Psalm 119
Psalm 119
Aleph
1 Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the LORD.2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.3 They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!6 Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!
Beth
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.12 I praise you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
Gimel
17 Be good to your servant,
that I may live and obey your word.18 Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.19 I am only a foreigner in the land.
Don’t hide your commands from me!20 I am always overwhelmed
with a desire for your regulations.21 You rebuke the arrogant;
those who wander from your commands are cursed.22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
for I have obeyed your laws.23 Even princes sit and speak against me,
but I will meditate on your decrees.24 Your laws please me;
they give me wise advice.
Daleth
25 I lie in the dust;
revive me by your word.26 I told you my plans, and you answered.
Now teach me your decrees.27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.28 I weep with sorrow;
encourage me by your word.29 Keep me from lying to myself;
give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.30 I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations.31 I cling to your laws.
LORD, don’t let me be put to shame!32 I will pursue your commands,
for you expand my understanding.
He
33 Teach me your decrees, O LORD;
I will keep them to the end.34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.36 Give me an eagerness for your laws
rather than a love for money!37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.t38 Reassure me of your promise,
made to those who fear you.39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.40 I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.
Waw
41 LORD, give me your unfailing love,
the salvation that you promised me.42 Then I can answer those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
for your regulations are my only hope.44 I will keep on obeying your instructions
forever and ever.45 I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments.46 I will speak to kings about your laws,
and I will not be ashamed.47 How I delight in your commands!
How I love them!48 I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your decrees.
Zayin
49 Remember your promise to me;
it is my only hope.50 Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles.51 The proud hold me in utter contempt,
but I do not turn away from your instructions.52 I meditate on your age-old regulations;
O LORD, they comfort me.53 I become furious with the wicked,
because they reject your instructions.54 Your decrees have been the theme of my songs
wherever I have lived.55 I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD;
therefore, I obey your instructions.56 This is how I spend my life:
obeying your commandments.
Heth
57 LORD, you are mine!
I promise to obey your words!58 With all my heart I want your blessings.
Be merciful as you promised.59 I pondered the direction of my life,
and I turned to follow your laws.60 I will hurry, without delay,
to obey your commands.61 Evil people try to drag me into sin,
but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.62 I rise at midnight to thank you
for your just regulations.63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you—
anyone who obeys your commandments.64 O LORD, your unfailing love fills the earth;
teach me your decrees.
Teth
65 You have done many good things for me, LORD,
just as you promised.66 I believe in your commands;
now teach me good judgment and knowledge.67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.68 You are good and do only good;
teach me your decrees.69 Arrogant people smear me with lies,
but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.70 Their hearts are dull and stupid,
but I delight in your instructions.71 My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.72 Your instructions are more valuable to me
than millions in gold and silver.
Yodh
73 You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
for I have put my hope in your word.75 I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair;
you disciplined me because I needed it.76 Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
just as you promised me, your servant.77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
for your instructions are my delight.78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.79 Let me be united with all who fear you,
with those who know your laws.80 May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
then I will never be ashamed.
Kaph
81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
but I have put my hope in your word.82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
When will you comfort me?83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.84 How long must I wait?
When will you punish those who persecute me?85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions
have dug deep pits to trap me.86 All your commands are trustworthy.
Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.87 They almost finished me off,
but I refused to abandon your commandments.88 In your unfailing love, spare my life;
then I can continue to obey your laws.
Lamedh
89 Your eternal word, O LORD,
stands firm in heaven.90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
as enduring as the earth you created.91 Your regulations remain true to this day,
for everything serves your plans.92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
I would have died in my misery.93 I will never forget your commandments,
for by them you give me life.94 I am yours; rescue me!
For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.96 Even perfection has its limits,
but your commands have no limit.
Mem
97 Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.100 I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.101 I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to your word.102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
for you have taught me well.103 How sweet your words taste to me;
they are sweeter than honey.104 Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
I will obey your righteous regulations.107 I have suffered much, O LORD;
restore my life again as you promised.108 LORD, accept my offering of praise,
and teach me your regulations.109 My life constantly hangs in the balance,
but I will not stop obeying your instructions.110 The wicked have set their traps for me,
but I will not turn from your commandments.111 Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart’s delight.112 I am determined to keep your decrees
to the very end.
Samekh
113 I hate those with divided loyalties,
but I love your instructions.114 You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
for I intend to obey the commands of my God.116 LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
Do not let my hope be crushed.117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
then I will meditate continually on your decrees.118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
They are only fooling themselves.119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
no wonder I love to obey your laws!120 I tremble in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your regulations.
Ayin
121 Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
for I have done what is just and right.122 Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!123 My eyes strain to see your rescue,
to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
and teach me your decrees.125 Give discernment to me, your servant;
then I will understand your laws.126 LORD, it is time for you to act,
for these evil people have violated your instructions.127 Truly, I love your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold.128 Each of your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way.
Pe
129 Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!130 The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.131 I pant with expectation,
longing for your commands.132 Come and show me your mercy,
as you do for all who love your name.133 Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.135 Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.
Tsadhe
137 O LORD, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.138 Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.139 I am overwhelmed with indignation,
for my enemies have disregarded your words.140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.141 I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.142 Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.143 As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.144 Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.
Qoph
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD!
I will obey your decrees.146 I cry out to you; rescue me,
that I may obey your laws.147 I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.148 I stay awake through the night,
thinking about your promise.149 In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry;
let me be revived by following your regulations.150 Lawless people are coming to attack me;
they live far from your instructions.151 But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commands are true.152 I have known from my earliest days
that your laws will last forever.
Resh
153 Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your instructions.154 Argue my case; take my side!
Protect my life as you promised.155 The wicked are far from rescue,
for they do not bother with your decrees.156 LORD, how great is your mercy;
let me be revived by following your regulations.157 Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your laws.158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
because they care nothing for your word.159 See how I love your commandments, LORD.
Give back my life because of your unfailing love.160 The very essence of your words is truth;
all your just regulations will stand forever.
Shin
161 Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.162 I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.163 I hate and abhor all falsehood,
but I love your instructions.164 I will praise you seven times a day
because all your regulations are just.165 Those who love your instructions have great peace
and do not stumble.166 I long for your rescue, LORD,
so I have obeyed your commands.167 I have obeyed your laws,
for I love them very much.168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws
because you know everything I do.
Taw
169 O LORD, listen to my cry;
give me the discerning mind you promised.170 Listen to my prayer;
rescue me as you promised.171 Let praise flow from my lips,
for you have taught me your decrees.172 Let my tongue sing about your word,
for all your commands are right.173 Give me a helping hand,
for I have chosen to follow your commandments.174 O LORD, I have longed for your rescue,
and your instructions are my delight.175 Let me live so I can praise you,
and may your regulations help me.176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten 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.
