Psalmorum 40
1 In finem. Psalmus ipsi David. [Exspectans exspectavi Dominum, et intendit mihi.
For the leader. A psalm of David. For the Lord I waited and waited, till, inclining to me, he heard my cry.
2 Et exaudivit preces meas, et eduxit me de lacu miseriæ et de luto fæcis. Et statuit super petram pedes meos, et direxit gressus meos.
From the horrible pit he drew me, up out of the miry clay; he set my feet on a rock, and my steps he made firm.
3 Et immisit in os meum canticum novum, carmen Deo nostro. Videbunt multi, et timebunt, et sperabunt in Domino.
He put a new song in my mouth, of praise to our God. Many see it, and, filled with awe, put their trust in the Lord.
4 Beatus vir cujus est nomen Domini spes ejus, et non respexit in vanitates et insanias falsas.
Happy the person who has put in the Lord their trust, not looking to false gods or turning to idols.
5 Multa fecisti tu, Domine Deus meus, mirabilia tua; et cogitationibus tuis non est qui similis sit tibi. Annuntiavi et locutus sum: multiplicati sunt super numerum.
With us you have wrought in rich measure, O Lord our God, your marvels and purposes for us – none may compare with you – were I to declare or to tell them, past counting are they.
6 Sacrificium et oblationem noluisti; aures autem perfecisti mihi. Holocaustum et pro peccato non postulasti;
In offerings bloody or bloodless you have no delight, but with open ears you have made me. Burnt-offering and offering for sin are not what you ask.
7 tunc dixi: Ecce venio. In capite libri scriptum est de me,
Then said I, ‘Here I am, as the roll of the book has enjoined.
8 ut facerem voluntatem tuam. Deus meus, volui, et legem tuam in medio cordis mei.
My delight, O God, is to do your will, and your law is within my heart.’
9 Annuntiavi justitiam tuam in ecclesia magna; ecce labia mea non prohibebo: Domine, tu scisti.
Well, O Lord, you know that, with lips unrestrained, your righteousness I told in the great congregation,
10 Justitiam tuam non abscondi in corde meo; veritatem tuam et salutare tuum dixi; non abscondi misericordiam tuam et veritatem tuam a concilio multo.
not hiding it in my heart. I have told of your steadfast help, from the great congregation I hid not your love and your faithfulness.
11 Tu autem, Domine, ne longe facias miserationes tuas a me; misericordia tua et veritas tua semper susceperunt me.
So do not restrain, Lord, your pity from us. Your love and your faithfulness – ever may they be our shield.
12 Quoniam circumdederunt me mala quorum non est numerus; comprehenderunt me iniquitates meæ, et non potui ut viderem. Multiplicatæ sunt super capillos capitis mei, et cor meum dereliquit me.
For evils that cannot be numbered have compassed me round. My transgressions have followed me up – I can bear it no more. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has forsaken me.
13 Complaceat tibi, Domine, ut eruas me; Domine, ad adjuvandum me respice.
O Lord, be pleased to deliver me, haste to my help, O Lord.
14 Confundantur et revereantur simul, qui quærunt animam meam ut auferant eam; convertantur retrorsum et revereantur, qui volunt mihi mala.
May those who are seeking my life be ashamed and confounded together; may those who delight in my hurt be defeated and brought to dishonour.
15 Ferant confestim confusionem suam, qui dicunt mihi: Euge, euge!
May those who hurrah over me be dumbfounded because of their shame.
16 Exsultent et lætentur super te omnes quærentes te; et dicant semper: Magnificetur Dominus, qui diligunt salutare tuum.
But may all who seek after you rejoice and be glad in you. May all those eager for your aid, say, ‘Great is the Lord’ evermore.
17 Ego autem mendicus sum et pauper; Dominus sollicitus est mei. Adjutor meus et protector meus tu es; Deus meus, ne tardaveris.]
I am weak and needy, yet the Lord cares for me. You are my help and deliverer; don’t delay, my God.
