Psalms 119
1 Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
ALEPH. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2 Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
Blessed are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart.
3 They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways.
4 You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.
5 May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes.
6 Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
Then I wouldn't be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.
7 I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.
8 I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me!
I will observe your statutes. Do not utterly forsake me.
9 Beth How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
BET. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10 I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
With my whole heart, I have sought you. Do not let me wander from your commandments.
11 I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
In my heart I have hidden your word, that I might not sin against you.
12 Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
Blessed are you, LORD. Teach me your statutes.
13 I repeat out loud your instructions.
With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
14 I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.
16 I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say.
I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.
17 Gimel Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
GIMEL. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your Law.
19 I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
I am a stranger on the earth. Do not hide your commandments from me.
20 I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
21 You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
22 Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.
23 Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.
25 I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
DALET. My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word.
26 I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes.
27 Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts. Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word.
29 Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your Law graciously.
30 I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.
31 I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
I cling to your statutes, LORD. Do not let me be disappointed.
32 I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind!
I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.
33 He Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
HEY Teach me, LORD, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.
34 Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
Give me understanding, and I will keep your Law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.
36 Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.
37 Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.
38 Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.
39 Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
40 I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right.
Look, I long for your precepts. Revive me in your righteousness.
41 Waw Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
WAW. Let your loving kindness also come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your word.
42 Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word.
43 Don't ever prevent me from being able to speak your words of truth, for I place my complete confidence in your just judgments.
Do not snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances.
44 I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
So I will obey your Law continually, forever and ever.
45 I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed.
47 I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them.
48 I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say.
I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.
49 Zayin Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
ZAYIN. Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.
50 This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.
51 Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
The arrogant mock me excessively, but I do not swerve from your Law.
52 I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
I remember your ordinances of old, LORD, and have comforted myself.
53 I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your Law.
54 Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
Your statutes have been my songs, in the house where I live.
55 At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
I have remembered your name, LORD, in the night, and I obey your Law.
56 For this is how I live my life—by following your principles.
This is my way, that I keep your precepts.
57 Heth Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
HET. The LORD is my portion. I promised to obey your words.
58 My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.
59 As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.
61 Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won't forget your Law.
62 I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances.
63 I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.
64 Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do.
The earth is full of your loving kindness, LORD. Teach me your statutes.
65 Teth Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
TET. Do good to your servant, according to your word, LORD.
66 Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
67 Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word.
68 Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes.
69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
70 They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your Law.
71 The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.
72 What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver.
The Law you have spoken is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
73 Yodh You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
YOD Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.
75 Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.
LORD, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
76 May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.
77 Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your Law is my delight.
78 Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes.
80 May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed.
Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed.
81 Kaph I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
KAPH. My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.
82 I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
My eyes fail for your word. I say, "When will you comfort me?"
83 I've become like a wineskin that's been shriveled up by smoke, but I have not forgotten to do as you say.
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I do not forget your statutes.
84 How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your Law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me.
87 They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I did not forsake your precepts.
88 Since you love me with your trustworthy love, don't let me die, so I can go on following the instructions you have given.
Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
89 Lamedh Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
LAMED. LORD, your word is settled in heaven forever.
90 Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.
91 Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.
92 If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
Unless your Law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me.
94 I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts.
95 Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.
96 I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless.
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless.
97 Mem I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
MEM. How I love your Law. It is my meditation all day.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
99 In fact I have a better insight than all of my teachers because I spend time concentrating on what you say.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my (meditation)
100 I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.
101 I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word.
102 I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me.
103 Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth.
104 I gain understanding from what you say, so I hate any way of life that's just a lie.
Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
105 Nun Your word is a lamp that shows me where to walk, it's a light for my path.
NUN. Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
106 I've made a promise, and I will keep it: I will keep your rules that are always right!
I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances.
107 Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
I am afflicted very much. Revive me, LORD, according to your word.
108 Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
Please accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, LORD, and teach me your ordinances.
109 My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
My soul is continually in my hand, yet I won't forget your Law.
110 Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven't gone astray from your precepts.
111 I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end.
I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end.
113 Samekh I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
SAMEKH. I hate double-minded men, but I love your Law.
114 You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.
115 Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.
119 You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross. Therefore I love your testimonies.
120 I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments!
My flesh trembles for fear of you. I am afraid of your judgments.
121 Ayin I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
AYIN. I have done what is just and righteous. Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
Ensure your servant's well-being. Do not let the proud oppress me.
123 I strain my eyes looking for your salvation, watching for you to fulfill your promise to make everything good.
My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.
124 Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
126 Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
It is time to act, LORD, for they break your Law.
127 This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.
128 All of your rules are right in every way, and so I hate any way of life that's just a lie.
Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.
129 Pe Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
PEY. Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them.
130 Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
131 With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.
132 Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Tell me by your word the way I should go, and don't let any kind of evil control me.
Establish my footsteps in your word. Do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts.
135 Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.
136 My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law.
Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they do not observe your Law.
137 Tsadhe Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
TZADE. You are righteous, LORD. Your judgments are upright.
138 You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.
139 My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
141 I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
I am small and despised. I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your Law is truth.
143 When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.
144 Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live.
Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.
145 Qoph My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
QOPH. I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, LORD. I will keep your statutes.
146 I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
I have called to you. Save me. I will obey your statutes.
147 I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words.
148 During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.
149 Listen to what I have to say, Lord, because of your trustworthy love. Keep me alive, Lord, because you always do what's right.
Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, LORD, according to your ordinances.
150 Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your Law.
151 But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
You are near, LORD. All your commandments are truth.
152 Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever.
Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.
153 Resh Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
RESH. Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I do not forget your Law.
154 Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
Plead my cause, and redeem me. Revive me according to your promise.
155 Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
Great are your tender mercies, LORD. Revive me according to your ordinances.
157 Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven't swerved from your testimonies.
158 Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
I look at the faithless with loathing, because they do not observe your word.
159 See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, LORD, according to your loving kindness.
160 Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever.
All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.
161 Shin Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
SIN and SHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your Law.
164 I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.
165 Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
Those who love your Law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.
166 Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
I have hoped for your salvation, LORD. I have done your commandments.
167 I obey your laws and love them very much.
My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do.
I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
169 Taw Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
TAW. Let my cry come before you, LORD. Give me understanding according to your word.
170 Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
Let my petition come before you. Deliver me according to your word.
171 Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.
172 I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.
173 Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
I have longed for your salvation, LORD. Your Law is my delight.
175 May I live my life in praise to you, and may your instructions help me.
Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
