Psalm 119

Delight in God's Word

אAlef

1 How happy are those whose way is blameless,
who live according to the Lord's instruction!
2 Happy are those who keep His decrees
and seek Him with all their heart.
3 They do nothing wrong;
they follow His ways.
4 You have commanded that Your precepts
be diligently kept.
5 If only my ways were committed
to keeping Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed
when I think about all Your commands.
7 I will praise You with a sincere heart
when I learn Your righteous judgments.

8 I will keep Your statutes;
never abandon me.

בBet

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping Your word.
10 I have sought You with all my heart;
don't let me wander from Your commands.
11 I have treasured Your word in my heart
so that I may not sin against You.
12 Lord, may You be praised;
teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments from Your mouth.
14 I rejoice in the way [revealed by] Your decrees
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts
and think about Your ways.

16 I will delight in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

גGimel

17 Deal generously with Your servant
so that I might live;
then I will keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wonderful things from Your instruction.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide Your commands from me.
20 I am continually overcome
with longing for Your judgments.
21 You rebuke the proud,
the ones under a curse,
who wander from Your commands.
22 Take insult and contempt away from me,
for I have kept Your decrees.
23 Though princes sit together speaking against me,
Your servant will think about Your statutes;

24 Your decrees are my delight
and my counselors.

דDalet

25 My life is down in the dust;
give me life through Your word.
26 I told You about my life,
and You listened to me;
teach me Your statutes.
27 Help me understand
the meaning of Your precepts
so that I can meditate on Your wonders.
28 I am weary from grief;
strengthen me through Your word.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me Your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set Your ordinances [before me].
31 I cling to Your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.

32 I pursue the way of Your commands,
for You broaden my understanding.

הHe

33 Teach me, Lord, the meaning of Your statutes,
and I will always keep them.
34 Help me understand Your instruction,
and I will obey it
and follow it with all my heart.
35 Help me stay on the path of Your commands,
for I take pleasure in it.
36 Turn my heart to Your decrees
and not to material gain.
37 Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless;
give me life in Your ways.
38 Confirm what You said to Your servant,
for it produces reverence for You.
39 Turn away the disgrace I dread;
indeed, Your judgments are good.

40 How I long for Your precepts!
Give me life through Your righteousness.

וVav

41 Let Your faithful love come to me, Lord,
Your salvation, as You promised.
42 Then I can answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in Your word.
43 Never take the word of truth from my mouth,
for I hope in Your judgments.
44 I will always obey Your instruction,
forever and ever.
45 I will walk freely in an open place
because I seek Your precepts.
46 I will speak of Your decrees before kings
and not be ashamed.
47 I delight in Your commands,
which I love.

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

זZayin

49 Remember [Your] word to Your servant;
You have given me hope through it.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction:
Your promise has given me life.
51 The arrogant constantly ridicule me,
but I do not turn away from Your instruction.
52 Lord, I remember Your judgments from long ago
and find comfort.
53 Rage seizes me because of the wicked
who reject Your instruction.
54 Your statutes are [the theme of] my song
during my earthly life.
55 Yahweh, I remember Your name in the night,
and I obey Your instruction.

56 This is my [practice]:
I obey Your precepts.

חKhet

57 The Lord is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.
58 I have sought Your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to Your promise.
59 I thought about my ways
and turned my steps back to Your decrees.
60 I hurried, not hesitating
to keep Your commands.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked
were wrapped around me,
I did not forget Your instruction.
62 I rise at midnight to thank You
for Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a friend to all who fear You,
to those who keep Your precepts.

64 Lord, the earth is filled with Your faithful love;
teach me Your statutes.

טTet

65 Lord, You have treated Your servant well,
just as You promised.
66 Teach me good judgment and discernment,
for I rely on Your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep Your word.
68 You are good, and You do what is good;
teach me Your statutes.
69 The arrogant have smeared me with lies,
but I obey Your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are hard and insensitive,
but I delight in Your instruction.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I could learn Your statutes.

72 Instruction from Your lips is better for me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

יYod

73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding
so that I can learn Your commands.
74 Those who fear You will see me and rejoice,
for I put my hope in Your word.
75 I know, Lord, that Your judgments are just
and that You have afflicted me fairly.
76 May Your faithful love comfort me
as You promised Your servant.
77 May Your compassion come to me
so that I may live,
for Your instruction is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame
for slandering me with lies;
I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You,
those who know Your decrees, turn to me.

80 May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes
so that I will not be put to shame.

כKaf

81 I long for Your salvation;
I put my hope in Your word.
82 My eyes grow weary
[looking] for what You have promised;
I ask, "When will You comfort me?"
83 Though I have become like a wineskin [dried] by smoke,
I do not forget Your statutes.
84 How many days [must] Your servant [wait]?
When will You execute judgment on my persecutors?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me;
they violate Your instruction.
86 All Your commands are true;
people persecute me with lies-help me!
87 They almost ended my life on earth,
but I did not abandon Your precepts.

88 Give me life in accordance with Your faithful love,
and I will obey the decree You have spoken.

לLamed

89 Lord, Your word is forever;
it is firmly fixed in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness is for all generations;
You established the earth, and it stands firm.
91 They stand today in accordance with Your judgments,
for all things are Your servants.
92 If Your instruction had not been my delight,
I would have died in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
for You have given me life through them.
94 I am Yours; save me,
for I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked hope to destroy me,
but I contemplate Your decrees.

96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but Your command is without limit.

מMem

97 How I love Your instruction!
It is my meditation all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are always with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers
because Your decrees are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the elders
because I obey Your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
to follow Your word.
102 I have not turned from Your judgments,
for You Yourself have instructed me.
103 How sweet Your word is to my taste-
[sweeter] than honey in my mouth.

104 I gain understanding from Your precepts;
therefore I hate every false way.

נNun

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light on my path.
106 I have solemnly sworn
to keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am severely afflicted;
Lord, give me life through Your word.
108 Lord, please accept my willing offerings of praise,
and teach me Your judgments.
109 My life is constantly in danger,
yet I do not forget Your instruction.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me,
but I have not wandered from Your precepts.
111 I have Your decrees as a heritage forever;
indeed, they are the joy of my heart.

112 I am resolved to obey Your statutes
to the very end.

סSamek

113 I hate those who are double-minded,
but I love Your instruction.
114 You are my shelter and my shield;
I put my hope in Your word.
115 Depart from me, you evil ones,
so that I may obey my God's commands.
116 Sustain me as You promised, and I will live;
do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Sustain me so that I can be safe
and always be concerned about Your statutes.
118 You reject all who stray from Your statutes,
for their deceit is a lie.
119 You remove all the wicked on earth
as if they were dross;
therefore, I love Your decrees.

120 I tremble in awe of You;
I fear Your judgments.

עAyin

121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee Your servant's well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes grow weary [looking for] Your salvation
and for Your righteous promise.
124 Deal with Your servant based on Your faithful love;
teach me Your statutes.
125 I am Your servant; give me understanding
so that I may know Your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
[for] they have violated Your instruction.
127 Since I love Your commands
more than gold, even the purest gold,

128 I carefully follow all Your precepts
and hate every false way.

פPe

129 Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
130 The revelation of Your words brings light
and gives understanding to the inexperienced.
131 I open my mouth and pant
because I long for Your commands.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is [Your] practice toward those who love Your name.
133 Make my steps steady through Your promise;
don't let any sin dominate me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
and I will keep Your precepts.
135 Show favor to Your servant,
and teach me Your statutes.

136 My eyes pour out streams of tears
because people do not follow Your instruction.

צTsade

137 You are righteous, Lord,
and Your judgments are just.
138 The decrees You issue are righteous
and altogether trustworthy.
139 My anger overwhelms me
because my foes forget Your words.
140 Your word is completely pure,
and Your servant loves it.
141 I am insignificant and despised,
but I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and Your instruction is true.
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but Your commands are my delight.

144 Your decrees are righteous forever.
Give me understanding, and I will live.

קQof

145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord.
I will obey Your statutes.
146 I call to You; save me,
and I will keep Your decrees.
147 I rise before dawn and cry out for help;
I put my hope in Your word.
148 I am awake through each watch of the night
to meditate on Your promise.
149 In keeping with Your faithful love, hear my voice.
Lord, give me life in keeping with Your justice.
150 Those who pursue evil plans come near;
they are far from Your instruction.
151 You are near, Lord,
and all Your commands are true.

152 Long ago I learned from Your decrees
that You have established them forever.

רResh

153 Consider my affliction and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten Your instruction.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
give me life as You promised.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not seek Your statutes.
156 Your compassions are many, Lord;
give me life according to Your judgments.
157 My persecutors and foes are many.
I have not turned from Your decrees.
158 I have seen the disloyal and feel disgust
because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts;
Lord, give me life according to Your faithful love.

160 The entirety of Your word is truth,
and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.

ׂשSin/ ׁשShin

161 Princes have persecuted me without cause,
but my heart fears [only] Your word.
162 I rejoice over Your promise
like one who finds vast treasure.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
[but] I love Your instruction.
164 I praise You seven times a day
for Your righteous judgments.
165 Abundant peace belongs to those
who love Your instruction;
nothing makes them stumble.
166 Lord, I hope for Your salvation
and carry out Your commands.
167 I obey Your decrees
and love them greatly.

168 I obey Your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before You.

תTav

169 Let my cry reach You, Lord;
give me understanding according to Your word.
170 Let my plea reach You;
rescue me according to Your promise.
171 My lips pour out praise,
for You teach me Your statutes.
172 My tongue sings about Your promise,
for all Your commands are righteous.
173 May Your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen Your precepts.
174 I long for Your salvation, Lord,
and Your instruction is my delight.
175 Let me live, and I will praise You;
may Your judgments help me.

176 I wander like a lost sheep;
seek Your servant,
for I do not forget Your commands.

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.