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

א (Alef)

1 How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,
who obey the law of the Lord.

2 How blessed are those who observe his rules,
and seek him with all their heart,

3 who, moreover, do no wrong,
but follow in his footsteps.

4 You demand that your precepts
be carefully kept.

5 If only I were predisposed
to keep your statutes!

6 Then I would not be ashamed,
if I were focused on all your commands.

7 I will give you sincere thanks,
when I learn your just regulations.

8 I will keep your statutes.
Do not completely abandon me!

ב (Bet)

9 How can a young person maintain a pure life?
By guarding it according to your instructions!

10 With all my heart I seek you.
Do not allow me to stray from your commands!

11 In my heart I store up your words,
so I might not sin against you.

12 You deserve praise, O Lord!
Teach me your statutes!

13 With my lips I proclaim
all the regulations you have revealed.

14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules
as if they were riches of all kinds.

15 I will meditate on your precepts
and focus on your behavior.

16 I find delight in your statutes;
I do not forget your instructions.

ג (Gimel)

17 Be kind to your servant!
Then I will live and keep your instructions.

18 Open my eyes so I can truly see
the marvelous things in your law!

19 I am like a foreigner in this land.
Do not hide your commands from me!

20 I desperately long to know
your regulations at all times.

21 You reprimand arrogant people.
Those who stray from your commands are doomed.

22 Spare me shame and humiliation,
for I observe your rules.

23 Though rulers plot and slander me,
your servant meditates on your statutes.

24 Yes, I find delight in your rules;
they give me guidance.

ד (Dalet)

25 I collapse in the dirt.
Revive me with your word!

26 I told you about my ways and you answered me.
Teach me your statutes!

27 Help me to understand what your precepts mean!
Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.

28 I collapse from grief.
Sustain me by your word!

29 Remove me from the path of deceit!
Graciously give me your law!

30 I choose the path of faithfulness;
I am committed to your regulations.

31 I hold fast to your rules.
O Lord, do not let me be ashamed!

32 I run along the path of your commands,
for you enable me to do so.

ה (He)

33 Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,
so that I might observe it continually.

34 Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,
and keep it with all my heart.

35 Guide me in the path of your commands,
for I delight to walk in it.

36 Give me a desire for your rules,
rather than for wealth gained unjustly.

37 Turn my eyes away from what is worthless!
Revive me with your word!

38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which you made to the one who honors you.

39 Take away the insults that I dread!
Indeed, your regulations are good.

40 Look, I long for your precepts.
Revive me with your deliverance!

ו (Vav)

41 May I experience your loyal love, O Lord,
and your deliverance, as you promised.

42 Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me,
for I trust in your word.

43 Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony,
for I await your justice.

44 Then I will keep your law continually
now and for all time.

45 I will be secure,
for I seek your precepts.

46 I will speak about your regulations before kings
and not be ashamed.

47 I will find delight in your commands,
which I love.

48 I will lift my hands to your commands,
which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.

ז (Zayin)

49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.

50 This is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.

51 Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.
Yet I do not turn aside from your law.

52 I remember your ancient regulations,
O Lord, and console myself.

53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
those who reject your law.

54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house where I live.

55 I remember your name during the night, O Lord,
and I will keep your law.

56 This has been my practice,
for I observe your precepts.

ח (Khet)

57 The Lord is my source of security.
I have determined to follow your instructions.

58 I seek your favor with all my heart.
Have mercy on me as you promised!

59 I consider my actions
and follow your rules.

60 I keep your commands
eagerly and without delay.

61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around me,
but I do not forget your law.

62 In the middle of the night I arise to thank you
for your just regulations.

63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers,
and to those who keep your precepts.

64 O Lord, your loyal love fills the earth.
Teach me your statutes!

ט (Tet)

65 You are good to your servant,
O Lord, just as you promised.

66 Teach me proper discernment and understanding!
For I consider your commands to be reliable.

67 Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,
but now I keep your instructions.

68 You are good and you do good.
Teach me your statutes!

69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies,
but I observe your precepts with all my heart.

70 Their hearts are calloused,
but I find delight in your law.

71 It was good for me to suffer,
so that I might learn your statutes.

72 The law you have revealed is more important to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

י (Yod)

73 Your hands made me and formed me.
Give me understanding so that I might learn your commands.

74 Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me,
for I find hope in your word.

75 I know, Lord, that your regulations are just.
You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me.

76 May your loyal love console me,
as you promised your servant.

77 May I experience your compassion, so I might live!
For I find delight in your law.

78 May the arrogant be humiliated, for they have slandered me!
But I meditate on your precepts.

79 May your loyal followers turn to me,
those who know your rules.

80 May I be fully committed to your statutes,
so that I might not be ashamed.

כ (Kaf)

81 I desperately long for your deliverance.
I find hope in your word.

82 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled.
I say, “When will you comfort me?”

83 For I am like a wineskin dried up in smoke.
I do not forget your statutes.

84 How long must your servant endure this?
When will you judge those who pursue me?

85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
which violates your law.

86 All your commands are reliable.
I am pursued without reason. Help me!

87 They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,
but I do not reject your precepts.

88 Revive me with your loyal love,
that I might keep the rules you have revealed.

ל (Lamed)

89 O Lord, your instructions endure;
they stand secure in heaven.

90 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations.
You established the earth and it stood firm.

91 Today they stand firm by your decrees,
for all things are your servants.

92 If I had not found encouragement in your law,
I would have died in my sorrow.

93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have revived me.

94 I belong to you. Deliver me!
For I seek your precepts.

95 The wicked prepare to kill me,
yet I concentrate on your rules.

96 I realize that everything has its limits,
but your commands are beyond full comprehension.

מ (Mem)

97 O how I love your law!
All day long I meditate on it.

98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
for I am always aware of them.

99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your rules.

100 I am more discerning than those older than I,
for I observe your precepts.

101 I stay away from the evil path,
so that I might keep your instructions.

102 I do not turn aside from your regulations,
for you teach me.

103 Your words are sweeter
in my mouth than honey!

104 Your precepts give me discernment.
Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.

נ (Nun)

105 Your word is a lamp to walk by,
and a light to illumine my path.

106 I have vowed and solemnly sworn
to keep your just regulations.

107 I am suffering terribly.
O Lord, revive me with your word!

108 O Lord, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise!
Teach me your regulations!

109 My life is in continual danger,
but I do not forget your law.

110 The wicked lay a trap for me,
but I do not wander from your precepts.

111 I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy.

112 I am determined to obey your statutes
at all times, to the very end.

113 I hate people with divided loyalties,
but I love your law.

ס (Samek)

114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
I find hope in your word.

115 Turn away from me, you evil men,
so that I can observe the commands of my God.

116 Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live.
Do not disappoint me!

117 Support me, so that I will be delivered.
Then I will focus on your statutes continually.

118 You despise all who stray from your statutes,
for they are deceptive and unreliable.

119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag.
Therefore I love your rules.

120 My body trembles because I fear you;
I am afraid of your judgments.

ע (Ayin)

121 I do what is fair and right.
Do not abandon me to my oppressors!

122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant!
Do not let the arrogant oppress me!

123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance,
for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.

124 Show your servant your loyal love!
Teach me your statutes!

125 I am your servant. Give me insight,
so that I can understand your rules.

126 It is time for the Lord to act –
they break your law!

127 For this reason I love your commands
more than gold, even purest gold.

128 For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts.
I hate all deceitful actions.

פ (Pe)

129 Your rules are marvelous.
Therefore I observe them.

130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.
They give insight to the untrained.

131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commands.

132 Turn toward me and extend mercy to me,
as you typically do to your loyal followers.

133 Direct my steps by your word!
Do not let any sin dominate me!

134 Deliver me from oppressive men,
so that I can keep your precepts.

135 Smile on your servant!
Teach me your statutes!

136 Tears stream down from my eyes,
because people do not keep your law.

צ (Tsade)

137 You are just, O Lord,
and your judgments are fair.

138 The rules you impose are just,
and absolutely reliable.

139 My zeal consumes me,
for my enemies forget your instructions.

140 Your word is absolutely pure,
and your servant loves it!

141 I am insignificant and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.

142 Your justice endures,
and your law is reliable.

143 Distress and hardship confront me,
yet I find delight in your commands.

144 Your rules remain just.
Give me insight so that I can live.

ק (Qof)

145 I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, O Lord!
I will observe your statutes.”

146 I cried out to you, “Deliver me,
so that I can keep your rules.”

147 I am up before dawn crying for help.
I find hope in your word.

148 My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours,
so that I can meditate on your word.

149 Listen to me because of your loyal love!
O Lord, revive me, as you typically do!

150 Those who are eager to do wrong draw near;
they are far from your law.

151 You are near, O Lord,
and all your commands are reliable.

152 I learned long ago that
you ordained your rules to last.

ר (Resh)

153 See my pain and rescue me!
For I do not forget your law.

154 Fight for me and defend me!
Revive me with your word!

155 The wicked have no chance for deliverance,
for they do not seek your statutes.

156 Your compassion is great, O Lord.
Revive me, as you typically do!

157 The enemies who chase me are numerous.
Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.

158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them,
because they do not keep your instructions.

159 See how I love your precepts!
O Lord, revive me with your loyal love!

160 Your instructions are totally reliable;
all your just regulations endure.

שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)

161 Rulers pursue me for no reason,
yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.

162 I rejoice in your instructions,
like one who finds much plunder.

163 I hate and despise deceit;
I love your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise you
because of your just regulations.

165 Those who love your law are completely secure;
nothing causes them to stumble.

166 I hope for your deliverance, O Lord,
and I obey your commands.

167 I keep your rules;
I love them greatly.

168 I keep your precepts and rules,
for you are aware of everything I do.

ת (Tav)

169 Listen to my cry for help, O Lord!
Give me insight by your word!

170 Listen to my appeal for mercy!
Deliver me, as you promised.

171 May praise flow freely from my lips,
for you teach me your statutes.

172 May my tongue sing about your instructions,
for all your commands are just.

173 May your hand help me,
for I choose to obey your precepts.

174 I long for your deliverance, O Lord;
I find delight in your law.

175 May I live and praise you!
May your regulations help me!

176 I have wandered off like a lost sheep.
Come looking for your servant,
for I do not forget your commands.