詩篇 119
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Traditional)
上帝的律法
119 行為正直、遵行耶和華律法的人有福了！
2 遵守祂的法度、全心尋求祂的人有福了！
3 他們不做不義的事，
只照祂的旨意而行。
4 耶和華啊，你已經賜下法則，
叫我們竭力遵行。
5 我渴望堅定地遵從你的律例。
6 我重視你的一切命令，
便不致羞愧。
7 我學習你公義的法令時，
要存著正直的心來稱謝你。
8 我要遵守你的律例，
求你不要棄絕我。
9 青年如何保持純潔呢？
就是要遵守你的話。
10 我全心全意地尋求你，
求你不要讓我偏離你的命令。
11 我把你的話珍藏在心中，
免得我得罪你。
12 耶和華啊，你當受稱頌！
求你將你的律例教導我。
13 我宣揚你口中所出的一切法令。
14 我喜愛你的法度如同人們喜愛財富。
15 我要默想你的法則，
思想你的旨意。
16 我以遵行你的律例為樂，
我不忘記你的話語。
17 求你以厚恩待我，
使我能活著，並遵守你的話語。
18 求你開我的眼睛，
使我能明白你律法中的奧妙。
19 我在世上是過客，
求你不要向我隱藏你的命令。
20 我的心時刻切慕你的法令。
21 你斥責受咒詛、不聽從你命令的狂傲人。
22 求你除去我所受的羞辱和藐視，
因為我遵從你的法度。
23 雖然權貴們坐著譭謗我，
僕人仍要默想你的律例。
24 你的法度是我的喜樂，
是我的謀士。
25 我幾乎性命不保，
求你照你的應許救我的性命。
26 我陳明自己的行為，
你就回應了我；
求你將你的律例教導我。
27 求你使我明白你的法則，
我要思想你的奇妙作為。
28 我傷心欲絕，
求你照你的應許使我堅強起來。
29 求你使我遠離惡道，
開恩將你的律法教導我。
30 我已經選擇了真理之路，
決心遵行你的法令。
31 我持守你的法度，耶和華啊，
求你不要使我蒙羞。
32 我竭力遵守你的命令，
因為你使我更有悟性。
33 耶和華啊，
求你將你的律例教導我，
我必遵守到底。
34 求你叫我明白你的律法，
使我可以全心遵守。
35 求你引導我遵行你的命令，
因為這是我喜愛的。
36 求你使我的心愛慕你的法度而非不義之財。
37 求你使我的眼目遠離虛空之事，
按你的旨意更新我的生命。
38 求你實現你給僕人的應許，
就是你給敬畏你之人的應許。
39 求你除去我所害怕的羞辱，
因為你的法令是美善的。
40 我渴望遵行你的法則，
求你按你的公義更新我的生命。
41 耶和華啊！
願你的慈愛臨到我，
願你的拯救臨到我，
正如你的應許，
42 好叫我能面對嘲笑我的人，
因為我信靠你的話。
43 求你使真理不離我的口，
因為你的法令是我的盼望。
44 我要持守你的律法，
直到永永遠遠。
45 我要自由地生活，
因為我尋求你的法則。
46 我要在君王面前講論你的法度，
我不以此為恥。
47 我以遵行你的命令為樂，
我喜愛你的命令。
48 我尊崇你的命令，
我喜愛你的命令，
我要默想你的律例。
49 求你顧念你對僕人的應許，
你的話帶給我盼望。
50 你的應許是我生命的支柱，
是我患難中的安慰。
51 狂傲人肆意嘲諷我，
但我仍然沒有偏離你的律法。
52 耶和華啊，
我牢記你古時賜下的法令，
你的法令是我的安慰。
53 我見惡人丟棄你的律法，
就怒火中燒。
54 我在世寄居的日子，
你的律例就是我的詩歌。
55 耶和華啊，我在夜間思想你，
我要遵守你的律法。
56 我向來樂於遵行你的法則。
57 耶和華啊，你是我的福分！
我決心遵行你的話語。
58 我一心求你施恩，
求你照著你的應許恩待我。
59 我思想自己走過的路，
就決定歸向你的法度。
60 我毫不遲疑地遵守你的命令。
61 雖然惡人用繩索捆綁我，
我仍不忘記你的律法。
62 我半夜起來稱謝你公義的法令。
63 我與所有敬畏你、遵守你法則的人為友。
64 耶和華啊，
你的慈愛遍及天下，
求你將你的律例教導我。
65 耶和華啊，
你信守諾言，善待了僕人。
66 求你賜我知識，教我判別是非，
因為我信靠你的命令。
67 從前我沒有受苦的時候走迷了路，
現在我要遵行你的話。
68 你是美善的，
你所行的都是美善的，
求你將你的律例教導我。
69 傲慢人譭謗我，
但我一心遵守你的法則。
70 他們執迷不悟，
但我喜愛你的律法。
71 我受苦對我有益，
使我可以學習你的律例。
72 你賜的律法對我而言比千萬金銀更寶貴。
73 你親手造我、塑我，
求你賜我悟性好明白你的命令。
74 敬畏你的人見我就歡喜，
因為我信靠你的話。
75 耶和華啊，
我知道你的法令公義，
你是憑信實管教我。
76 求你照著你給僕人的應許，
用慈愛來安慰我。
77 求你憐憫我，使我可以存活，
因為你的律法是我的喜樂。
78 願狂傲人受辱，
因他們詆譭我；
但我要思想你的法則。
79 願敬畏你的人到我這裡來，
好明白你的法度。
80 願我能全心遵守你的律例，
使我不致羞愧。
81 我的心迫切渴慕你的拯救，
你的話語是我的盼望。
82 我期盼你的應許實現，
望眼欲穿。
我說：「你何時才安慰我？」
83 我形容枯槁，好像煙薰的皮袋，
但我仍然沒有忘記你的律例。
84 你僕人還要等多久呢？
你何時才會懲罰那些迫害我的人呢？
85 違背你律法的狂傲人挖陷阱害我。
86 你的一切命令都可靠，
他們無故地迫害我，
求你幫助我。
87 他們幾乎置我於死地，
但我仍然沒有背棄你的法則。
88 求你施慈愛保護我的性命，
我好遵守你賜下的法度。
89 耶和華啊，
你的話與天同存，亙古不變。
90 你的信實萬代長存；
你創造了大地，使它恆久不變。
91 天地照你的法令一直存到今日，
因為萬物都是你的僕役。
92 如果沒有你的律法給我帶來喜樂，
我早已死在苦難中了。
93 我永不忘記你的法則，
因你藉著法則救了我的生命。
94 我屬於你，求你拯救我，
因為我努力遵守你的法則。
95 惡人伺機害我，
但我仍然思想你的法度。
96 我看到萬事都有盡頭，
唯有你的命令無邊無界。
97 我多麼愛慕你的律法，
終日思想。
98 我持守你的命令，
你的命令使我比仇敵有智慧。
99 我比我的老師更有洞見，
因為我思想你的法度。
100 我比長者更明智，
因為我遵守你的法則。
101 我聽從你的話，
拒絕走惡道。
102 我從未偏離你的法令，
因為你教導過我。
103 你的話語品嚐起來何等甘甜，
在我口中勝過蜂蜜。
104 我從你的法則中得到智慧，
我厭惡一切詭詐之道。
105 你的話是我腳前的燈，
是我路上的光。
106 我曾經起誓，我必信守諾言：
我要遵行你公義的法令。
107 我飽受痛苦，耶和華啊，
求你照你的話保護我的性命。
108 耶和華啊，
求你悅納我由衷的讚美，
將你的法令教導我。
109 我的生命時刻面臨危險，
但我不會忘記你的律法。
110 惡人為我設下網羅，
但我沒有偏離你的法則。
111 你的法度永遠是我的寶貴產業，
是我喜樂的泉源。
112 我決心遵行你的律例，
一直到底。
113 我厭惡心懷二意的人，
我愛慕你的律法。
114 你是我的藏身之所，
是我的盾牌，
你的話語是我的盼望。
115 你們這些惡人離開我吧，
我要順從上帝的命令。
116 耶和華啊，
求你按你的應許扶持我，
使我存活，
不要使我的盼望落空。
117 求你扶持我，使我得救，
我要時刻默想你的律例。
118 你棄絕一切偏離你律例的人，
他們的詭計無法得逞。
119 你剷除世上的惡人，
如同除掉渣滓，
因此我喜愛你的法度。
120 我因敬畏你而戰抖，
我懼怕你的法令。
121 我做事公平正直，
求你不要把我交給欺壓我的人。
122 求你保障僕人的福祉，
不要讓傲慢的人欺壓我。
123 我望眼欲穿地期盼你拯救我，
實現你公義的應許。
124 求你以慈愛待你的僕人，
將你的律例教導我。
125 我是你的僕人，
求你賜我悟性可以明白你的法度。
126 耶和華啊，人們違背你的律法，
是你懲罰他們的時候了。
127 我愛你的命令勝於愛金子，
勝於愛純金。
128 我遵行你一切的法則，
我憎恨一切惡道。
129 你的法度奇妙，我一心遵守。
130 你的話語一解明，
就發出亮光，
使愚人得到啟迪。
131 我迫切地渴慕你的命令。
132 求你眷顧我、憐憫我，
像你素來恩待那些愛你的人一樣。
133 求你照你的應許引導我的腳步，
不要讓罪惡轄制我。
134 求你救我脫離惡人的欺壓，
好使我能順服你的法則。
135 求你笑顏垂顧僕人，
將你的律例教導我。
136 我淚流成河，
因為人們不遵行你的律法。
137 耶和華啊，你是公義的，
你的法令是公正的。
138 你定的法度公義，完全可信。
139 我看見仇敵漠視你的話語，
就心急如焚。
140 你僕人喜愛你的應許，
因為你的應許可靠。
141 我雖然卑微、受人藐視，
但我銘記你的法則。
142 你的公義常存，
你的律法是真理。
143 我雖然遭遇困苦患難，
但你的命令是我的喜樂。
144 你的法度永遠公正，
求你幫助我明白你的法度，
使我可以存活。
145 耶和華啊，我迫切向你禱告，
求你應允我，
我必遵守你的律例。
146 我向你呼求，求你救我，
我必持守你的法度。
147 天不亮，
我就起來呼求你的幫助，
你的話語是我的盼望。
148 我整夜不睡，思想你的應許。
149 耶和華啊，你充滿慈愛，
求你垂聽我的呼求，
照你的法令保護我的性命。
150 作惡多端的人逼近了，
他們遠離你的律法。
151 但耶和華啊，你就在我身邊，
你的一切命令都是真理。
152 我很早就從你的法度中知道，
你的法度永遠長存。
153 求你眷顧苦難中的我，搭救我，
因為我沒有忘記你的律法。
154 求你為我伸冤，救贖我，
照著你的應許保護我的性命。
155 惡人不遵守你的律例，
以致得不到拯救。
156 耶和華啊，
你有無比的憐憫之心，
求你照你的法令保護我的性命。
157 迫害我的仇敵眾多，
但我卻沒有偏離你的法度。
158 我厭惡這些背棄你的人，
因為他們不遵行你的話。
159 耶和華啊，
你知道我多麼愛你的法則，
求你施慈愛保護我的生命。
160 你的話都是真理，
你一切公義的法令永不改變。
161 權貴無故迫害我，
但我的心對你的話充滿敬畏。
162 我喜愛你的應許，
如獲至寶。
163 我厭惡虛假，
喜愛你的律法。
164 因你公義的法令，
我要每天七次讚美你。
165 喜愛你律法的人常有平安，
什麼也不能使他跌倒。
166 耶和華啊，我等候你的拯救，
我遵行你的命令。
167 我深愛你的法度，一心遵守。
168 我遵守你的法則和法度，
你知道我做的每一件事。
169 耶和華啊，求你垂聽我的禱告，
照你的話賜我悟性。
170 求你垂聽我的祈求，
照你的應許拯救我。
171 願我的口湧出讚美，
因你將你的律例教導了我。
172 願我的舌頭歌頌你的應許，
因為你一切的命令盡都公義。
173 願你的手隨時幫助我，
因為我選擇了你的法則。
174 耶和華啊，我盼望你的拯救，
你的律法是我的喜樂。
175 求你讓我存活，我好讚美你，
願你的法令成為我的幫助。
176 我像隻迷途的羊，
求你來尋找僕人，
因為我沒有忘記你的命令。
Psalm 119
New King James Version
Meditations on the Excellencies of the Word of God
א ALEPH
119 Blessed are the [a]undefiled in the way,
(A)Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the (B)whole heart!
3 (C)They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!
6 (D)Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
ב BETH
9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have (E)sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 (F)Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have (G)declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And [b]contemplate Your ways.
16 I will (H)delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
ג GIMEL
17 (I)Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
19 (J)I am a stranger in the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20 (K)My soul [c]breaks with longing
For Your judgments at all times.
21 You rebuke the proud—the cursed,
Who stray from Your commandments.
22 (L)Remove from me reproach and contempt,
For I have kept Your testimonies.
23 Princes also sit and speak against me,
But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.
ד DALETH
25 (M)My soul clings to the dust;
(N)Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and You answered me;
(O)Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So (P)shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
28 (Q)My soul [d]melts from [e]heaviness;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying,
And grant me Your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
Your judgments I have laid before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the course of Your commandments,
For You shall (R)enlarge my heart.
ה HE
33 (S)Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall keep it to the end.
34 (T)Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
36 [f]Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to (U)covetousness.
37 (V)Turn[g] away my eyes from (W)looking at worthless things,
And revive me in [h]Your way.
38 (X)Establish Your word to Your servant,
Who is devoted to fearing You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me in Your righteousness.
ו WAW
41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—
Your salvation according to Your word.
42 So shall I have an answer for him who [i]reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
44 So shall I keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
45 And I will walk [j]at (Y)liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
46 (Z)I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes.
ז ZAYIN
49 Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my (AA)comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
51 The proud have me in great derision,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
52 I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord,
And have comforted myself.
53 (AB)Indignation has taken hold of me
Because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.
55 (AC)I remember Your name in the night, O Lord,
And I keep Your law.
56 This has become mine,
Because I kept Your precepts.
ח HETH
57 (AD)You are my portion, O Lord;
I have said that I would keep Your words.
58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart;
Be merciful to me according to Your word.
59 I (AE)thought about my ways,
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I made haste, and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
61 The cords of the wicked have bound me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.
62 (AF)At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.
64 (AG)The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy;
Teach me Your statutes.
ט TETH
65 You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and (AH)knowledge,
For I believe Your commandments.
67 Before I was (AI)afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
68 You are (AJ)good, and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.
69 The proud have (AK)forged[k] a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
70 (AL)Their heart is [l]as fat as grease,
But I delight in Your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
72 (AM)The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.
י YOD
73 (AN)Your hands have made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
74 (AO)Those who fear You will be glad when they see me,
Because I have hoped in Your word.
75 I know, O Lord, (AP)that Your judgments are [m]right,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort,
According to Your word to Your servant.
77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;
For Your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud (AQ)be ashamed,
For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood;
But I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You turn to me,
Those who know Your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes,
That I may not be ashamed.
כ KAPH
81 (AR)My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word.
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
83 For (AS)I have become like a wineskin in smoke,
Yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84 (AT)How many are the days of Your servant?
(AU)When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 (AV)The proud have dug pits for me,
Which is not according to Your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful;
They persecute me (AW)wrongfully;
Help me!
87 They almost made an end of me on earth,
But I did not forsake Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
ל LAMED
89 (AX)Forever, O Lord,
Your word [n]is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it [o]abides.
91 They continue this day according to (AY)Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
92 Unless Your law had been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me;
For I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
But I will [p]consider Your testimonies.
96 (AZ)I have seen the consummation of all perfection,
But Your commandment is exceedingly broad.
מ MEM
97 Oh, how I love Your law!
(BA)It is my meditation all the day.
98 You, through Your commandments, make me (BB)wiser than my enemies;
For they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
(BC)For Your testimonies are my meditation.
100 (BD)I understand more than the [q]ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.
102 I have not departed from Your judgments,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103 (BE)How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.
נ NUN
105 (BF)Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
106 (BG)I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept, I pray, (BH)the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your judgments.
109 (BI)My life is continually [r]in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
110 (BJ)The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
111 (BK)Your testimonies I have taken as a [s]heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, to the very end.
ס SAMEK
113 I hate the [t]double-minded,
But I love Your law.
114 (BL)You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
115 (BM)Depart from me, you evildoers,
For I will keep the commandments of my God!
116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me (BN)be ashamed of my hope.
117 [u]Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
And I shall observe Your statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,
For their deceit is falsehood.
119 You [v]put away all the wicked of the earth (BO)like [w]dross;
Therefore I love Your testimonies.
120 (BP)My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.
ע AYIN
121 I have done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be (BQ)surety[x] for Your servant for good;
Do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation
And Your righteous word.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,
And teach me Your statutes.
125 (BR)I am Your servant;
Give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.
126 It is time for You to act, O Lord,
For they have [y]regarded Your law as void.
127 (BS)Therefore I love Your commandments
More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things
I consider to be right;
I hate every false way.
פ PE
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The entrance of Your words gives light;
(BT)It gives understanding to the (BU)simple.
131 I opened my mouth and (BV)panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.
132 (BW)Look upon me and be merciful to me,
(BX)As Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
133 (BY)Direct my steps by Your word,
And (BZ)let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134 (CA)Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts.
135 (CB)Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.
136 (CC)Rivers of water run down from my eyes,
Because men do not keep Your law.
צ TSADDE
137 (CD)Righteous are You, O Lord,
And upright are Your judgments.
138 (CE)Your testimonies, which You have commanded,
Are righteous and very faithful.
139 (CF)My zeal has [z]consumed me,
Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 (CG)Your word is very [aa]pure;
Therefore Your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is (CH)truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have [ab]overtaken me,
Yet Your commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting;
Give me understanding, and I shall live.
ק QOPH
145 I cry out with my whole heart;
Hear me, O Lord!
I will keep Your statutes.
146 I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
147 (CI)I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word.
148 (CJ)My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.
150 They draw near who follow after wickedness;
They are far from Your law.
151 You are (CK)near, O Lord,
And all Your commandments are truth.
152 Concerning Your testimonies,
I have known of old that You have founded them (CL)forever.
ר RESH
153 (CM)Consider my affliction and deliver me,
For I do not forget Your law.
154 (CN)Plead my cause and redeem me;
Revive me according to Your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
For they do not seek Your statutes.
156 [ac]Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord;
Revive me according to Your judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies,
Yet I do not (CO)turn from Your testimonies.
158 I see the treacherous, and (CP)am disgusted,
Because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
160 The entirety of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
ש SHIN
161 (CQ)Princes persecute me without a cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your word.
162 I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor lying,
But I love Your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
165 (CR)Great peace have those who love Your law,
And [ad]nothing causes them to stumble.
166 (CS)Lord, I hope for Your salvation,
And I do Your commandments.
167 My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
(CT)For all my ways are before You.
ת TAU
169 Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
(CU)Give me understanding according to Your word.
170 Let my [ae]supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.
171 (CV)My lips shall utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.
172 My tongue shall speak of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let Your hand become my help,
For (CW)I have chosen Your precepts.
174 (CX)I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
And (CY)Your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You;
And let Your judgments help me.
176 (CZ)I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
Seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.
Footnotes
- Psalm 119:1 blameless
- Psalm 119:15 look into
- Psalm 119:20 is crushed
- Psalm 119:28 Lit. drops
- Psalm 119:28 grief
- Psalm 119:36 Cause me to long for
- Psalm 119:37 Lit. Cause my eyes to pass away from
- Psalm 119:37 So with MT, LXX, Vg.; Tg. Your words
- Psalm 119:42 taunts
- Psalm 119:45 Lit. in a wide place
- Psalm 119:69 Lit. smeared me with a lie
- Psalm 119:70 Insensible
- Psalm 119:75 Lit. righteous
- Psalm 119:89 Lit. stands firm
- Psalm 119:90 Lit. stands
- Psalm 119:95 give attention to
- Psalm 119:100 aged
- Psalm 119:109 In danger
- Psalm 119:111 inheritance
- Psalm 119:113 Lit. divided in heart or mind
- Psalm 119:117 Uphold me
- Psalm 119:119 destroy, lit. cause to cease
- Psalm 119:119 slag or refuse
- Psalm 119:122 guaranty
- Psalm 119:126 broken Your law
- Psalm 119:139 put an end to
- Psalm 119:140 Lit. refined or tried
- Psalm 119:143 Lit. found
- Psalm 119:156 Or Many
- Psalm 119:165 Lit. they have no stumbling block
- Psalm 119:170 Prayer of supplication
Psalm 119
The Voice
Psalm 119[a]
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the collection. It is a hymn in praise of and appreciation for God’s instructions to His people. You see, God not only called Israel to be His people and gave them a wonderful land, but He gave them a blueprint for living. The Hebrew word for that is torah, sometimes translated “law” or “teachings.” In torah God tells them how to structure their lives and communities so that they will live long, prosperous lives in the land He has given them. As you read through the psalm, you will notice words like law, teachings, precepts, word, decrees, and commands. Each of these words is a synonym highlighting some attribute of God’s instructions to His people.
Another memorable feature of this psalm is its form. The psalmist constructs this hymn as an elaborate acrostic poem that moves artfully through each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Essentially, all the elements of this psalm combine to emphasize the importance of God’s Word to His people, to the praise and glory of the one True God.
Aleph
1 Happy are the people who walk with integrity,
who live according to the teachings of the Eternal.
2 Happy are the people who keep His decrees,
who pursue Him wholeheartedly.
3 These are people who do nothing wrong;
they do what it takes to follow His ways.
4 You have given us Your precepts
so we would be careful about keeping them.
5 Oh, that every part of my life would remain in line
with what You require!
6 Then I would feel no shame
when I fix my eyes upon Your commands.
7 With a pure heart, I will give thanks to You
when I hear about Your just and fair rulings.
8 I will live within Your limits;
do not abandon me completely!
Beth
9 How can a young person remain pure?
Only by living according to Your word.
10 I have pursued You with my whole heart;
do not let me stray from Your commands.
11 Deep within me I have hidden Your word
so that I will never sin against You.
12 You are blessed, O Eternal One;
instruct me in what You require.
13 My lips have told how
You have delivered all Your wise rulings.
14 I have celebrated Your testimonies
as though rejoicing over an immeasurable fortune.
15 I will fix my mind on Your instructions
and my eyes on Your path.
16 I will find joy in Your ordinances;
I will remember Your word forever.
Gimel
17 Treat Your servant well, Lord,
so that I may live and remain faithful to Your word.
18 Let me see clearly so that I may take in
the amazing things coming from Your law.
19 I am a sojourner in the world;
do not keep Your commands hidden from me.
20 My soul aches from craving
Your wise rulings day and night.
21 You rebuke those who are proud,
and those who stray from Your commands are cursed.
22 Free me from the contempt and disdain of others
because I keep Your decrees.
23 Even though powerful princes conspire against me,
I fix my mind on what You require.
24 Yes, Your testimonies are my joy;
they are like the friends I seek for counsel.
Daleth
25 My very being clings to the dust;
preserve my life, in keeping with Your word.
26 I have admitted my ways are wrong, and You responded;
now help me learn what You require.
27 Compel me to grasp the way of Your statutes
so I will fix my mind on Your wonderful works.
28 My soul weeps, and trouble weighs me down;
give me strength so I can stand according to Your word.
29 Eliminate faithlessness You find in my step,
be gracious, and give me Your guidance.
30 I have decided to take the path of faith;
I have focused my eyes on Your regulations.
31 I cling to Your decrees; O Eternal One,
do not let me face disgrace!
32 I will chase after Your commandments
because You will expand my understanding.
He
33 O Eternal One, show me how to live according to Your statutes,
and I will keep them always.
34 Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law
and keep it wholeheartedly.
35 Guide me to walk in the way You commanded
because I take joy in it.
36 Turn my head and my heart to Your decrees
and not to sinful gain.
37 Keep my eyes from gazing upon worthless things,
and give me true life according to Your plans.
38 Verify Your word to Your servant,
which will lead me to worship You.
39 Take away the scorn that I dread
because Your actions are just and good.
40 Look and see—I long for Your guidance;
restore me in Your righteousness.
Vav
41 May Your unfailing love find me, O Eternal One.
Keep Your promise, and save me;
42 When that happens, I will have a good response for anyone who taunts me
because I have faith in Your word.
43 Do not take Your message of truth from my mouth
because I wait and rely on Your just decisions.
44 Therefore I will follow Your teachings,
forever and ever.
45 And I will live a life of freedom
because I pursue Your precepts.
46 I will even testify of Your decrees before royalty
and will not be humiliated.
47 I will find my joy in Your commands,
which I love,
48 And I will raise my hands to Your commands, which I love,
and I will fix my mind on what You require.
Zayin
49 Do not forget Your promise to Your servant;
through it You have given me hope.
50 This brings me solace in the midst of my troubles:
that Your word has revived me.
51 Those who are proud cruelly ridicule me,
but I keep to the steady path of Your teachings.
52 I have considered Your ancient rulings, O Eternal One,
and their memory brings me comfort.
53 Burning anger rises in me, has me in its grip
because the unrighteous abandon Your teachings.
54 As I journey through this life,
Your statutes are my song.
55 O Eternal One, through the night, I stop to recall Your name.
That’s how I live according to Your teachings.
56 This has become my practice:
to keep Your ordinances.
Heth
57 The Eternal One is mine. He’s all I need.
I have promised to keep Your words.
58 I sought Your blessing wholeheartedly.
Show grace to me as You promised.
59 I carefully charted out my paths
to align my steps with Your decrees.
60 I did not procrastinate and hurried
to follow Your commands.
61 The wicked have entangled me in their nets,
but I have not forgotten Your teaching.
62 In the middle of the night, I wake to thank You
because Your rulings are just and right.
63 I am a friend of anyone who fears You
and of those who follow Your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with Your unfailing love, O Eternal One;
teach me to observe what You require.
Teth
65 You have handled Your servant well,
O Eternal One, as You promised.
66 Help me to learn good judgment and knowledge
because I believe Your commandments.
67 Before I had trouble, I strayed from the true path, the path of righteousness,
but now I live according to Your word.
68 You are truly good, and Your acts are too;
teach me what You require.
69 The proud smear me with their lies;
I will keep Your instructions wholeheartedly.
70 Their hearts are dull and callous;
I am delighted to study Your teaching.
71 It is a good thing that I was humbled
because it helped me learn Your limits.
72 Your teachings are more valuable to me
than a fortune in gold and silver.
Yodh
73 Your strong hands formed me and established me;
give me understanding so I can learn Your commands.
74 Let those who fear You see me and rejoice
because I hope in Your word.
75 I know, O Eternal One, Your rulings are right,
and when You humbled me, You did so out of faithfulness.
76 Now let Your unfailing love be my comfort,
in keeping with Your promise to Your servant.
77 Shower me with Your compassion so that I may live
because I find great joy in Your law.
78 Let the proud be humiliated,
for they sabotage me with a lie;
still I will fix my mind on Your directives.
79 Let those who fear You and know Your testimonies
come back and find me.
80 Let my heart be whole, my record according to what You require
so that I will not be humiliated.
Kaph
81 My soul is exhausted awaiting Your rescue
yet I keep hoping in Your word.
82 My eyes are strained as I look for what You promised,
saying, “When will You come to comfort me?”
83 Even though I have shriveled up like a wineskin left in the smoke,
I still remember what You require.
84 How long must Your servant wait?
When will You carry out justice and punish those who persecute me?
85 Those proud souls do not live according to Your commands,
and they have dug pits to entrap me.
86 Indeed, all Your commands are trustworthy,
but my enemies have harassed me with their lies; help me!
87 They have nearly ended my life on earth,
but as for me, I never abandoned Your statutes.
88 According to Your unfailing love, spare my life
so that I can live according to the decrees of Your mouth.
Lamedh
89 Forever, O Eternal One,
Your word stands in heaven, firm and resolute.
90 Your faithfulness endures to every generation;
You founded the earth, and it remains.
91 Everything remains today in keeping with Your laws,
for all things exist to serve You.
92 If I had not found joy in Your guidance,
then I would have died from my misery.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
for through them You have given me life.
94 I belong to You, Lord; save me
because I have taken care to live by Your principles.
95 The wicked lie in wait, anxious to kill me;
I will set my mind on Your statutes.
96 I have seen the limit of all perfection,
but Your commands are all-encompassing.
Mem
97 Oh, how I love Your law!
I fix my mind on it all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies
because they are always with me.
99 I have more discernment than all my teachers
because I study and meditate on Your testimonies.
100 I comprehend more than those who are my elders
because I have kept Your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from walking the paths of evil
so that I may live according to Your word.
102 I have not neglected Your lessons,
for You, God, have been my teacher.
103 Your words are sweet to my taste!
Yes, they are sweeter than honey in my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from Your instructions;
that’s why I hate every deceitful path.
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp for my steps;
it lights the path before me.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it:
I pledge to do what You say is right and just.
107 I have suffered terribly, O Eternal One;
give me the life You promised.
108 Please accept the words I offer willingly, O Eternal One,
and instruct me in the ways of Your justice.
109 My soul is continually in danger,
but I do not forget Your teachings.
110 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
but I have not drifted away from Your instructions.
111 Your decrees are forever mine,
for they bring joy to my life.
112 I have committed myself to do what You require
forever and ever, to the very end.
Samekh
113 I despise those who waver back and forth,
but I love Your teachings.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield of protection;
I hope in Your word.
115 Away from me, reprobates!
I am committed to observing the commands of my God.
116 Support me in keeping with Your promise, O God, so that I may live;
do not let my hope turn into shame.
117 Help me so that I will be safe,
and I will respect Your laws continually.
118 You have rejected all those who stray from Your commands
because their fraudulent lifestyles are cunning and empty.
119 You have discarded all the wicked from the land, skimmed them off like dross;
that’s why I love Your testimonies.
120 My body shakes because of my fear of You,
and I am in awe of Your wise rulings.
Ayin
121 I have lived with fairness and integrity;
do not leave me at the mercy of my tormenters.
122 Provide security and protection for Your servant’s welfare;
do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes are strained as I look for Your salvation
and for Your righteous promise to be fulfilled.
124 Treat Your servant in a manner that shows Your unfailing love,
and help me to learn Your decrees.
125 I am Your servant; impart to me understanding
so that I may fully grasp the depths of Your statutes.
126 It is time for the Eternal to step in and do something
because some have broken Your law.
127 Indeed, I love Your commands
more than gold, even more than the highest quality gold.
128 It’s true that I regard all Your guidance to be correct and good;
I despise every deceptive path.
Pe
129 Your decrees inspire wonder;
because of that, my soul desires to keep them.
130 When Your words are unveiled, light shines forth;
they bring understanding to the simple.
131 My desire for Your commands
left me waiting, open-mouthed and panting.
132 Acknowledge me and show me Your grace
as is Your habit toward all those who love Your name.
133 Guide my steps in the ways of Your word,
and do not let any sin control me.
134 Rescue me from the torment of my human oppressors
so that I may live according Your decrees.
135 Let Your face shine upon Your servant,
and help me to learn what You require.
136 My eyes shed rivers of tears
whenever people fail to keep Your teaching.
Tsadhe
137 You are good and just, O Eternal One,
and Your rulings are right.
138 You have set out Your decrees in justice,
and they can be trusted.
139 I am overwhelmed by my passion
because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your promise is tested and true;
that’s why Your servant loves it.
141 I may be insignificant to some and hated by others,
but at least I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness will last forever,
and Your law is truth.
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but Your commandments bring me great joy.
144 Your decrees are right and true forever;
grant me understanding so that I may live.
Qoph
145 I called to You wholeheartedly: “Answer me, O Eternal One!”
I will respect, I will follow Your statutes.
146 I cried out to You: “Rescue me,
and I will live according to Your decrees.”
147 I wake before the dawn and call for help;
I hope in Your words.
148 My eyes do not shut before each watch of the night
so that I can fix my mind on Your word.
149 Listen to my voice, in keeping with Your unfailing love.
Preserve my life, O Eternal One, according to Your just rulings.
150 Those who wish me harm are moving closer to me;
they are far away from Your teaching.
151 But You are near me, O Eternal One,
and all You have commanded is true.
152 I learned a long time ago
that You established Your decrees to last forever.
Resh
153 Give attention to my misery and rescue me
because I have not forgotten Your teaching.
154 Fight for me, and set me free;
give me life in keeping with Your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not live in pursuit of Your precepts.
156 Your mercies are tender and great, O Eternal One;
grant me life in keeping with Your ordinances.
157 I have many oppressors and foes;
still I do not swerve from Your decrees.
158 I observe the faithless and detest them
because they turn away from Your word.
159 Reflect, O God, on how I love Your precepts;
give me life, O Eternal One, in keeping with Your unfailing love.
160 The entirety of Your word is truth,
and every one of Your right rulings will surely last forever.
Shin
161 Princes persecute me without reason,
but my heart remains true and is awed by Your words.
162 I celebrate because of Your promise,
like someone who discovers great treasure.
163 I despise and abhor lies,
but I love Your law.
164 Seven times every day I praise You
because of Your right rulings.
165 Those who love Your law have an abundance of peace,
and nothing along their paths can cause them to stumble.
166 I wait for Your salvation, O Eternal One,
and I live out Your commands.
167 My soul is faithful to Your decrees,
and my love for them is extraordinary.
168 I live according to Your precepts and decrees
because everything I do is right before Your eyes.
Tav
169 Let my cry come before You, O Eternal One.
Grant me understanding in keeping with Your word.
170 Let my plea come before You;
liberate me in keeping with Your word.
171 Praise will pour from my lips
because You help me learn what You require.
172 My tongue will sing of Your word
because every command of Yours is right.
173 Let Your hand be poised to help me
because I have chosen to live by Your precepts.
174 I long for Your salvation, O Eternal One.
Meanwhile, Your teaching brings me great joy.
175 Let my soul live on so that I may praise You,
and let Your precepts guide me.
176 I have wandered down the wrong path like a lost sheep; come find me, Your servant,
because I do not forget Your commands.
Footnotes
- Psalm 119 A Hebrew acrostic poem
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.