more than the aged,t
for I keep your precepts.
101  I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102  I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103  How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104  Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.

Nun

105  Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106  I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107  I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108  Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
109  I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110  The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111  Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112  I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.t

Samekh

113  I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114  You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115  Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116  Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117  Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118  You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119  All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120  My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin

121  I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122  Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123  My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124  Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125  I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126  It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127  Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128  Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.

Pe

129  Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130  The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131  I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132  Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133  Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134  Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135  Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136  My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.

Tsadhe

137  Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
138  You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139  My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140  Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141  I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142  Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143  Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144  Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.

Qoph

145  With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
146  I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147  I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148  My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149  Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150  They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151  But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152  Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.

Resh

153  Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154  Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
155  Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156  Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
157  Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158  I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159  Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160  The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Sin and Shin

161  Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162  I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163  I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164  Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165  Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166  I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
167  My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168  I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.

Taw

169  Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
170  Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171  My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172  My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173  Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174  I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175  Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176  I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.

Psalm 119

1 Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah.

2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart.

3 Yea, they do no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways.

4 Thou hast commanded us thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.

5 Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes!

6 Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.

7 I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments.

8 I will observe thy statutes: Oh forsake me not utterly. BETH.

9 Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. GIMEL.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live; So will I observe thy word.

18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law.

19 I am a sojourner in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me.

20 My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times.

21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments.

22 Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies.

23 Princes also sat and talked against me; But thy servant did meditate on thy statutes.

24 Thy testimonies also are my delight And my counsellors. DALETH.

25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word.

26 I declared my ways, and thou answeredst me: Teach me thy statutes.

27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works.

28 My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

29 Remove from me the way of falsehood; And grant me thy law graciously.

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness: Thine ordinances have I set before me.

31 I cleave unto thy testimonies: O Jehovah, put me not to shame.

32 I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. HE.

33 Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness.

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, And quicken me in thy ways.

38 Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Which is in order unto the fear of thee.

39 Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good.

40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. VAV.

41 Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word.

42 So shall I have an answer for him that reproacheth me; For I trust in thy word.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thine ordinances.

44 So shall I observe thy law continually For ever and ever.

45 And I shall walk at liberty; For I have sought thy precepts.

46 I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame.

47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved.

48 I will lift up my hands also unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate on thy statutes. ZAYIN.

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, Because thou hast made me to hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction; For thy word hath quickened me.

51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yet have I not swerved from thy law.

52 I have remembered thine ordinances of old, O Jehovah, And have comforted myself.

53  Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, Because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

54 Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.

55 I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, And have observed thy law.

56 This I have had, Because I have kept thy precepts. HHETH.

57  Jehovah is my portion: I have said that I would observe thy words.

58 I entreated thy favor with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word.

59 I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

60 I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments.

61 The cords of the wicked have wrapped me round; But I have not forgotten thy law.

62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances.

63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, And of them that observe thy precepts.

64 The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy lovingkindness: Teach me thy statutes. TETH.

65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Jehovah, according unto thy word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge; For I have believed in thy commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word.

68 Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts.

70 Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes.

72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. YODH.

73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

74 They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word.

75 I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.

76 Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant.

77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; For thy law is my delight.

78 Let the proud be put to shame; For they have overthrown me wrongfully: But I will meditate on thy precepts.

79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me; And they shall know thy testimonies.

80 Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. KAPH.

81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation; But I hope in thy word.

82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?

83 For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes.

84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

85 The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law.

86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.

88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth. LAMEDH.

89 For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven.

90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

91  They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants.

92 Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

93 I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts.

95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; But I will consider thy testimonies. MEM.

96 I have seen an end of all perfection; But thy commandment is exceeding broad.

97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

98  Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts.

101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word.

102 I have not turned aside from thine ordinances; For thou hast taught me.

103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. NUN.

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.

106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances.

107 I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word.

108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, And teach me thine ordinances.

109 My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts.

111 Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end. SAMEKH.

113 I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love.

114 Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

115 Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope.

117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually.

118 Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes; For their deceit is falsehood.

119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies.

120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. AYIN.

121 I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors.

122 Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me.

123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word.

124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes.

125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies.

126 It is time for Jehovah to work; For they have made void thy law.

127 Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; And I hate every false way. PE.

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful; Therefore doth my soul keep them.

130 The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.

131 I opened wide my mouth, and panted; For I longed for thy commandments.

132 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

133 Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Redeem me from the oppression of man: So will I observe thy precepts.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes.

136 Streams of water run down mine eyes, Because they observe not thy law. TSADHE.

137 Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments.

138 Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness And very faithfulness.

139 My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words.

140 Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it.

141 I am small and despised; Yet do I not forget thy precepts.

142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is truth.

143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; Yet thy commandments are my delight.

144 Thy testimonies are righteous for ever: Give me understanding, and I shall live. QOPH.

145 I have called with my whole heart; answer me, O Jehovah: I will keep thy statutes.

146 I have called unto thee; save me, And I shall observe thy testimonies.

147 I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words.

148 Mine eyes anticipated the night-watches, That I might meditate on thy word.

149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thine ordinances.

150 They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law.

151 Thou art nigh, O Jehovah; And all thy commandments are truth.

152 Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever. RESH.

153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; For I do not forget thy law.

154 Plead thou my cause, and redeem me: Quicken me according to thy word.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes.

156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Jehovah: Quicken me according to thine ordinances.

157 Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; Yet have I not swerved from thy testimonies.

158 I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word.

159 Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy lovingkindness.

160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever. SHIN.

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause; But my heart standeth in awe of thy words.

162 I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor falsehood; But thy law do I love.

164 Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances.

165 Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling.

166 I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done thy commandments.

167 My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly.

168 I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; For all my ways are before thee. TAV.

169 Let my cry come near before thee, O Jehovah: Give me understanding according to thy word.

170 Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word.

171 Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes.

172 Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness.

173 Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts.

174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah; And thy law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thine ordinances help me.

176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments.