Psalm 119
New American Standard Bible
Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.
Aleph
119 Blessed are those whose way is [a](A)blameless,
Who (B)walk in the Law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who (C)comply with His [b]testimonies,
And (D)seek Him (E)with all their heart.
3 They also (F)do no injustice;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have [c](G)ordained Your precepts,
[d]That we are to keep them diligently.
5 Oh that my (H)ways may be established
To (I)keep Your statutes!
6 Then I (J)will not be ashamed
When I look at all Your commandments.
7 I will (K)give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes;
Do not utterly (L)abandon me!
Beth
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By (M)keeping it according to Your word.
10 With (N)all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me (O)wander from Your commandments.
11 I have (P)treasured Your word in my heart,
So that I may not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, Lord;
(Q)Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have (R)told of
All the (S)ordinances of Your mouth.
14 I have (T)rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
[e]As much as in all riches.
15 I will (U)meditate on Your precepts
And [f]regard (V)Your ways.
16 I shall [g](W)delight in Your statutes;
I will (X)not forget Your word.
Gimel
17 (Y)Deal generously with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
Wonderful things from Your Law.
19 I am a (Z)stranger on the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20 My soul is crushed [h](AA)with longing
For Your ordinances at all times.
21 You (AB)rebuke the arrogant, [i]the (AC)cursed,
Who (AD)wander from Your commandments.
22 (AE)Take disgrace and contempt away from me,
For I (AF)comply with Your testimonies.
23 Even though (AG)rulers sit and speak against me,
Your servant (AH)meditates on Your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my (AI)delight;
They are [j]my advisers.
Daleth
25 My (AJ)soul clings to the dust;
(AK)Revive me (AL)according to Your word.
26 I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;
(AM)Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
And I will (AN)meditate on Your wonders.
28 My (AO)soul [k]weeps because of grief;
(AP)Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove the false way from me,
And graciously grant me Your Law.
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
I have [l]placed Your judgments before me.
31 I (AQ)cling to Your testimonies;
Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I shall run the way of Your commandments,
For You will (AR)enlarge my heart.
He
33 (AS)Teach me, the way of Your statutes, Lord,
And I shall comply with it to the end.
34 (AT)Give me understanding, so that I may (AU)comply with Your Law
And keep it (AV)with all my heart.
35 Make me walk in the (AW)path of Your commandments,
For I (AX)delight in it.
36 (AY)Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to (AZ)dishonest gain.
37 Turn my (BA)eyes away from looking at what is worthless,
And (BB)revive me in Your ways.
38 (BC)Establish Your [m]word to Your servant
[n]As that which produces reverence for You.
39 (BD)Take away my disgrace which I dread,
For Your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I (BE)long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness.
Vav
41 May Your (BF)favor also come to me, Lord,
Your salvation (BG)according to Your [o]word;
42 So that I will have an (BH)answer for one who (BI)taunts me,
For I trust in Your word.
43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I [p](BJ)wait for Your judgments.
44 So I will (BK)keep Your Law continually,
Forever and ever.
45 And I will (BL)walk [q]at liberty,
For I (BM)seek Your precepts.
46 I will also speak of Your testimonies (BN)before kings
And shall not be ashamed.
47 I will (BO)delight in Your commandments,
Which I (BP)love.
48 And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments,
Which I (BQ)love;
And I will (BR)meditate on Your statutes.
Zayin
49 Remember the word to Your servant,
[r]In which You have made me hope.
50 This is my (BS)comfort in my misery,
That Your word has [s]revived me.
51 The arrogant (BT)utterly deride me,
Yet I do not (BU)turn aside from Your Law.
52 I have (BV)remembered Your judgments from [t]of old, Lord,
And comfort myself.
53 Burning (BW)indignation has seized me because of the wicked,
Who (BX)abandon Your Law.
54 Your statutes are my songs
In the house of my (BY)pilgrimage.
55 Lord, I (BZ)remember Your name (CA)in the night,
And keep Your Law.
56 This has become mine,
[u]That I (CB)comply with Your precepts.
Heth
57 The Lord is my (CC)portion;
I have [v]promised to (CD)keep Your words.
58 I (CE)sought Your favor (CF)with all my heart;
(CG)Be gracious to me (CH)according to Your [w]word.
59 I (CI)considered my ways
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I hurried and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
61 The (CJ)snares of the wicked have surrounded me,
But I have (CK)not forgotten Your Law.
62 At (CL)midnight I will rise to give thanks to You
Because of Your (CM)righteous judgments.
63 I am a (CN)companion to all those who [x]fear You,
And to those who keep Your precepts.
64 (CO)The earth is full of Your goodness, Lord;
(CP)Teach me Your statutes.
Teth
65 You have treated Your servant well,
Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good [y](CQ)discernment and knowledge,
For I believe in Your commandments.
67 (CR)Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
68 You are (CS)good and You (CT)do good;
(CU)Teach me Your statutes.
69 The arrogant [z]have (CV)forged a lie against me;
With all my heart I will (CW)comply with Your precepts.
70 Their heart is (CX)insensitive, like fat,
But I (CY)delight in Your Law.
71 It is (CZ)good for me that I was afflicted,
So that I may learn Your statutes.
72 The (DA)Law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Yodh
73 (DB)Your hands made me and [aa]fashioned me;
(DC)Give me understanding, so that I may learn Your commandments.
74 May those who [ab]fear You (DD)see me and be glad,
Because I [ac](DE)wait for Your word.
75 I know, Lord, that Your judgments are (DF)righteous,
And that You have afflicted me (DG)in faithfulness.
76 May Your favor [ad]comfort me,
According to Your [ae]word to Your servant.
77 May (DH)Your compassion come to me so that I may live,
For Your Law is my (DI)delight.
78 May (DJ)the arrogant be put to shame, because they lead me astray (DK)with a lie;
But I shall (DL)meditate on Your precepts.
79 May those who [af]fear You turn to me,
And those who know Your testimonies.
80 May my heart be [ag](DM)blameless in Your statutes,
So that I will not (DN)be ashamed.
Kaph
81 My (DO)soul languishes for Your salvation;
I [ah](DP)wait for Your word.
82 My (DQ)eyes fail with longing for Your [ai]word,
[aj]While I say, “When will You comfort me?”
83 Though I have (DR)become like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do (DS)not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the (DT)days of Your servant?
When will You (DU)execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have (DV)dug pits for me,
People who are not in accord with Your Law.
86 All Your commandments are (DW)faithful;
They have (DX)persecuted me with a lie; (DY)help me!
87 They almost destroyed me on earth,
But as for me, I (DZ)did not abandon Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your faithfulness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
Lamedh
89 (EA)Forever, Lord,
Your word stands in heaven.
90 Your (EB)faithfulness continues [ak]throughout generations;
You (EC)established the earth, and it (ED)stands.
91 They stand this day by Your (EE)ordinances,
For (EF)all things are Your servants.
92 If Your Law had not been my (EG)delight,
Then I would have perished (EH)in my misery.
93 I will (EI)never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have [al](EJ)revived me.
94 I am Yours, (EK)save me;
For I have (EL)sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked (EM)wait for me to destroy me;
I will diligently consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen [am]a limit to all perfection;
Your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Mem
97 How I (EN)love Your Law!
It is my (EO)meditation all the day.
98 Your (EP)commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever [an]mine.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my (EQ)meditation.
100 I understand (ER)more than those who are old,
Because I have (ES)complied with Your precepts.
101 I have (ET)restrained my feet from every evil way,
So that I may keep Your word.
102 I have not (EU)turned aside from Your judgments,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How (EV)sweet are Your [ao]words to my [ap]taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 From Your precepts I (EW)get understanding;
Therefore I (EX)hate every false way.
Nun
105 Your word is a (EY)lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
106 I have (EZ)sworn and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am exceedingly (FA)afflicted;
[aq](FB)Revive me, Lord, according to Your word.
108 Be pleased to accept the (FC)[ar]voluntary offerings of my mouth, Lord,
And (FD)teach me Your judgments.
109 My [as](FE)life is continually [at]in my hand,
Yet I do not (FF)forget Your Law.
110 The wicked have (FG)set a [au]trap for me,
Yet I have not (FH)wandered from Your precepts.
111 I have (FI)inherited Your testimonies forever,
For they are the (FJ)joy of my heart.
112 I have (FK)inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even (FL)to the end.
Samekh
113 I hate those who are (FM)double-minded,
But I love Your (FN)Law.
114 You are my (FO)hiding place and my (FP)shield;
I [av](FQ)wait for Your word.
115 (FR)Leave me, you evildoers,
So that I may (FS)comply with the commandments of my God.
116 (FT)Sustain me according to Your [aw]word, that I may live;
And (FU)do not let me be [ax]ashamed of my hope.
117 Sustain me so that I may be (FV)safe,
That I may (FW)have regard for Your statutes continually.
118 You have [ay]rejected all those (FX)who stray from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is [az]useless.
119 You have [ba]removed all the wicked of the earth like [bb](FY)impurities;
Therefore I (FZ)love Your testimonies.
120 My flesh [bc](GA)trembles from the fear of You,
And I am (GB)afraid of Your judgments.
Ayin
121 I have (GC)done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be (GD)a guarantor for Your servant for good;
Do not let the arrogant (GE)oppress me.
123 My (GF)eyes fail with longing for Your salvation,
And for Your righteous [bd]word.
124 Deal with Your servant (GG)according to Your graciousness,
And (GH)teach me Your statutes.
125 (GI)I am Your servant; (GJ)give me understanding,
So that I may know Your testimonies.
126 It is time for the Lord to (GK)act,
For they have broken Your Law.
127 Therefore I (GL)love Your commandments
Above gold, yes, above pure gold.
128 Therefore I carefully follow all Your (GM)precepts concerning everything,
I (GN)hate every false way.
Pe
129 Your testimonies are (GO)wonderful;
Therefore my soul (GP)complies with them.
130 The (GQ)unfolding of Your words gives light;
It gives (GR)understanding to the simple.
131 I (GS)opened my mouth wide and (GT)panted,
For I (GU)longed for Your commandments.
132 (GV)Turn to me and be gracious to me,
As is right for those who love Your name.
133 Establish my (GW)footsteps in Your [be]word,
And do not let any [bf]wrongdoing (GX)have power over me.
134 (GY)Redeem me from oppression by man,
So that I may keep Your precepts.
135 (GZ)Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And (HA)teach me Your statutes.
136 My eyes [bg]shed (HB)streams of water,
Because they (HC)do not keep Your Law.
Tsadhe
137 (HD)You are righteous, Lord,
And Your judgments are right.
138 You have commanded Your testimonies in (HE)righteousness
And great (HF)faithfulness.
139 My (HG)zeal has [bh]consumed me,
Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your (HH)word is very [bi]pure,
Therefore Your servant (HI)loves it.
141 I am small and (HJ)despised,
Yet I do not (HK)forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And (HL)Your Law is truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have [bj]come upon me,
Yet Your commandments are my (HM)delight.
144 Your (HN)testimonies are righteous forever;
(HO)Give me understanding that I may live.
Qoph
145 I cried out (HP)with all my heart; answer me, Lord!
I will (HQ)comply with Your statutes.
146 I cried to You; (HR)save me
And I shall keep Your testimonies.
147 I [bk](HS)rise before dawn and cry for help;
I [bl]wait for Your words.
148 My eyes anticipate the (HT)night watches,
So that I may (HU)meditate on Your [bm]word.
149 Hear my voice (HV)according to Your faithfulness;
(HW)Revive me, Lord, according to Your judgments.
150 Those who follow after wickedness approach;
They are far from Your Law.
151 You are (HX)near, Lord,
And all Your commandments are (HY)truth.
152 From long ago I have (HZ)known from Your testimonies
That You have founded them (IA)forever.
Resh
153 (IB)Look at my (IC)affliction and rescue me,
For I have not (ID)forgotten Your Law.
154 (IE)Plead my cause and (IF)redeem me;
Revive me according to Your [bn]word.
155 Salvation is (IG)far from the wicked,
For they (IH)do not seek Your statutes.
156 [bo](II)Great are Your mercies, Lord;
Revive me according to Your judgments.
157 Many are my (IJ)persecutors and my enemies,
Yet I do not (IK)turn aside from Your testimonies.
158 I see the (IL)treacherous and (IM)loathe them,
Because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I (IN)love Your precepts;
(IO)Revive me, Lord, according to Your faithfulness.
160 The (IP)sum of Your word is (IQ)truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments (IR)is everlasting.
Shin
161 (IS)Rulers persecute me without cause,
But my heart (IT)stands in awe of Your words.
162 I (IU)rejoice at Your [bp]word,
Like one who (IV)finds great plunder.
163 I (IW)hate and loathe falsehood,
But I (IX)love Your Law.
164 Seven times a day I praise You
Because of Your (IY)righteous judgments.
165 Those who love Your Law have (IZ)great peace,
And [bq](JA)nothing causes them to stumble.
166 I (JB)hope for Your salvation, Lord,
And do Your commandments.
167 My (JC)soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I (JD)love them exceedingly.
168 I (JE)keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my (JF)ways are before You.
Tav
169 Let my (JG)cry [br]come before You, Lord;
(JH)Give me understanding (JI)according to Your word.
170 Let my (JJ)pleading come before You;
(JK)Save me according to Your [bs]word.
171 Let my (JL)lips pour out praise,
For You (JM)teach me Your statutes.
172 Let my (JN)tongue sing about Your [bt]word,
For all Your (JO)commandments are righteousness.
173 Let Your (JP)hand be [bu]ready to help me,
For I have (JQ)chosen Your precepts.
174 I (JR)long for Your salvation, Lord,
And Your Law is my (JS)delight.
175 Let my (JT)soul live that it may praise You,
And let Your ordinances help me.
176 I have (JU)wandered about like a lost sheep; search for Your servant,
For I do (JV)not forget Your commandments.
Footnotes
- Psalm 119:1 Lit complete; or having integrity
- Psalm 119:2 Or provisions, and so throughout the Psalm
- Psalm 119:4 Lit commanded
- Psalm 119:4 Lit To keep
- Psalm 119:14 Lit As over all
- Psalm 119:15 Or look at
- Psalm 119:16 Lit delight myself
- Psalm 119:20 Lit for
- Psalm 119:21 Or Cursed are those who wander...
- Psalm 119:24 Lit the men of my counsel
- Psalm 119:28 Lit drops
- Psalm 119:30 Or accounted Your ordinances worthy
- Psalm 119:38 Or promise
- Psalm 119:38 Lit Which is for the fear of You
- Psalm 119:41 Or promise
- Psalm 119:43 Or hope in
- Psalm 119:45 Lit in a wide place
- Psalm 119:49 Lit On
- Psalm 119:50 Or preserved me alive
- Psalm 119:52 Or everlasting
- Psalm 119:56 Or Because
- Psalm 119:57 Lit said that I would keep
- Psalm 119:58 Or promise
- Psalm 119:63 Or revere
- Psalm 119:66 Or judgment
- Psalm 119:69 Lit besmear me with lies
- Psalm 119:73 Lit established
- Psalm 119:74 Or revere
- Psalm 119:74 Or hope in
- Psalm 119:76 Lit be for my comfort
- Psalm 119:76 Or promise
- Psalm 119:79 Or revere
- Psalm 119:80 Lit complete; or having integrity
- Psalm 119:81 Or hope in
- Psalm 119:82 Or promise
- Psalm 119:82 Lit Saying
- Psalm 119:90 Lit to
- Psalm 119:93 Or kept me alive
- Psalm 119:96 Lit an end of
- Psalm 119:98 Or with me
- Psalm 119:103 Or promises
- Psalm 119:103 Lit palate
- Psalm 119:107 Or Keep me alive
- Psalm 119:108 Or freewill offerings
- Psalm 119:109 Lit soul
- Psalm 119:109 I.e., in danger
- Psalm 119:110 Lit trapping net
- Psalm 119:114 Or hope in
- Psalm 119:116 Or promise
- Psalm 119:116 Lit put to shame because of
- Psalm 119:118 Lit made light of
- Psalm 119:118 Lit falsehood
- Psalm 119:119 Lit caused to cease
- Psalm 119:119 Lit dross
- Psalm 119:120 Lit bristles up from
- Psalm 119:123 Or promise
- Psalm 119:133 Or promise
- Psalm 119:133 Or injustice
- Psalm 119:136 Lit run down
- Psalm 119:139 Lit put an end to
- Psalm 119:140 Lit refined
- Psalm 119:143 Lit found me
- Psalm 119:147 Lit anticipate the dawn
- Psalm 119:147 Or hope in
- Psalm 119:148 Or promise
- Psalm 119:154 Or promise
- Psalm 119:156 Or Many
- Psalm 119:162 Or promise
- Psalm 119:165 Lit they have no stumbling block.
- Psalm 119:169 Lit come near before
- Psalm 119:170 Or promise
- Psalm 119:172 Or promise
- Psalm 119:173 Lit to help me
Psalm 119
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Psalm 119
The Glories of God’s Law
1 Happy are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord.(A)
2 Happy are those who keep his decrees,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong
but walk in his ways.(B)
4 You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5 O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.(C)
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous ordinances.(D)
8 I will observe your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.
9 How can young people keep their way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.(E)
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
do not let me stray from your commandments.(F)
11 I treasure your word in my heart,
so that I may not sin against you.(G)
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes.(H)
13 With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth.(I)
14 I delight in the way of your decrees
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.(J)
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.(K)
17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
so that I may live and observe your word.(L)
18 Open my eyes, so that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I live as an alien in the land;
do not hide your commandments from me.(M)
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your ordinances at all times.(N)
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments;(O)
22 take away from me their scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your decrees.(P)
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.(Q)
24 Your decrees are my delight;
they are my counselors.(R)
25 My soul clings to the dust;
revive me according to your word.(S)
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes.(T)
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.(U)
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.(V)
29 Put false ways far from me,
and graciously teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to your decrees, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame.(W)
32 I run the way of your commandments,
for you enlarge my understanding.(X)
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.(Y)
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.(Z)
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees
and not to selfish gain.(AA)
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
be gracious to me[a] according to your word.(AB)
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.(AC)
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness be gracious to me.[b](AD)
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.(AE)
42 Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.(AF)
43 Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your ordinances.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
45 I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your decrees before kings
and shall not be put to shame;(AG)
47 I find my delight in your commandments
because I love them.
48 I revere your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.(AH)
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my distress,
that your promise gives me life.(AI)
51 The arrogant utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.(AJ)
52 When I think of your ordinances from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.(AK)
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
those who forsake your law.(AL)
54 Your statutes have been my songs
wherever I make my home.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.(AM)
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
for I have kept your precepts.
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.(AN)
58 I implore your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.(AO)
59 When I think of your ways,
I turn my feet to your decrees;(AP)
60 I hurry and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.(AQ)
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous ordinances.(AR)
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.(AS)
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes.(AT)
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was humbled I went astray,
but now I keep your word.(AU)
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.(AV)
69 The arrogant smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.(AW)
70 Their hearts are thick like fat,[c]
but I delight in your law.(AX)
71 It is good for me that I was humbled,
so that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.(AY)
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.(AZ)
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.(BA)
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right
and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.(BB)
76 Let your steadfast love become my comfort
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame,
for they have subverted me with guile;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.(BC)
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
so that they may know your decrees.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
so that I may not be put to shame.
81 My soul languishes for your salvation;
I hope in your word.(BD)
82 My eyes fail with watching for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”(BE)
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.(BF)
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?(BG)
85 The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me;
they flout your law.(BH)
86 All your commandments are enduring;
I am persecuted without cause; help me!(BI)
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love spare my life,
so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.
89 The Lord exists forever;
your word is firmly fixed in heaven.(BJ)
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.(BK)
91 By your appointment they stand today,
for all things are your servants.(BL)
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my misery.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.(BM)
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your decrees.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
97 Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all day long.(BN)
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your decrees are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.(BO)
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.(BP)
102 I do not turn away from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!(BQ)
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.(BR)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.(BS)
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.(BT)
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word.(BU)
108 Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your ordinances.(BV)
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.(BW)
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.(BX)
111 Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.(BY)
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.(BZ)
113 I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.(CA)
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.(CB)
115 Go away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.(CC)
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope.(CD)
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually.
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.(CE)
119 All the wicked of the earth I count[d] as dross;
therefore I love your decrees.(CF)
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.(CG)
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
do not let the godless oppress me.(CH)
123 My eyes fail from watching for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.(CI)
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.(CJ)
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I may know your decrees.(CK)
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Truly I love your commandments
more than gold, more than fine gold.(CL)
128 Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts;[e]
I hate every false way.(CM)
129 Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.(CN)
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.(CO)
131 With open mouth I pant,
because I long for your commandments.(CP)
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your custom toward those who love your name.(CQ)
133 Keep my steps steady according to your promise,
and never let iniquity have dominion over me.(CR)
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.(CS)
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.(CT)
136 My eyes shed streams of tears
because your law is not kept.(CU)
137 You are righteous, O Lord,
and your judgments are right.(CV)
138 You have appointed your decrees in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.(CW)
139 My zeal consumes me
because my foes forget your words.(CX)
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.(CY)
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your law is the truth.(CZ)
143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
but your commandments are my delight.(DA)
144 Your decrees are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.(DB)
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord.
I will keep your statutes.(DC)
146 I cry to you; save me,
that I may observe your decrees.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your words.(DD)
148 My eyes are awake before each watch of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 In your steadfast love hear my voice;
O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.(DE)
150 Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near;
they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.(DF)
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them forever.(DG)
153 Look on my misery and rescue me,
for I do not forget your law.(DH)
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise.(DI)
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.(DJ)
156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;
be gracious to me[f] according to your justice.(DK)
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
yet I do not swerve from your decrees.(DL)
158 I look at the faithless with disgust
because they do not keep your commands.(DM)
159 Consider how I love your precepts;
be gracious to me[g] according to your steadfast love.(DN)
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.(DO)
161 Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.(DP)
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.(DQ)
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous ordinances.(DR)
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.(DS)
166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I fulfill your commandments.(DT)
167 My soul keeps your decrees;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before you.(DU)
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.(DV)
170 Let my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.(DW)
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
because you teach me your statutes.(DX)
172 My tongue will sing of your promise,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.(DY)
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and let your ordinances help me.(DZ)
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.(EA)
Psalm 119
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition
119 In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me.
2 O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips, and a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to thee, or what shall be added to thee, to a deceitful tongue?
4 The sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals that lay waste.
5 Woe is me, that my sojourning is prolonged! I have dwelt with the inhabitants of cedar:
6 My soul hath been long a sojourner.
7 With them that hated peace I was peaceable: when I spoke to them they fought against me without cause.
Psalm 119
The Message
119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
don’t ever walk off and leave me.
* * *
9-16 How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
I won’t forget a word of it.
* * *
17-24 Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors!
* * *
25-32 I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
God, don’t let me down!
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
if you’ll just show me how.
* * *
33-40 God, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!
* * *
41-48 Let your love, God, shape my life
with salvation, exactly as you promised;
Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery
because I trusted your Word.
Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever—
your commandments are what I depend on.
Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me,
guard it now, guard it ever;
And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces
as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
Then I’ll tell the world what I find,
speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—
relishing every fragment of your counsel.
* * *
49-56 Remember what you said to me, your servant—
I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
The haters hate me without mercy,
but I don’t budge from your revelation.
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
and know I’m on the right track.
But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
I’m beside myself with anger.
I set your instructions to music
and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God,
treasuring your revelation, O God.
Still, I walk through a rain of derision
because I live by your Word and counsel.
* * *
57-64 Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise
to do everything you say.
I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,
be gracious to me just as you promised.
When I took a long, careful look at your ways,
I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet,
was quick to follow your orders.
The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out—
but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning!
I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you,
of those committed to living by your rules.
Your love, God, fills the earth!
Train me to live by your counsel.
* * *
65-72 Be good to your servant, God;
be as good as your Word.
Train me in good common sense;
I’m thoroughly committed to living your way.
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I’m in step with your Word.
You are good, and the source of good;
train me in your goodness.
The godless spread lies about me,
but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
They’re bland as a bucket of lard,
while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
My troubles turned out all for the best—
they forced me to learn from your textbook.
Truth from your mouth means more to me
than striking it rich in a gold mine.
* * *
73-80 With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;
your testing has taught me what’s true and right.
Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!
just the way you promised.
Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
your revelation is the tune I dance to.
Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;
they tried to sell me a bill of goods,
but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
Let those who fear you turn to me
for evidence of your wise guidance.
And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,
so I can always walk with my head held high.
* * *
81-88 I’m homesick—longing for your salvation;
I’m waiting for your word of hope.
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
how long must I wait for your comfort?
There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water,
but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
How long do I have to put up with all this?
How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
Everything you command is a sure thing,
but they harass me with lies. Help!
They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—
but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.
In your great love revive me
so I can alertly obey your every word.
* * *
89-96 What you say goes, God,
and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
Your truth never goes out of fashion;
it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up.
Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;
that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going.
If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so,
I would have given up when the hard times came.
But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me;
you saved my life with those wise words.
Save me! I’m all yours.
I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I’m only concerned with your plans for me.
I see the limits to everything human,
but the horizons can’t contain your commands!
* * *
97-104 Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed;
I reverently ponder it all the day long.
Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
they never become obsolete.
I’ve even become smarter than my teachers
since I’ve pondered and absorbed your counsel.
I’ve become wiser than the wise old sages
simply by doing what you tell me.
I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
I never make detours from the route you laid out;
you gave me such good directions.
Your words are so choice, so tasty;
I prefer them to the best home cooking.
With your instruction, I understand life;
that’s why I hate false propaganda.
* * *
105-112 By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Adorn me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
* * *
113-120 I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
You’re my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
Get out of my life, evildoers,
so I can keep my God’s commands.
Take my side as you promised; I’ll live then for sure.
Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes.
Stick with me and I’ll be all right;
I’ll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
Expose all who drift away from your sayings;
their casual idolatry is lethal.
You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish;
therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
I shiver in awe before you;
your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.
* * *
121-128 I stood up for justice and the right;
don’t leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.
Take the side of your servant, good God;
don’t let the godless take advantage of me.
I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you
to keep your promise to set everything right.
Let your love dictate how you deal with me;
teach me from your textbook on life.
I’m your servant—help me understand what that means,
the inner meaning of your instructions.
It’s time to act, God;
they’ve made a shambles of your revelation!
Yea-Saying God, I love what you command,
I love it better than gold and gemstones;
Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me,
I despise every deceitful detour.
* * *
129-136 Every word you give me is a miracle word—
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
because nobody’s living by your book!
* * *
137-144 You are right and you do right, God;
your decisions are right on target.
You rightly instruct us in how to live
ever faithful to you.
My rivals nearly did me in,
they persistently ignored your commandments.
Your promise has been tested through and through,
and I, your servant, love it dearly.
I’m too young to be important,
but I don’t forget what you tell me.
Your righteousness is eternally right,
your revelation is the only truth.
Even though troubles came down on me hard,
your commands always gave me delight.
The way you tell me to live is always right;
help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.
* * *
145-152 I call out at the top of my lungs,
“God! Answer! I’ll do whatever you say.”
I called to you, “Save me
so I can carry out all your instructions.”
I was up before sunrise,
crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
I stayed awake all night,
prayerfully pondering your promise.
In your love, listen to me;
in your justice, God, keep me alive.
As those out to get me come closer and closer,
they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;
But you’re the closest of all to me, God,
and all your judgments true.
I’ve known all along from the evidence of your words
that you meant them to last forever.
* * *
153-160 Take a good look at my trouble, and help me—
I haven’t forgotten your revelation.
Take my side and get me out of this;
give me back my life, just as you promised.
“Salvation” is only gibberish to the wicked
because they’ve never looked it up in your dictionary.
Your mercies, God, run into the billions;
following your guidelines, revive me.
My antagonists are too many to count,
but I don’t swerve from the directions you gave.
I took one look at the quitters and was filled with loathing;
they walked away from your promises so casually!
Take note of how I love what you tell me;
out of your life of love, prolong my life.
Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.
Your righteous decisions are eternal.
* * *
161-168 I’ve been slandered unmercifully by the politicians,
but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
I’m ecstatic over what you say,
like one who strikes it rich.
I hate lies—can’t stand them!—
but I love what you have revealed.
Seven times each day I stop and shout praises
for the way you keep everything running right.
For those who love what you reveal, everything fits—
no stumbling around in the dark for them.
I wait expectantly for your salvation;
God, I do what you tell me.
My soul guards and keeps all your instructions—
oh, how much I love them!
I follow your directions, abide by your counsel;
my life’s an open book before you.
* * *
169-176 Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you’ve given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.
I’m homesick, God, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.
New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Public Domain (Why are modern Bible translations copyrighted?)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson