Psalm 116-120
Complete Jewish Bible
116 I love that Adonai heard
my voice when I prayed;
2 because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death were all around me,
Sh’ol’s constrictions held me fast;
I was finding only distress and anguish.
4 But I called on the name of Adonai:
“Please, Adonai! Save me!”
5 Adonai is merciful and righteous;
yes, our God is compassionate.
6 Adonai preserves the thoughtless;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 My soul, return to your rest!
For Adonai has been generous toward you.
8 Yes, you have rescued me from death,
my eyes from tears and my feet from falling.
9 I will go on walking in the presence of Adonai
in the lands of the living.
10 I will keep on trusting even when I say,
“I am utterly miserable,”
11 even when, in my panic, I declare,
“Everything human is deceptive.”
12 How can I repay Adonai
for all his generous dealings with me?
13 I will raise the cup of salvation
and call on the name of Adonai.
14 I will pay my vows to Adonai
in the presence of all his people.
15 From Adonai’s point of view,
the death of those faithful to him is costly.
16 Oh, Adonai! I am your slave;
I am your slave, the son of your slave-girl;
you have removed my fetters.
17 I will offer a sacrifice of thanks to you
and will call on the name of Adonai.
18 I will pay my vows to Adonai
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courtyards of Adonai’s house,
there in your very heart, Yerushalayim.
Halleluyah!
117 Praise Adonai, all you nations!
Worship him, all you peoples!
2 For his grace has overcome us,
and Adonai’s truth continues forever.
Halleluyah!
118 Give thanks to Adonai; for he is good,
for his grace continues forever.
2 Now let Isra’el say,
“His grace continues forever.”
3 Now let the house of Aharon say,
“His grace continues forever.”
4 Now let those who fear Adonai say,
“His grace continues forever.”
5 From my being hemmed in I called on Yah;
he answered and gave me more room.
6 With Adonai on my side, I fear nothing —
what can human beings do to me?
7 With Adonai on my side as my help,
I will look with triumph at those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in Adonai
than to trust in human beings;
9 better to take refuge in Adonai
than to put one’s trust in princes.
10 The nations all surrounded me;
in the name of Adonai I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side
in the name of Adonai I cut them down.
12 They surrounded me like bees
but were extinguished [as quickly] as a fire in thorns;
in the name of Adonai I cut them down.
13 You pushed me hard to make me fall,
but Adonai helped me.
14 Yah is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.
15 The sound of rejoicing and victory
is heard in the tents of the righteous:
“Adonai’s right hand struck powerfully!
16 Adonai’s right hand is raised in triumph!
Adonai’s right hand struck powerfully!”
17 I will not die; no, I will live
and proclaim the great deeds of Yah!
18 Yah disciplined me severely,
but did not hand me over to death.
19 Open the gates of righteousness for me;
I will enter them and thank Yah.
20 This is the gate of Adonai;
the righteous can enter it.
21 I am thanking you because you answered me;
you became my salvation.
22 The very rock that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone!
23 This has come from Adonai,
and in our eyes it is amazing.
24 This is the day Adonai has made,
a day for us to rejoice and be glad.
25 Please, Adonai! Save us!
Please, Adonai! Rescue us!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of Adonai.
We bless you from the house of Adonai.
27 Adonai is God, and he gives us light.
Join in the pilgrim festival with branches
all the way to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I thank you.
You are my God; I exalt you.
29 Give thanks to Adonai; for he is good,
for his grace continues forever.
א (Alef)
119 How happy are those whose way of life is blameless,
who live by the Torah of Adonai!
2 How happy are those who observe his instruction,
who seek him wholeheartedly!
3 They do nothing wrong
but live by his ways.
4 You laid down your precepts
for us to observe with care.
5 May my ways be steady
in observing your laws.
6 Then I will not be put to shame,
since I will have fixed my sight on all your mitzvot.
7 I thank you with a sincere heart
as I learn your righteous rulings.
8 I will observe your laws;
don’t completely abandon me!
ב (Bet)
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
don’t let me stray from your mitzvot.
11 I treasure your word in my heart,
so that I won’t sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, Adonai!
Teach me your laws.
13 I proclaim with my mouth
all the rulings you have spoken.
14 I rejoice in the way of your instruction
more than in any kind of wealth.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and keep my eyes on your ways.
16 I will find my delight in your regulations.
I will not forget your word.
ג (Gimel)
17 Deal generously with your servant;
then I will live and observe your word.
18 Open my eyes, so that I will see
wonders from your Torah.
19 Though I’m just a wanderer on the earth,
don’t hide your mitzvot from me.
20 I am continually consumed
with longing for your rulings.
21 You rebuke the proud, the cursed,
who stray from your mitzvot.
22 Remove scorn and contempt from me,
because I observe your instruction.
23 Even when princes sit and plot against me,
your servant meditates on your laws.
24 Also your instructions are my delight;
they are my counselors.
ד (Dalet)
25 I lie prostrate in the dust;
revive me, in keeping with your word.
26 I told you of my ways, and you answered me;
teach me your laws.
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wonders.
28 I am melting away from anxiety and grief;
renew my strength, in keeping with your word.
29 Keep deceitful ways far from me,
and favor me with your Torah.
30 I choose the way of trust;
I set your rulings [before me].
31 I cling to your instruction;
Adonai, don’t let me be put to shame!
32 I will run the way of your mitzvot,
for you have broadened my understanding.
ה (Heh)
33 Teach me, Adonai, the way of your laws;
keeping them will be its own reward for me.
34 Give me understanding; then I will keep your Torah;
I will observe it with all my heart.
35 Guide me on the path of your mitzvot,
for I take pleasure in it.
36 Bend my heart toward your instructions
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
with your ways, give me life.
38 Fulfill your promise, which you made to your servant,
which you made to those who fear you.
39 Avert the disgrace which I dread,
for your rulings are good.
40 See how I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness, give me life!
ו (Vav)
41 May your grace come to me, Adonai,
your salvation, as you promised;
42 then I will have an answer for those who taunt me;
for I trust in your word.
43 Don’t take away completely my power to speak the truth;
for I put my hope in your rulings;
44 and I will keep your Torah always,
forever and ever.
45 I will go wherever I like,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will speak of your instructions even to kings
without being ashamed.
47 I will delight myself in your mitzvot,
which I have loved.
48 I will lift my hands to your mitzvot, which I love;
and I will meditate on your laws.
ז (Zayin)
49 Remember your promise to your servant,
through which you have given me hope.
50 In my distress my comfort is this:
that your promise gives me life.
51 Though the arrogant scorn me completely,
I have not turned away from your Torah.
52 Adonai, I keep in mind your age-old rulings;
in them I take comfort.
53 Fury seizes me when I think of the wicked,
because they abandon your Torah.
54 Your laws have become my songs
wherever I make my home.
55 I remember your name, Adonai, at night;
and I observe your Torah.
56 This [comfort] has come to me,
because I observe your precepts.
ח (Het)
57 Adonai, I say that my task
is to observe your words.
58 I beg your favor with my whole heart;
show pity to me, in keeping with your promise.
59 I thought about my ways
and turned my feet toward your instruction.
60 I hurry, I don’t delay,
to observe your mitzvot.
61 Even when the cords of the wicked close around me,
I don’t forget your Torah.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
because of your righteous rulings.
63 I am a friend of all who fear you,
of those who observe your precepts.
64 The earth, Adonai, is full of your grace;
teach me your laws.
ט (Tet)
65 You have treated your servant well,
Adonai, in keeping with your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
because I trust in your mitzvot.
67 Before I was humbled, I used to go astray;
but now I observe your word.
68 You are good, and you do good;
teach me your laws.
69 The arrogant are slandering me,
but I will wholeheartedly keep your precepts.
70 Their hearts are as thick as fat,
but I take delight in your Torah.
71 It is for my good that I have been humbled;
it was so that I would learn your laws.
72 The Torah you have spoken means more to me
than a fortune in gold and silver.
י (Yud)
73 Your hands made and formed me;
give me understanding, so I can learn your mitzvot.
74 Those who fear you rejoice at the sight of me,
because I put my hope in your word.
75 I know, Adonai, that your rulings are righteous,
that even when you humble me you are faithful.
76 Let your grace comfort me,
in keeping with your promise to your servant.
77 Show me pity, and I will live,
for your Torah is my delight.
78 Let the proud be ashamed, because they wrong me with lies;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
along with those who know your instruction.
80 Let my heart be pure in your laws,
so that I won’t be put to shame.
כ (Kaf)
81 I am dying to know your salvation;
my hope is in your word.
82 My eyes fail from watching for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have shriveled like a wineskin in a smoky room;
still, I don’t forget your laws.
84 How long can your servant stay alive?
When will you bring judgment on my persecutors?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me to fall in;
this is not in keeping with your Torah!
86 All your mitzvot [show your] faithfulness;
they are hounding me with lies; help me!
87 They have nearly ended my life on earth,
but I have not abandoned your precepts.
88 In keeping with your grace, revive me;
and I will observe your spoken instructions.
ל (Lamed)
89 Your word continues forever, Adonai,
firmly fixed in heaven;
90 your faithfulness through all generations;
you established the earth, and it stands.
91 Yes, it stands today, in keeping with your rulings;
for all things are your servants.
92 If your Torah had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my distress.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for with them you have made me alive.
94 I am yours; save me
because I seek your precepts.
95 The wicked hope to destroy me,
but I focus on your instruction.
96 I see the limits of all perfection,
but your mitzvah has no bounds.
מ (Mem)
97 How I love your Torah!
I meditate on it all day.
98 I am wiser than my foes,
because your mitzvot are mine forever.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
because I meditate on your instruction.
100 I understand more than my elders,
because I keep your precepts.
101 I keep my feet from every evil way,
in order to observe your word.
102 I don’t turn away from your rulings,
because you have instructed me.
103 How sweet to my tongue is your promise,
truly sweeter than honey in my mouth!
104 From your precepts I gain understanding;
this is why I hate every false way.
נ (Nun)
105 Your word is a lamp for my foot
and light on my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
that I will observe your righteous rulings.
107 I am very much distressed;
Adonai, give me life, in keeping with your word.
108 Please accept my mouth’s voluntary offerings, Adonai;
and teach me your rulings.
109 I am continually taking my life in my hands,
yet I haven’t forgotten your Torah.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me,
yet I haven’t strayed from your precepts.
111 I take your instruction as a permanent heritage,
because it is the joy of my heart.
112 I have resolved to obey your laws
forever, at every step.
ס (Samekh)
113 I hate doubleminded people,
but I love your Torah.
114 You are my hiding-place and shield;
I put my hope in your word.
115 Leave me alone, you evildoers,
so that I can keep my God’s mitzvot.
116 Uphold me, as you promised; and I will live;
don’t disappoint me in my hope.
117 Support me; and I will be saved,
always putting my attention on your laws.
118 You reject all who stray from your laws,
for what they deceive themselves with is false.
119 You discard the wicked of the earth like slag;
this is why I love your instruction.
120 My body trembles for fear of you;
your rulings make me afraid.
ע (‘Ayin)
121 I have done what is just and right;
don’t abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
don’t let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from watching for your salvation
and for [the fulfillment of] your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant in accordance with your grace,
and teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I can know your instruction.
126 The time has come for Adonai to act,
because they are breaking your Torah.
127 Therefore I love your mitzvot
more than gold, more than fine gold.
128 Thus I direct my steps by [your] precepts;
every false way I hate.
פ (Peh)
129 Your instruction is a wonder;
this is why I follow it.
130 Your words are a doorway that lets in light,
giving understanding to the thoughtless.
131 My mouth is wide open, as I pant
with longing for your mitzvot.
132 Turn to me, and show me your favor;
in keeping with [your] judgment for those who love your name.
133 Guide my footsteps by your word;
don’t let any kind of sin rule me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
and I will observe your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136 Rivers of tears flow down from my eyes,
because they don’t observe your Torah.
צ (Tzadeh)
137 You are righteous, Adonai;
and your rulings are upright.
138 You have commanded your instructions
in righteousness and great faithfulness.
139 My zeal is destroying me,
because my foes have forgotten your words.
140 Your word is refined to complete purity,
and your servant loves it.
141 I may be small and despised,
but I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is eternal righteousness,
and your Torah is truth.
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your mitzvot are my delight.
144 Your instruction is righteous forever;
give me understanding, and I will live.
ק (Kuf)
145 Wholeheartedly I am calling on you;
answer me, Adonai; I will keep your laws.
146 I am calling on you; save me;
and I will observe your instruction.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes are open before the night watches,
so that I can meditate on your promise.
149 In your grace, hear my voice;
Adonai, in keeping with your justice, revive me.
150 The pursuers of carnality are getting close;
they are distancing themselves from your Torah.
151 You are close by, Adonai;
and all your mitzvot are truth.
152 Long ago I learned from your instruction
that you established it forever.
ר (Resh)
153 Look at my distress, and rescue me,
for I do not forget your Torah.
154 Plead my cause, and redeem me;
in keeping with your promise, revive me.
155 Salvation is far away from the wicked,
because they don’t seek your laws.
156 Great is your compassion, Adonai;
in keeping with your rulings, revive me.
157 Although my persecutors and foes are many,
I have not turned away from your instruction.
158 I look at traitors with disgust,
because they don’t keep your word.
159 See how I love your precepts, Adonai;
in keeping with your grace, revive me.
160 The main thing about your word is that it’s true;
and all your just rulings last forever.
ש (Shin)
161 Princes persecute me for no reason,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I take joy in your promise,
like someone who finds much booty.
163 I hate falsehood, I detest it;
but I love your Torah.
164 I praise you seven times a day
because of your righteous rulings.
165 Those who love your Torah have great peace;
nothing makes them stumble.
166 I hope for your deliverance, Adonai;
I obey your mitzvot.
167 My soul observes your instruction,
and I love it so much!
168 I observe your precepts and instruction,
for all my ways lie open before you.
ת (Tav)
169 Let my cry come before you, Adonai;
in keeping with your word, give me understanding.
170 Let my prayer come before you;
in keeping with your promise, rescue me.
171 Let my lips speak praise,
because you teach me your laws.
172 Let my tongue sing of your promise,
because all your mitzvot are righteous.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
because I choose your precepts.
174 I long for your deliverance, Adonai;
and your Torah is my delight.
175 Let me live, and I will praise you;
let your rulings help me.
176 I strayed like a lost sheep; seek out your servant;
for I do not forget your mitzvot.
120 (0) A song of ascents:
(1) I called to Adonai in my distress,
and he answered me.
2 Rescue me, Adonai, from lips that tell lies,
from a tongue full of deceit.
3 What has he in store for you, deceitful tongue?
What more will he do to you?
4 A warrior’s sharp arrows,
with red-hot coals from a broom tree.
5 How wretched I am, that I’m an alien in Meshekh,
that I must live among the tents of Keidar!
6 I have had to live far too long
with those who hate peace.
7 I am all for peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.
Tehillim 116-120
Orthodox Jewish Bible
116 I love Hashem, because He hath heard my kol (voice), even my techinnah.
2 Because He hath inclined His ozen (ear) unto me, therefore will I call upon Him while I have days.
3 Chevlei mavet (pangs of death) encompassed me, and the metzarei She’ol (confines, straitnesses of She’ol) have caught up with me and found me; tzoros and yagon (sorrow) I found.
4 Then called I b’Shem Hashem: O Hashem, save my nefesh!
5 Channun (gracious) is Hashem, and tzaddik; yes, Eloheinu is merciful.
6 Hashem is shomer over the petayim (simple-hearted, helpless); I was in need and li yehoshia (me He saved).
7 Return, my nefesh, to thy menuchah (rest, resting place); for Hashem hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For Thou hast saved my nefesh from mavet (death), mine eye from dimah (tears), and mine regel (foot) from stumbling.
9 I will walk before Hashem in the Artzot HaChayim (the Land of the Living). [T.N. Note that I can do that because Moshiach was cut off from there in my place and for my sins—Isa 53:8]
10 He’emaneti (I believed); therefore have I spoken; I was greatly afflicted.
11 I said in my chafaz (haste, alarm, consternation), Kol HaAdam Kozev (all men are liars).
12 How shall I repay Hashem for all His benefits to me?
13 I will raise the Kos Yeshu’ot (the Cup of Salvation), and call upon Hashem b’Shem (by Name).
14 I will fulfill my nederim (vows) now in the presence of all His people.
15 Precious in the eyes of Hashem is the mavet of His Chasidim.
16 O Hashem, truly I am Thy eved; I am Thy eved, ben amatecha (the son of Thy maid servant); Thou hast removed my chains.
17 I will sacrifice to Thee the zevach todah (the thanksgiving offering) and will call on the Shem Hashem.
18 I will fulfill my nederim to Hashem now in the presence of all His people.
19 In the khatzerot Beis Hashem, in the midst of thee, O Yerushalayim. Praise ye Hashem.
117 O praise Hashem, all ye Goyim; praise Him, all ye peoples.
2 For His chesed is mighty toward us; and the Emes Hashem endureth l’olam (forever). Praise ye Hashem.
118 O give thanks unto Hashem; for He is tov; Ki l’olam chasdo (for His mercy endureth forever).
2 Let Yisroel now say, Ki l’olam chasdo.
3 Let the Bais Aharon now say, Ki l’olam chasdo.
4 Let them now that fear Hashem say, Ki l’olam chasdo,
5 I called upon Hashem in distress; Hashem answered me, and set me in a broad place.
6 Hashem is on my side; I will not fear; what can adam do unto me?
7 Hashem taketh my part through them that help me; therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8 It is better to trust in Hashem than to put confidence in adam.
9 It is better to trust in Hashem than to put confidence in nedivim (nobles).
10 All Goyim surrounded me; but in the Shem Hashem will I cut them off.
11 They surrounded me; yes, they compassed me about; but in the Shem Hashem I will cut them off.
12 They compassed me about like devorim (bees); they are extinguished like the eish of kotzim (thorns); for in the Shem Hashem I will cut them off.
13 Thou hast hard pushed at me that I fell; but Hashem helped me.
14 Hashem is my oz (strength) and zimrah (song), and He is become my Yeshuah (salvation).
15 The voice of rejoicing and Yeshuah (salvation) is in the ohalim of the tzaddikim; the Yamin Hashem doeth valiantly.
16 The Yamin Hashem is exalted; the Yamin Hashem doeth valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the ma’asim (works) of Hashem.
18 Hashem hath hard chastened me severely; but He hath not given me over unto mavet (death).
19 Open to me the sha’arei tzedek; I will go through them, and I will praise Hashem;
20 This is the sha’ar of Hashem, into which the tzaddikim shall enter.
21 I will praise Thee; for Thou hast heard me, and art become my Yeshuah (salvation).
22 The Even (Stone) which the Bonim (Builders) rejected [mem-alef-samech, see same word Psalm 89:38 (39)] has become the Rosh Pinnah (Cornerstone).
23 This is Hashem’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the yom which Hashem hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save now, we beseech Thee, Hashem; Hashem, we beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26 Baruch habah b’Shem Hashem; we have blessed you from the Beis Hashem.
27 Hashem is G-d, Who hath showed us light; bind the chag (festival offering) with cords, even until [you come to] the karnot of the Mizbe’ach.
28 Thou art my G-d, and I will praise Thee; Thou art Elohai, I will exalt Thee.
29 O give thanks unto Hashem; for He is tov; ki l’olam chasdo (for His mercy endureth forever). [T.N. A ma’amin b’Moshiach will carry Scripture with him at all times, as the following Psalm teaches.]
119 ALEF Ashrei are the blameless ones in the derech, who walk in the torat Hashem.
2 Ashrei are they that keep His edot (testimonies), and that seek Him with kol lev.
3 They also do no iniquity; they walk in His drakhim.
4 Thou hast commanded us to be diligently shomer over Thy pikkudim (precepts).
5 O that my drakhim were directed to be shomer over Thy chukkot (statutes)!
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all Thy mitzvot.
7 I will praise Thee with yosher levav (uprightness of heart) when I shall have learned Thy righteous mishpatim (ordinances).
8 I will keep Thy chukkot; O forsake me not utterly. BEIS
9 How shall a na’ar cleanse his way? By being shomer thereto according to Thy Davar (Word).
10 With my kol lev have I sought Thee; O let me not wander from Thy mitzvot.
11 Thy word have I hid in my lev, lema’an (so that) I might not sin against Thee.
12 Baruch atah, Adonoi; teach me Thy chukkot.
13 With my sfatayim (lips) have I declared all the mishpatim of Thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the derech of Thy edot (testimonies), as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in Thy pikkudim, and consider Thy orkhot (paths).
16 I will delight myself in Thy chukkot; I will not forget Thy Davar. GIMEL
17 Deal bountifully with Thy eved, that I may live, and be shomer over Thy Davar.
18 Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold nifla’ot out of Thy torah.
19 I am a ger on ha’aretz; hide not Thy mitzvot from me.
20 My nefesh is shattered with ta’avah for Thy mishpatim at all times.
21 Thou hast rebuked the zedim (arrogant ones) that are arurim (cursed ones), which do wander from Thy mitzvot.
22 Remove from me cherpah (reproach) and contempt; for I have kept Thy edot (testimonies).
23 Though sarim (princes) also sit and speak slander against me, yet Thy eved meditates on Thy chukkot.
24 Thy edot (testimonies) also are my delight and anshei atzati (my counsellors). DALET
25 My nefesh has deveykus unto the aphar; revive Thou me according to Thy Davar.
26 I have recounted my drakhim, and Thou heardest me; teach me Thy chukkot.
27 Make me to understand the derech of Thy pikkudim; so shall I meditate on Thy nifla’ot.
28 My nefesh drops with heavy sorrow; strengthen Thou me according unto Thy Davar.
29 Remove from me the derech sheker; and graciously grant me Thy torah.
30 I have chosen the derech emunah; thy mishpatim have I accounted worthy.
31 I have deveykus with Thy edot (testimonies); Hashem, let me not be ashamed.
32 I will run the derech of Thy mitzvot, for Thou shalt set my lev free. HEH
33 Teach me, Hashem, the derech of Thy chukkot; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy torah; yes, I shall be shomer over it with my kol lev.
35 Make me to go in the path of Thy mitzvot; for therein do I delight.
36 Incline my lev unto Thy edot, and not to betza (covetousness, selfish gain).
37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding shav (vanity); and revive Thou me in Thy derech.
38 Establish Thy word unto Thy eved, which is for the fear of Thee.
39 Turn away my cherpah (reproach) which I fear; for Thy mishpatim are tovim.
40 Hinei, I have longed after Thy precepts; revive me in Thy tzedakah. VAV
41 Let Thy chasadim come also unto me, Hashem, even Thy Teshu’ah (salvation), according to Thy word.
42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me; for I trust in Thy Davar.
43 And take not the devar emes utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy mishpatim.
44 So shall I be shomer over Thy torah tamid l’olam va’ed.
45 And I will walk freely in a wide place; for I seek Thy pikkudim.
46 I will speak of Thy edot (testimonies) also before melachim, and will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in Thy mitzvot, which I love.
48 My palms also will I lift up unto Thy mitzvot, which I love; and I will meditate on Thy chukkot. ZAYIN
49 Remember the davar to Thy eved, on which Thou hast made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my oni (affliction); for Thy word hath revived me.
51 The zedim (arrogant ones) have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not turned aside from Thy torah.
52 I remembered Thy mishpatim from of old, Hashem; and have comforted myself.
53 Zalafah (indignation) hath taken hold upon me because of the resha’im that forsake Thy torah.
54 Thy chukkot have been my zemirot (songs) in the bais of my pilgrimage.
55 I have remembered Thy Shem, Hashem, in the lailah, and have been shomer over Thy torah.
56 Zot hayetah li, because I kept Thy pikkudim. CHET
57 Thou art my chelek, Hashem; I have said I would be shomer over Thy words.
58 I sought Thy Face with my kol lev; be gracious unto me according to Thy word.
59 I thought on my drakhim, and turned my feet unto Thy edot (testimonies).
60 I made haste, and delayed not to be shomer over Thy mitzvot.
61 The ropes of the resha’im have bound me; but I have not forgotten Thy torah.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous mishpatim.
63 I am a chaver of all them that fear Thee, and of them that are shomer over Thy pikkudim.
64 Ha’aretz, Hashem, is full of Thy chesed; teach me Thy chukkot. TET
65 Thou hast dealt well with Thy eved, Hashem, according unto Thy word.
66 Teach me good judgment and da’as; for I have believed in Thy mitzvot.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I been shomer over Thy word.
68 Thou art tov, and doest tov; teach me Thy chukkot.
69 The zedim (arrogant ones) have forged a sheker against me; but I will keep Thy pikkudim with my kol lev.
70 Their lev is callous like chelev; I delight in Thy torah.
71 It is tov for me that I have been afflicted l’ma’an (in order that) I might learn Thy chukkot.
72 The torah of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of zahav and kesef. ' YOD
73 Thy hands have made me and established me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy mitzvot.
74 They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me; for I have hoped in Thy Davar.
75 I know, Hashem, Thy mishpatim are tzedek, and Thou in emunah (faithfulness) hast afflicted me.
76 Let now Thy chesed be for my comfort, according to Thy word unto Thy eved.
77 Let Thy rachamim come unto me, that I may live: for Thy torah is my delight.
78 Let the zedim (arrogant ones) be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate on Thy pikkudim (percepts).
79 Let those that fear Thee turn unto me, and those that have known Thy edot.
80 Let my lev be tamim (blameless, complete) in Thy chukkot; that I be not ashamed. Kaf
81 My nefesh fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy davar.
82 Mine eyes fail for Thy word saying, Mosai (when) wilt Thou comfort me?
83 For I am become like a wineskin in the smoke; yet do I not forget Thy chukkot.
84 How many are the days of Thy eved? Mosai (when) wilt Thou execute mishpat on them that persecute me?
85 The zedim (arrogant ones) have dug pits for me, which are not in accordance with Thy torah.
86 All Thy mitzvot are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me.
87 They had almost consumed me ba’aretz; but I forsook not Thy pikkudim.
88 Revive me after Thy chesed; so shall I be shomer over the edut of Thy mouth. Lamed
89 Forever, Hashem, Thy Davar is settled and stands firm in Shomayim.
90 Thy emunah (faithfulness) is to all generations: Thou hast established eretz, and it stands enduring.
91 They continue enduring to this day according to Thine mishpatim: for all things are Thy avadim.
92 Unless Thy torah had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine oni.
93 I will never forget Thy pikkudim: for with them Thou hast revived me.
94 I am Thine, save me: for I have sought out Thy pikkudim.
95 The resha’im have waited for me to destroy me: but I will think on Thy edot.
96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy mitzvah is boundless. Mem
97 O how I love Thy torah! It is my meditation kol hayom.
98 Thou through Thy mitzvot hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than every melamed of mine: for Thy edot are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the zekenim, for I keep Thy pikkudim.
101 I have refrained my feet from every orakh rah, in order that I might be shomer over Thy Devar.
102 I have not departed from Thy mishpatim: for Thou hast taught me.
103 How sweet are Thy words unto my palate! Sweeter than devash to my mouth!
104 Through Thy pikkudim I get understanding: therefore I hate every orakh sheker. Nun
105 Thy word is a ner unto my feet, ohr unto my path.
106 I have sworn a shevuah, and I will perform it, that I will keep Thy righteous mishpatim.
107 I am afflicted very much: revive me, Hashem, according unto Thy word.
108 Accept the nidvot of my mouth, O Hashem, and teach me Thy mishpatim.
109 My nefesh is continually in my yad: yet do I not forget Thy torah.
110 The resha’im have laid a pach for me: yet I erred not from Thy pikkudim.
111 Thy edot have I taken as a heritage forever: for they are the sasson lev of me.
112 I have inclined mine lev to perform Thy chukkot forever, even unto the end. Samech
113 I hate the doubleminded: but Thy torah do I love.
114 Thou art my seter (hiding place) and my mogen: I hope in Thy Devar.
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the mitzvot of Elohai.
116 Uphold me according unto Thy imrah, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed from my hope.
117 Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto Thy chukkot continually.
118 Thou hast rejected all them that err from Thy chukkot: for their deceitfulness is sheker (falsehood).
119 Thou puttest away all resha’im of eretz like dross; therefore I love Thy edot.
120 My basar trembleth for fear of Thee; and I am afraid of Thy mishpatim. AYIN
121 I have done mishpat and tzedek; leave me not to mine oppressors.
122 Be surety for Thy eved for good; let not the zedim (arrogant ones) oppress me.
123 Mine eyes fail for Thy Yeshuah (salvation), and for the word of Thy tzedakah.
124 Deal with Thy eved according unto Thy chesed, and teach me Thy chukkot.
125 I am Thy eved; give me understanding, that I may know Thy edot (testimonies).
126 It is time for Thee, Hashem, to work; for they have made void Thy torah.
127 Therefore I love Thy mitzvot above zahav; yes, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I esteem right all Thy pikkudim concerning all things; and I hate every orakh sheker. PEH
129 Thy edot (testimonies) are wonderful; therefore doth my nefesh keep them.
130 The petach (entrance, doorway) of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131 I opened my mouth, and panted; for I longed for Thy mitzvot.
132 Look Thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thy manner is unto those that love Shimcha.
133 Order my footsteps in Thy imrah; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of adam; so will I keep Thy pikkudim.
135 Make Thy face to shine upon Thy eved; and teach me Thy chukkot.
136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, for they are not shomer over Thy torah. TZADDI
137 Righteous art Thou, Hashem, and yashar are Thy mishpatim.
138 Thy edot (testimonies) that Thou hast commanded are tzedek and emunah me’od (very faithful).
139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten Thy devarim.
140 Thy word is very tested; therefore Thy eved loveth it.
141 I am small and despised; yet do not I forget Thy pikkudim.
142 Thy tzedakah is tzedek l’olam, and Thy torah emes.
143 Tzoros and anguish have taken hold on me; yet Thy mitzvot are my delight.
144 The tzedek of Thy edot is l’olam; give me understanding, and I shall live. KOPH
145 I cried with my kol lev; hear me, Hashem; I will keep Thy chukkot.
146 I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall be shomer over Thy edot (testimonies).
147 I rose before the dawn, and cried out for help; I hoped in Thy Davar.
148 Mine eyes are awake through the ashmurot (night watches), that I might meditate on Thy word.
149 Hear my voice according unto Thy chesed; Hashem, revive me according to Thy mishpat.
150 They draw near that follow after wicked schemes; they are far from Thy torah.
151 Thou art karov (near), Hashem; and all Thy mitzvot are emes.
152 Concerning Thy edot (testimonies), I have known of old that Thou hast founded them forever. RESH
153 Consider mine oni (affliction), and deliver me; for I do not forget Thy torah.
154 Plead my cause; for me make go’el redemption; revive me according to Thy word.
155 Yeshuah (salvation) is far from the resha’im, for they seek not Thy chukkot.
156 Great are Thy rachamim, Hashem; revive me according to Thy mishpatim.
157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not turn aside from Thy edot.
158 I beheld the bogedim, and was grieved because they were not shomer over Thy word.
159 Consider how I love Thy pikkudim; revive me, Hashem, according to Thy chesed.
160 Thy word is emes from the beginning; and every one of Thy righteous mishpatim endureth forever. SHIN
161 Sarim (princes) have persecuted me without a cause; but my lev standeth in awe of Thy Davar.
162 I rejoice at Thy imrah (word), as one that findeth great plunder.
163 I hate and abhor sheker; but Thy torah do I love.
164 Shevah times a day do I praise Thee because of Thy righteous mishpatim.
165 Great shalom have they which love Thy torah; nothing shall cause them to stumble.
166 Hashem, I have hoped for Thy Yeshuah (salvation), and do Thy mitzvot.
167 My nefesh is shomer over Thy edot (testimonies); and I love them exceedingly.
168 I have kept Thy pikkudim and Thy edot; for all my ways are before Thee. TAV
169 Let my cry come near before Thee, Hashem; give me understanding according to Thy Davar.
170 Let my techinnah come before Thee; deliver me according to Thy word.
171 My lips shall utter tehillah, when Thou hast taught me Thy chukkot.
172 My leshon shall speak of Thy word; for all Thy mitzvot are tzedek.
173 Let Thine Yad help me; for I have chosen Thy pikkudim.
174 I have longed for Thy Yeshuah (salvation), Hashem; and Thy torah is my delight.
175 Let my nefesh live, and it shall praise Thee; and let Thy mishpatim sustain me.
176 I have gone astray like a seh oved (lost sheep); seek Thy eved; for I do not forget Thy mitzvot.
120 (Shir HaMa’a- lot [Song of Ascents]) In my tzoros I cried unto Hashem, and He heard me.
2 Save my nefesh, Hashem, from sefat sheker (lying lips), and from lashon remiyyah (a tongue of deceit).
3 What shall be given unto thee? Or what shall be done unto thee, thou lashon remiyyah?
4 Sharp khitzim (arrows) of the gibbor, with burning (charcoal) coals of the broom plant.
5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell in the ohalim of Kedar!
6 My nefesh hath long dwelt with him that hateth shalom.
7 I am for shalom; but when I speak, they are for milchamah (war).
Copyright © 1998 by David H. Stern. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International