诗篇 119
Chinese New Version (Traditional)
遵行 神律例是有福的
119 行為完全，
遵行耶和華律法的，都是有福的。
2 謹守他的法度，
全心尋求他的，都是有福的。
3 他們不作不義的事；
他們遵行他的道。
4 你曾把你的訓詞吩咐我們，
要我們殷勤遵守。
5 但願我的道路堅定，
為要遵守你的律例。
6 我重視你的一切誡命，
就不至於羞愧。
7 我學會了你公義的法則，
就以正直的心稱謝你。
8 我必遵守你的律例，
求你不要把我棄絕。
謹守 神的話可免犯罪
9 少年人用甚麼潔淨自己的行為呢？
就是要遵守你的話。
10 我一心尋求你，
求你不要容我偏離你的誡命。
11 我把你的話藏在心裡，
免得我得罪你。
12 耶和華啊！你是該受稱頌的；
求你把你的律例教導我。
13 我用嘴唇傳揚從你口中所出的一切典章。
14 我喜歡你法度定下的道路，
如同喜歡一切財富。
15 我要默想你的訓詞，
重視你的道路。
16 我喜愛你的律例，
我不會忘記你的話。
愛慕 神典章必有喜樂
17 求你恩待你的僕人，
使我可以活著，
也可以謹守你的話。
18 求你開我的眼睛，
使我能看出你律法的奇妙。
19 我是在世上作寄居的，
求你不要向我隱瞞你的命令。
20 我常常切慕你的典章，
以致我心力交瘁。
21 那些受咒詛的傲慢人，和那些偏離了你誡命的人，
你必斥責他們。
22 求你除去我所受的羞辱和藐視，
因為我遵守你的法度。
23 雖有作領袖的坐著毀謗我，
你的僕人卻默想你的律例。
24 你的法度是我的喜樂，
是我的謀士。
懇求 神教導明白律法
25 我快要歸回塵土，
求你按著你的話把我救活過來。
26 我陳明我所行的，你就應允了我；
求你把你的律例教導我。
27 求你使我明白你的訓詞，
我就默想你的奇妙。
28 我因愁苦而流淚，
求你照著你的話使我堅強。
29 求你使我離開虛謊的路，
施恩把你的律法賜給我。
30 我揀選了信實的道路，
我把你的典章擺在我面前。
31 我緊守你的法度，
耶和華啊！求你不要使我蒙羞。
32 因為你使我的心舒暢，
我就跑在你誡命的路上。
立志一心遵守 神誡命
33 耶和華啊！求你把你的律例指教我，
我必遵守到底。
34 求你賜我悟性，我好遵守你的律法，
我必一心謹守。
35 求你領我走在你誡命的路上，
因為這是我喜悅的。
36 求你使我的心傾向你的法度，
不傾向不義之財。
37 求你使我轉眼不看虛空的事；
又使我在你的道中存活。
38 求你向你的僕人實踐你的諾言，
就是你向敬畏你的人所應許的。
39 求你使我所怕的羞辱離開我，
因為你的典章都是美好的。
40 我切慕你的訓詞，求你使我活在你的公義中。
信靠 神應許必不蒙羞
41 耶和華啊！願你照著你的應許，
使你的慈愛、你的救恩臨到我。
42 我就有話回答那羞辱我的，
因為我倚靠你的話。
43 求你使真理的話總不離開我的口，
因為我仰望你的典章。
44 我要常常謹守你的律法，
直到永遠。
45 我必行在寬闊之處，
因為我一向尋求你的訓詞。
46 我在君王面前講論你的法度，
也不以為恥。
47 我要以你的誡命為樂，
這些誡命是我所愛的。
48 我又要向你的誡命舉手，這些誡命是我所愛的；
我也要默想你的律例。
神的話滿有盼望安慰
49 求你記念你向你僕人應許的話，
因為你使我有盼望。
50 你的應許使我存活；
這就是我在困苦中的安慰。
51 驕傲的人苛刻地譏誚我，
我卻沒有偏離你的律法。
52 耶和華啊！我思念你在古時賜下的典章，
我就得了安慰。
53 因為惡人離棄你的律法，
我就非常忿怒。
54 在我寄居的住所裡，
你的律例成了我的詩歌。
55 耶和華啊！我在夜間記念你的名，
我要謹守你的律法。
56 我這樣作，
是因為我遵守你的訓詞。
謹守 神的話不敢忘記
57 耶和華啊！你是我的業分，
我曾說我要謹守你的話。
58 我曾一心向你乞恩，
願你照著你的應許恩待我。
59 我思想我所行的道路，
就轉回腳步歸向你的法度。
60 我趕快謹守你的命令，
不敢耽延。
61 惡人的繩索雖然捆綁我，
我卻不忘記你的律法。
62 因你公義的典章，
我半夜起來稱謝你。
63 凡是敬畏你，謹守你訓詞的，
我都與他們為友。
64 耶和華啊！你的慈愛遍滿大地；
求你把你的律例教導我。
苦難使人學習 神律例
65 耶和華啊！你向來照著你的話，
善待你的僕人。
66 求你把聰明和知識指教我，
因為我信靠你的命令。
67 我受苦以先，犯了錯誤；
現在我謹守你的話。
68 你本是良善的，你所行的也是良善的；
求你把你的律例教導我。
69 傲慢人用謊言中傷我，
我卻一心遵守你的訓詞。
70 他們的心麻木如同脂油，
我卻喜歡你的律法。
71 我受苦是對我有益的，
為要使我學習你的律例。
72 你口中的律法對我有益，
勝過千千萬萬的金銀。
仰望 神的話必得安慰
73 你的手造了我，建立了我；
求你使我有悟性，可以學習你的命令。
74 願敬畏你的人看見我就歡喜，
因為我仰望你的話。
75 耶和華啊！我知道你的判語是公義的，
為了你的信實，你使我受苦。
76 求你按著你給你僕人的應許，
以你的慈愛安慰我。
77 願你的憐憫臨到我，使我活著，
因為我喜歡你的律法。
78 願傲慢人蒙羞，因為他們以詭詐誣衊我；
至於我，我卻要默想你的訓詞。
79 願敬畏你、知道你法度的人，
都歸向我；
80 願我的心在你的律例上無可指摘，
使我不至蒙羞。
逼迫中仍謹記 神律例
81 我渴望你的救恩以致心力衰竭，
但我仍仰望你的話。
82 我仰望你的應許以致眼睛昏花，
我說：“你甚麼時候才安慰我呢？”
83 我雖然好像煙薰的皮袋，
我卻沒有忘記你的律例。
84 你僕人的日子還有多少？
你甚麼時候才向那些逼迫我的人施行審判呢？
85 傲慢人為我掘了坑，
他們就是那些不按著你律法而行的人。
86 你的一切命令都是可信靠的；
他們以詭詐逼迫我，求你幫助我。
87 他們幾乎把我從世上除滅了；
至於我，我卻沒有離棄你的訓詞。
88 求你照著你的慈愛使我存活，
我就必謹守你口中的法度。
神的話永遠堅立長存
89 耶和華啊！你的話存到永遠，
堅立在天上。
90 你的信實存到萬代；
你堅立了地，地就長存。
91 天地照著你的安排存到今日，
因為萬有都是你的僕役。
92 如果我不是喜歡你的律法，
就早已在苦難中滅亡了。
93 我永遠不會忘記你的訓詞，
因為你用這些訓詞使我存活。
94 我是屬於你的，求你拯救我，
因為我尋求你的訓詞。
95 惡人等待著要把我毀滅，
我卻思考你的法度。
96 我看一切圓滿的事都有盡頭，
只有你的命令是廣闊無邊的。
神訓詞使人明白事理
97 我多麼愛慕你的律法，
終日不住地默想。
98 你的命令使我比我的仇敵更有智慧，
因為你的命令常存在我裡面。
99 我比我所有的老師明智，
因為我默想你的法度。
100 我比老年人更明理，
因為我遵守你的訓詞。
101 我制止我的腳不走任何邪惡的路，
為要謹守你的話。
102 我沒有偏離你的典章，
因為你親自教導了我。
103 你的話語在我的上膛多麼甜美，
在我的口中比蜂蜜更甜。
104 我藉著你的訓詞，得以明白事理；
因此，我恨惡一切虛謊的道。
立誓專心遵行 神律例
105 你的話是我腳前的燈，
是我路上的光。
106 我曾起誓，並且堅守誓言，
我必遵守你公義的典章。
107 我受苦極重；
耶和華啊！求你照著你的應許使我存活。
108 耶和華啊！求你悅納我口中的甘心祭，
又把你的典章教導我。
109 我的性命常在危險中，
我卻沒有忘記你的律法。
110 惡人雖然設下陷阱要害我，
我卻沒有偏離你的訓詞。
111 我以你的法度為我永遠的產業；
因為它們是我心中的喜樂。
112 我專心遵行你的律例，
永不改變，遵行到底。
重視 神律例必蒙扶持
113 我恨惡心懷二意的人，
我卻喜愛你的律法。
114 你是我的避難所，我的盾牌；
我仰望你的話。
115 作惡的人哪！你們離開我吧，
好讓我遵守我 神的命令。
116 求你照著你的應許扶持我，使我存活；
不要使我因仰望你而蒙羞。
117 求你扶持我，我就必得救；
我必常常重視你的律例。
118 偏離你的律例的，你都把他們棄絕；
他們的詭詐是徒然的。
119 世上所有的惡人，你都把他們除滅，如同除去渣滓，
因此我喜愛你的法度。
120 我因懼怕你而戰慄；
我畏懼你的審判。
秉行 神律法確保福樂
121 我曾秉公行義；
求你不要把我撇下，交給欺壓我的人。
122 求你作你僕人的保證人，確保我的好處；
不要容傲慢人欺壓我。
123 因盼望你的救恩和你公義的應許，
我的眼睛都昏花了。
124 求你按著你的慈愛待你的僕人，
把你的律例教導我。
125 我是你的僕人，求你賜我悟性，
使我可以明白你的法度。
126 現在是耶和華行動的時候；
因為人都違犯了你的律法。
127 因此我愛你的命令，
勝過金子，甚至勝過精金。
128 在一切事上，你所有的訓詞我都視為正直；
我恨惡一切虛謊的道。
切慕 神命令，祈願遵行
129 你的法度奇妙，
所以我必遵守你的法度，
130 你的話一解開，就發出亮光，
使愚人有悟性。
131 我張口喘氣，
因為我切慕你的命令。
132 求你轉向我，恩待我；
像你素常對待那些愛你名的人那樣。
133 求你用你的話引導我的腳步，
不容甚麼罪孽轄制我。
134 求你救贖我脫離人的欺壓，
好讓我謹守你的訓詞。
135 求你用你的臉光照你的僕人，
把你的律例教導我。
136 我的眼淚像河水湧流，
因為人都不謹守你的律法。
神的話正直可信可靠
137 耶和華啊！你是公義的，
你的判詞也是正直的。
138 你以公義和至誠，
命定了你的法度。
139 我心中迫切如同火燒，
因為我的敵人忘記了你的話。
140 你的話語十分精煉，
因此你的僕人喜愛你的話語。
141 我雖然微小，被人藐視，
我卻沒有忘記你的訓詞。
142 你的公義是永遠的公義，
你的律法是可信可靠的。
143 我遭遇患難和困苦，
但你的命令仍是我歡喜的。
144 你的法度永遠是公義的，
求你賜我悟性，
好讓我存活。
仰望 神的話，祈求救助
145 耶和華啊！我一心呼求你，求你應允我；
我必遵守你的律例。
146 我向你呼求，求你救我；
我必謹守你的法度。
147 天還未亮我就呼求救助，
我所仰望的就是你的話。
148 我整夜睜開眼睛，
為要默想你的話語。
149 耶和華啊！求你照著你的慈愛垂聽我的聲音，
求你按著你的公正使我存活。
150 追求奸惡的人臨近了，
他們遠離你的律法。
151 耶和華啊！你和我十分接近，
你的一切命令都是可信可靠的。
152 我從你的法度早已知道，
這些法度是你立定，存到永遠的。
苦難中仍喜愛 神訓詞
153 求你察看我的苦難，搭救我；
因為我沒有忘記你的律法。
154 求你為我的案件申辯，救贖我；
按著你的應許使我存活。
155 救恩遠離惡人，
因為他們不尋求你的律例。
156 耶和華啊！你的憐憫浩大；
求你照著你的公正使我存活。
157 逼迫我的和敵擋我的很多，
但我沒有偏離你的法度。
158 我看見詭詐的人就討厭，
因為他們不遵守你的話語。
159 你看我多麼愛你的訓詞；
耶和華啊！求你按著你的慈愛使我存活。
160 你的話的總綱就是真理，
你一切公義的典章要存到永遠。
喜愛 神律法必享安樂
161 領袖們無緣無故迫害我，
我的心卻畏懼你的話。
162 我因你的話語歡喜，
像得了許多戰利品的人一樣。
163 虛偽是我憎恨厭惡的，
你的律法卻是我所愛的。
164 我因你公義的典章，
一天七次讚美你。
165 喜愛你律法的必有豐盛的平安，
甚麼都不能絆倒他們。
166 耶和華啊！我要等候你的救恩，
我要遵行你的命令。
167 我的心謹守你的法度，
這些法度是我熱愛的。
168 我謹守你的訓詞和法度，
因我所行的一切都在你面前。
祈願 神按應許施拯救
169 耶和華啊！願我的呼求達到你面前；
求你照著你的話賜我悟性。
170 願我的懇求達到你面前；
求你照著你的應許拯救我。
171 願我的嘴唇湧出讚美的話，
因為你把你的律例教導了我。
172 願我的舌頭歌唱你的話語，
因為你的一切命令都是公義的。
173 願你的手幫助我，
因為我選擇了你的訓詞。
174 耶和華啊！我渴慕你的救恩，
我喜歡你的律法。
175 求你容我活著，可以讚美你；
願你的典章幫助我。
176 我像亡羊走迷了路；
求你尋找你的僕人，
因為我沒有忘記你的命令。
Psalm 119
New Catholic Bible
1 [a]Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in accord with the law[b] of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who observe his statutes
and seek him with their whole heart.[c]
3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.[d]
4 [e]You have ordained
that your commands be diligently observed.
5 May my ways be steadfast
in the observance of your decrees.
6 Then I will never be put to shame
when I take note of all your precepts.
7 I will praise you in sincerity of heart
as I ponder your righteous judgments.
8 I will observe your decrees;
do not forsake me completely.
Beth
9 [f]How can a young man lead a spotless life?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;[g]
do not let me stray from your precepts.
11 I treasure your word in my heart[h]
for fear that I may sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recite
all the judgments you have announced.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
more than I would rejoice in endless riches.
15 I will meditate on your commands
and respect your ways.
16 I find my delight in your decrees;
I will never forget your word.
Gimel
17 [i]Be good to your servant
so that I may live[j] and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may clearly see
the wonders to be found in your law.
19 I am only a wayfarer on earth,
but do not hide your precepts from me.[k]
20 My soul is ever consumed
with longing for your judgments.
21 You rebuke the arrogant,[l] the accursed,
who stray from your precepts.
22 Set me free from scorn and contempt,
for I have observed your statutes.
23 Even though princes assemble and slander me,
your servant meditates on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight,
for they offer me counsel.
Daleth
25 [m]My soul lies prostrate in the dust;[n]
revive me in accordance with your word.
26 I proclaim my ways and you answer me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Help me to understand the way of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is wasting away in sorrow;
renew my strength in accordance with your word.
29 Keep me from the way of falsehood,
and let me live according to your law.
30 [o]I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set your judgments before me.
31 I cling to your statutes, O Lord;
do not allow me to be put to shame.
32 I run in the way of your precepts,
for you have set my heart free.
He
33 [p]Teach me, O Lord, the way of your decrees,
and I will follow it to the end.[q]
34 Give me understanding, and I will observe your law
and obey it with all my heart.[r]
35 Guide me in the way of your precepts,
for in them is my delight.
36 Dispose my heart to follow your statutes
and to flee selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from what is unimportant,
and let me live in your way.
38 Fulfill your word to your servant,
so that you may be feared.[s]
39 Let me escape the disgrace that I dread,
for your judgments are good.
40 See, I long for your commandments;
in your righteousness preserve my life.
Waw
41 [t]Let your kindness[u] descend on me, O Lord,
your salvation in accord with your promise.
42 Then I will respond to those who insult me,
because I trust in your word.
43 Do not remove from my mouth the word of truth,[v]
for I place my hope in your judgment.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
45 I will walk in complete freedom
because I have sought your commands.[w]
46 I will speak of your statutes in the presence of kings
and will not be ashamed.
47 Your precepts fill me with delight
because I love them.
48 I lift up my hands[x] to your precepts, which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees.
Zayin
49 [y]Remember the word you gave to your servant
by which you have given me hope.
50 This is my consolation in my distress:
your word gives me life.
51 The arrogant[z] overwhelm me with scorn,
but I refuse to turn away from your law.
52 I recall your judgments of old, O Lord,
and I am greatly comforted.
53 I am filled with fury against the wicked,
those who forsake your law.
54 Your decrees have become my songs
wherever I make my dwelling.
55 Even during the night I remember your name[aa]
and observe your teaching, O Lord.
56 This is my practice:
I obey your commandments.
Heth
57 [ab]My portion, I have said, O Lord,
is to observe your words.[ac]
58 With all my heart[ad] I seek your favor;
fulfill your word and be gracious to me.
59 I have reflected on my ways
and resolved to follow your statutes.
60 I will make haste and not delay
to observe your precepts.
61 Though the nets of the wicked entrap me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to offer praise to you
for the righteousness of your judgments.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
all who observe your commands.
64 The earth overflows with your kindness,[ae] O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
Teth
65 [af]You have dealt kindly with your servant
in accord with your word, O Lord.
66 Grant me good judgment and knowledge,
for I place my trust in your precepts.
67 Before I was afflicted[ag] I went astray,
but now I observe your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 The arrogant[ah] spread lies about me,
but with all my heart I observe your commands.
70 Their hearts are gross and insensitive,[ai]
but I find my delight in your law.
71 It was a blessing for me to be afflicted,
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Yodh
73 [aj]Your hands have created and formed me;[ak]
grant me understanding so that I may learn your precepts.
74 Those who fear you will rejoice when they see me
because I place my hope in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your judgments are righteous
and in your fidelity you have humbled me.
76 May your kindness[al] bring consolation to me
as you have promised your servant.
77 Grant me your compassion so that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant[am] who oppress me without cause be put to shame;
I will meditate on your commands.
79 May those turn to me who fear you,
those who understand your statutes.
80 May my heart[an] be without blame toward your decrees
so that I may not be put to shame.
Kaph
81 [ao]My soul[ap] pines for your salvation without ceasing;
I place my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail,[aq] looking for your word,
and I cry out, “When will you comfort me?”
83 I am shriveled like a smoke-filled wineskin,[ar]
but I do not forget your decrees.
84 How long must your servant wait?[as]
When will you pass judgment on my persecutors?
85 The arrogant[at] dig pits to entrap me,
which is not in keeping with your law.
86 All of your precepts are true;
come to my aid, for I am persecuted unjustly.
87 My enemies almost took away my life,
but I have not forsaken your commands.
88 In your kindness[au] spare my life,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Lamedh
89 [av]Your word, O Lord, is everlasting;
it is firmly fixed in the heavens.[aw]
90 Your faithfulness lasts through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
91 By your judgments all creatures continue to exist,
for they are all your servants.
92 [ax]If your law had not been my delight,
I would have already perished in my misery.
93 Never will I forget your commands,
for through them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I seek your commandments.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I continue to ponder your decrees.
96 I have seen that every perfection is limited,
but your precept is unlimited.[ay]
Mem
97 [az]I truly love your law.
It is my meditation throughout the day.
98 [ba]Your precept has given me greater wisdom than my enemies,
for it is mine forever.
99 I am wiser than all my teachers
because I meditate on your commands.
100 I have greater insight than the elders,[bb]
because I keep your commandments.
101 I point my feet away from evil paths
so that I might observe your word.
102 I refuse to ignore your judgments,
for it is you yourself who have taught me.
103 Your words are sweet to my palate,
even sweeter to my tongue than honey.[bc]
104 Through your commandments I achieve wisdom;
therefore, I hate every way that is false.
Nun
105 [bd]Your word is a lamp for my feet[be]
and a light to my path.
106 With a solemn vow I have sworn[bf]
to obey the judgments of your righteousness.
107 I have been afflicted beyond measure;
O Lord, let me live in accord with your word.
108 Receive, O Lord, the homage my lips offer you,
and instruct me about your judgments.
109 Even though I continually take my life in my hands,[bg]
I do not neglect your law.
110 The wicked seek to entrap me,
but I have not strayed from your commands.
111 [bh]Your statutes are my everlasting heritage;
they are the very joy of my heart.
112 I have set my heart on keeping your decrees,
even to the end.
Samekh
113 [bi]I detest those who are hypocritical,[bj]
but I love your law.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I put my hope in your word.
115 Depart from my presence, you evildoers,
so that I may observe the precepts of my God.
116 Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live;
do not delude me in my hope.
117 Uphold me, and I will be saved
and will remain completely focused on your decrees.
118 You cast away all those who swerve from your decrees;
their cunning is futile.
119 You discard all the wicked of the earth like dross;[bk]
therefore, I love your teachings.
120 My flesh trembles[bl] before you in terror;
your judgments fill me with awe.
Ayin
121 [bm]Since my conduct has been just and upright,
do not abandon me to those who oppress me.
122 Guarantee the well-being of your servant;[bn]
do not allow the arrogant to oppress me.
123 My eyes fail[bo] as I long for your salvation
and for the promise of your justice.
124 Deal with your servant in accordance with your kindness,[bp]
and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant; grant me discernment
so that I may understand your statutes.
126 It is time, O Lord, for you to take action;
your law has been broken.
127 That is why I love your precepts
more than gold, even the purest gold.[bq]
128 That is why I regard all your commandments as right
and despise every way that is false.
Pe
129 [br]Wonderful are your statutes;
therefore, I willingly observe them.
130 The explanation[bs] of your words gives light
and imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open wide my mouth and sigh,[bt]
longing eagerly for your precepts.
132 [bu]Turn and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.[bv]
133 Guide my steps in accord with your word
and never let evil triumph over me.
134 Rescue me from the oppression of men
so that I may observe your commandments.
135 Allow your face to shine[bw] upon your servant
and teach me your decrees.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes
because your law is disregarded.[bx]
Sadhe
137 [by]You are righteous, O Lord,
and your judgments are right.
138 You have set down your statutes as righteous
and as completely faithful.
139 Zeal has consumed me
because my adversaries ignore your words.
140 Your word has been tested through and through,[bz]
and your servant cherishes it.
141 Although I am despised and unimportant,
I do not forget your commands.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting,
and your law is forever true.
143 I am afflicted by anguish and distress,
but your precepts are my delight.
144 Your statutes are forever righteous;
grant me understanding and I will live.
Qoph
145 [ca]I call out to you with my whole heart;
answer me, O Lord, so that I may observe your decrees.
146 I cry out to you;
save me so that I may obey your statutes.
147 I arise before dawn and cry out for help;
I place my hope in your word.
148 My eyes are awake before each watch of the night[cb]
so that I may meditate on your word.
149 In accordance with your kindness[cc] hear my voice, O Lord;
grant me life in accordance with your judgments.
150 [cd]Those who plot wickedness draw near me,
but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you, O Lord, are near,
and all your precepts are true.
152 Long have I known your decrees
and that you have established them forever.
Resh
153 [ce]See my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;[cf]
let me live in accord with your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked[cg]
because they do not consider your decrees.
156 Great is your compassion, O Lord;
let me live in accord with your judgments.
157 My persecutors and my enemies are many,
but I do not cast aside your statutes.
158 I regard the faithless with indignation[ch]
because they do not observe your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts, O Lord;
let me live in accord with your kindness.[ci]
160 Every word you utter is true,
and all your righteous judgments[cj] are everlasting.
Shin
161 [ck]The powerful persecute me without cause,
but it is your word that awes my heart.[cl]
162 I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.
163 Falsehood I abhor and detest,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times[cm] a day I praise you
for your righteous judgments.
165 Those who love your law have great peace;[cn]
they encounter no stumbling blocks.
166 I await your salvation, O Lord,
and I carry out your precepts.
167 I obey your statutes,
for I love them dearly.
168 I obey your commands and your statutes;
indeed, all my ways are known to you.[co]
Taw
169 [cp]May my cry come before you, O Lord;
grant me understanding according to your word.[cq]
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 May my lips proclaim your praise
because you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all of your precepts are upright.
173 May your hand[cr] be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your commandments.
174 [cs]I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175 Give life to my soul that I may praise you,
and let your judgments sustain me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;[ct]
seek out your servant,
for I have not forgotten your precepts.
Footnotes
- Psalm 119:1 Introduction to the entire psalm that stresses the theme: instruction in godly wisdom.
- Psalm 119:1 A beginning analogous to those of Pss 1:1-2; 112:1 (see Ps 101:6; Mt 5:3ff). The word law and its synonyms are to be taken in the widest sense of revealed teaching, as transmitted by the Prophets. Blessed: see note on Ps 1:1.
- Psalm 119:2 This verse makes explicit what is implicit throughout the psalm: Scripture is revered because it consists in God’s statutes; it is God that his servants seek and not the book for its own sake.
- Psalm 119:3 Ways: although the Hebrew for this word occurs infrequently in this psalm, it is found often in Deuteronomy and elsewhere. There it refers to the requirements of God’s covenant (see note on Ps 25:4-7).
- Psalm 119:4 Those who obey God’s law have a right to hope that he will come to their assistance.
- Psalm 119:9 The love for God’s word is love for God, expressed in one’s attitude of heart, in actions, and in words. With his entire being the godly person seeks God and delights in his will. Such a sublime teaching can lead a young man to keep his way pure.
- Psalm 119:10 The psalmist seeks the God of the law and the promises; he meditates on the latter only because they constitute God’s word of life for him. Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
- Psalm 119:11 Treasure your word in my heart: Proverbs 2:10-12; Col 3:16 show that those whose hearts are steeped in the word of God are educated by God.
- Psalm 119:17 In difficulty and distress, the Lord and his word are a comfort to the godly. God’s blessing comes to those who submit to his law, but his curse comes to those who stray deliberately from his revealed will.
- Psalm 119:17 I may live: here the psalmist is speaking of living in its fullest sense of happiness, security, prosperity—a frequent theme in Ezekiel (Ezek 3:21; 18; 33; see Ps 133:3)—and, of course, fellowship with God (see Pss 16:11; 36:10; Deut 8:3).
- Psalm 119:19 Though the psalmist is a stranger (or wayfarer) on earth, he is the guest of God to whom the whole universe belongs; he will learn from the Lord how to conduct himself (see notes on Ps 39:13, 13-14).
- Psalm 119:21 The arrogant: enemies of God and his faithful who act as though they are a law unto themselves (see notes on Pss 73:4-12 and 86:14; see also Isa 13:11; Mal 3:19). They are the accursed, i.e., ready for God’s judgment.
- Psalm 119:25 Whether in distress or in prosperity, the psalmist is determined to remain close to God’s law. In adversities, he becomes more teachable and his spirit is renewed in him, for the word of the Lord has the power to comfort. In prosperity, he enjoys a freedom from anxiety and care that enables him to focus on doing God’s will.
- Psalm 119:25 Lies prostrate in the dust: see note on Ps 44:26.
- Psalm 119:30 Godliness is nicely summed up by the three opening verbs: choosing (see Heb 11:25), clinging (see Acts 11:23), and running (see Phil 3:12-14). Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
- Psalm 119:33 Since God alone can interpret his revelation (teach [it], v. 33), the psalmist prays that God will instruct him in his law (see Ps 25:4). He asks the Lord to provide spiritual direction and motivation to direct his steps (see Prov 4:11-19) and incline his heart (see Ps 141:4) to do the divine will.
- Psalm 119:33 And I will follow it to the end: another possible translation is: “I will keep it as a reward” (see Ps 19:12; Prov 22:4). In both translations the godly person finds his joy in doing the will of God.
- Psalm 119:34 The desire for understanding often voiced in this psalm conforms to the ideal of the sages of Israel. Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
- Psalm 119:38 That you may be feared: as a result of the saving acts that the Lord does in accord with his promises, he is acknowledged as the one true God and feared (see Ps 130:5; 2 Sam 7:25f; 1 Ki 8:39f; Jer 33:8f). Another possible translation is: “Fulfill the word you have spoken / to the servant who fears you.”
- Psalm 119:41 Here the psalmist, as it were, gives Christians what is needed for them to fulfill their desire to “proclaim [the Lord’s] word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29). In order to be spoken, the word must first be appropriated (v. 41), trusted (v. 42f), obeyed (v. 44), sought (v. 45), and loved (v. 47f).
- Psalm 119:41 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
- Psalm 119:43 Do not remove from my mouth the word of truth: for it will enable the psalmist to respond to the insults and calumnies to which he is subjected (see vv. 61, 85, 95, etc.).
- Psalm 119:45 Sought your commands: the psalmist strives to understand the meaning of the Scriptures and make them his rule of life (see vv. 94, 155; see also Ps 111:2; Ezr 7:10; Sir 51:23; Isa 34:16). Such a study is at the origin of the Midrashic literature.
- Psalm 119:48 I lift up my hands: as a sign of veneration and praise (see Pss 44:20; 63:4; 134:2; Neh 8:6).
- Psalm 119:49 The word of God provides hope and consolation even in suffering. The psalmist observes the commandments of the Lord because in them he finds life, restoration, and consolation.
- Psalm 119:51 The arrogant: see note on v. 21.
- Psalm 119:55 Name: see note on Ps 5:12.
- Psalm 119:57 The Lord is the portion of the psalmist, and it is God’s law that fills the earth with joy and security. Hence, far from regarding obedience as a crushing, disagreeable burden, the psalmist considers it a happy lot, a privileged destiny, and a signal favor.
- Psalm 119:57 My portion . . . your words: another possible translation is: “You are my portion, O Lord; / I promise to keep your words.” A familiar formula of trust (see Pss 16:5; 73:26 and note; 142:5).
- Psalm 119:58 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
- Psalm 119:64 The earth overflows with your kindness: an exclamation of God’s cosmic love; the world of creation witnesses to his love (see Pss 104:10-30; 136:1-9). For other glimpses of the world as God’s handiwork and kingdom, see Pss 24:1; 33:5; Isa 6:3; Hab 2:14; 3:3.
- Psalm 119:65 The psalmist ascribes goodness to God in his past and present dealings, to the positive values of the trials God sent him, and to the ultimate value of God’s law and divine teaching.
- Psalm 119:67 Afflicted: through God’s doing (see note on vv. 25-32).
- Psalm 119:69 The arrogant: see note on v. 21. Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
- Psalm 119:70 Gross and insensitive: literally, “fat as grease,” i.e., incapable of understanding divine things (see Pss 17:10; 73:7; Isa 6:10; Jer 5:28).
- Psalm 119:73 The psalmist declares his experiential knowledge of God, of his kindness and compassion. He asks God to give the arrogant their just deserts and so enable the godly to be encouraged and rejoice at God’s vindication.
- Psalm 119:73 Your hands have created and formed me: see Deut 32:6; Job 10:8; Zec 12:1. Grant me understanding: so that the psalmist can carry out what God willed in forming him.
- Psalm 119:76 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
- Psalm 119:78 The arrogant: see note on v. 21.
- Psalm 119:80 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
- Psalm 119:81 This last strophe of the first part of the psalm brings to a climax the psalmist’s need for God. In extreme distress, he looks to the Lord for his salvation as promised in his word, urgently calling upon him to come to his aid and effect justice upon the arrogant who wrong him.
- Psalm 119:81 Soul: see note on Ps 6:4.
- Psalm 119:82 My eyes fail: see note on Ps 6:8.
- Psalm 119:83 Like a smoke-filled wineskin: the psalmist feels as brittle and useless as tanned hides holding wine that are placed near the fireplace.
- Psalm 119:84 How long . . . wait?: literally, “How many are the days of your servant?” i.e., the psalmist does not have too much time for God to delay in punishing his persecutors. Pass judgment on my persecutors: see note on Ps 5:11.
- Psalm 119:85 The arrogant: see note on v. 21.
- Psalm 119:88 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
- Psalm 119:89 Like the first three verses of the first half of the psalm, these first three verses of the second half teach a general truth: there is constancy and order in all of creation, reflecting the faithfulness of the Lord (see Pss 89:3; 104; 147:7-9). Nature serves and abides by the word and the laws of the Lord (see note on Ps 93:5).
- Psalm 119:89 This verse is an echo of Prov 8:22ff where divine wisdom is presented as a living being existing from all eternity (see Wis 7:22—8:1; Isa 40:8).
- Psalm 119:92 The psalmist confesses that if through God’s law he had not found meaning in the experience of his affliction, he would have perished. Therefore, no matter what his persecutors do, he will not forget God’s precepts because they give order and preservation of life. For he knows that just as there are laws for the order in nature, so also are there laws for human conduct.
- Psalm 119:96 Everything on earth is limited; perfection belongs only to God and his commands.
- Psalm 119:97 God’s law is heavenly wisdom, which is far greater than earthly wisdom. Meditation on it is a form of devotion to the Lord himself, and hence the psalmist regularly cultivates its practice. God’s words, likened to honey, are sweet only when God’s instruction is received and leads to understanding as well as an obedient life-style.
- Psalm 119:98 These verses are illuminated by the New Testament, which shows that heavenly wisdom is a gift to “little children,” hidden from the worldly wise (see Lk 10:21; 1 Cor 1:18ff; 2:6-10).
- Psalm 119:100 The psalmist speaks in the same vein as Elihu (see Job 32:6ff; Wis 4:9). Elders: the aged, taught by experience.
- Psalm 119:103 Your words are . . . sweeter to my tongue than honey: see Ps 19:11; Job 23:12; Jer 15:16; Jn 4:32, 34.
- Psalm 119:105 The word of the Lord enlightens the psalmist’s path of life; therefore, he has accepted the covenant and obeys the Lord. Even in affliction, the psalmist has learned to give God willing praise, for his joy and determination to please the Lord are far greater than the affliction that is constantly with him.
- Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet: the word of the Lord is a guide and life-sustaining source (see Pss 18:29; 97:11; 112:4; Prov 6:23; Jn 8:12).
- Psalm 119:106 With a solemn vow I have sworn: the psalmist has made a pact to follow God’s laws (see Neh 10:29).
- Psalm 119:109 I continually take my life in my hands: i.e., my life is constantly exposed to danger, for I am ready to risk it for God (see Jdg 12:3; 1 Sam 19:5; Est C:15 = 4:16; Job 13:14).
- Psalm 119:111 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
- Psalm 119:113 The ways of the righteous and the wicked are completely divergent. The psalmist dissociates himself from the wicked; he hates the double-minded but loves the law of the Lord. He draws near to God, his refuge and his shield. For, unlike the wicked whom the Lord will discard, the godly have hope in and veneration for the Lord.
- Psalm 119:113 Hypocritical: those who hesitate between fidelity and infidelity to God (see 1 Ki 18:21); they are “inconsistent in everything [they do]” (Jas 1:8).
- Psalm 119:119 You discard . . . like dross: the Lord discards evildoers like dross, i.e., the scum that forms in refining precious metals and is discarded (see Jer 6:28-30).
- Psalm 119:120 My flesh trembles: a reminiscence of Job 4:15; 23:15 (see Ps 88:16). It denotes the dread of the sacred, the fear of the awesome God.
- Psalm 119:121 The psalmist has entrusted himself to God’s care and done what is just and upright; now he expects the Lord to keep his promise according to which the godly will be relieved of all adversities. He prays to receive understanding and, while affirming his devotion to the Lord and his commands, calls for God to deal justly with the ungodly, who have broken his law.
- Psalm 119:122 This is the only verse in the psalm that lacks either a direct or an indirect reference to the law of God; some have suggested replacing servant by “word” as a remedy. The arrogant: see note on v. 21.
- Psalm 119:123 My eyes fail: see note on Ps 6:8.
- Psalm 119:124 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
- Psalm 119:127 The psalmist compares the Lord’s commands favorably with pure gold (see Job 22:25; 28:15f; Prov 3:14; 8:10, 19; 16:16).
- Psalm 119:129 God’s word illumines so that even those not experienced in the realities of life (the simple; see Ps 116; Prov 1:4) may gain wisdom (see Ps 19:8). The psalmist longs to receive, understand, and put it into practice. So great is his zeal for God’s law that he weeps over the continuance of rebellion and transgression on the part of evildoers.
- Psalm 119:130 The law is a luminous sanctuary that fills souls with its clarity (see Ps 73:16f) when it is explained to them. Explanation: literally, “opening.”
- Psalm 119:131 Open wide my mouth and sigh: same image as in Job 29:23.
- Psalm 119:132 The psalmist asks for the Lord’s blessing (see Num 6:24-26), which brings down God’s grace to enable him to direct his steps in accord with the divine law and away from sin and adversity (Ps 119:133-134). He also asks for the Lord’s face to shine on him (v. 135), i.e., to bring him nothing but good in all circumstances of his life; for when God’s face shines on people it brings deliverance and blessings.
- Psalm 119:132 See Pss 5:12; 25:16; 91:15. Name: see note on Ps 5:12.
- Psalm 119:135 Allow your face to shine: the psalmist asks God to smile on him with favor (see note on Ps 13:2; see also Pss 67:2; 80:4; Num 6:25).
- Psalm 119:136 The godly are saddened in the face of evil (see Ezr 9:3ff; Job 16:20; Ezek 9:4).
- Psalm 119:137 The troubles and disgraces of his holy ones reflect upon the Lord and his word. Hence, the psalmist points out his sad state and prays that the Lord will establish righteousness in his world. Though he is still immersed in troubles, he knows the Lord is faithful and so he wholeheartedly puts his trust in him.
- Psalm 119:140 Tested through and through: literally, “refined.” God’s word is fire-tried; it is genuine and reliable.
- Psalm 119:145 The psalmist urgently presents his lament before the Lord to be delivered from adversity. So intense is his longing for this salvation that he prays through the night watches. Even though his foes hunt him down, the Lord is near and will rescue him, for the psalmist keeps the law.
- Psalm 119:148 Each watch of the night: see note on Ps 63:7.
- Psalm 119:149 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
- Psalm 119:150 Although the wicked are closing in on the psalmist, he remains serene, for the Lord is also near to protect him (see Pss 69:19; 73:28). The wicked will get nowhere, for they break the statutes of the Lord (v. 150: are far from your law), which were meant to last forever.
- Psalm 119:153 The lament becomes more intense as the psalmist prays for deliverance, mercy, and life. By protesting his innocence, bringing up his affliction, and mentioning the perfidy of the wicked, he seeks to move God to act, for he alone can preserve the psalmist’s full enjoyment of covenant life. The fidelity and righteousness of God’s word sustain the psalmist in his belief of total vindication.
- Psalm 119:154 Redeem me: or “Be my redeemer” (see Pss 19:15; 69:19; 72:13f).
- Psalm 119:155 The godless haunt the psalmist, for they flaunt the commandments of the Lord. The wicked: see note on v. 21 (“the arrogant”).
- Psalm 119:158 I regard the faithless with indignation: i.e., they are people who have broken the covenant relationship and whose words and acts are unreliable (see Ps 25:3; Isa 48:8; Jer 5:11; Mal 2:10f).
- Psalm 119:159 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
- Psalm 119:160 The word (word . . . righteous judgments) of the Lord is a source of life that never languishes because it is fed by infinite truth that continues forever. Therefore, it can never be exhausted no matter how many drink from this life-giving fountain.
- Psalm 119:161 Despite the continuation of his adversity, the psalmist rejoices in the promise of the Lord, praising him many times a day for his righteous laws. The godly have peace, for they know that the Lord in his righteousness will vindicate them. While waiting for the great day of salvation, the psalmist keeps his hope alive and follows God’s commands.
- Psalm 119:161 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
- Psalm 119:164 Seven times: a Hebrew idiom for “many times” (see Ps 12:7; Gen 4:24; Prov 24:16; Mt 18:21f; Lk 17:4).
- Psalm 119:165 The godly have peace, for, even surrounded by adversity, they are confident of God’s loving care and his promise that they will not stumble (see Prov 4:12; 1 Jn 2:10). Great peace: i.e., complete security and well-being (see Ps 37:11; Isa 26:3, 12; 32:17; 54:13; 57:19).
- Psalm 119:168 All my ways are known to you: for a similar thought, see Prov 5:21.
- Psalm 119:169 In this last strophe, the psalmist offers a prayer for the Lord’s salvation. Although his problems have not yet been resolved, he raises the spirit of expectation in those who love God’s word. He prays for complete deliverance so that he may praise his faithful God.
- Psalm 119:169 The psalmist comes before the Lord with a broken spirit, asking for understanding and deliverance. Looking forward to the moment of redemption, he dwells on the joyful expressions of his thanksgiving.
- Psalm 119:173 Your hand: a metaphor for God’s powerful deliverance (see Deut 32:39).
- Psalm 119:174 These final three verses form the conclusion to the whole. They succinctly restate and summarize the main themes.
- Psalm 119:176 Lost sheep: the Prophets’ theme of lost sheep is here applied to an individual (see Isa 53:6; Jer 50:6; Ezek 34:16; Zec 11:16; Mt 10:6; Lk 15:4; 1 Pet 2:25). For I have not forgotten your precepts: this final line sums up the inner state of the psalmist, who is zealous for the knowledge and practice of the divine law.
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
Chinese New Version (CNV). Copyright © 1976, 1992, 1999, 2001, 2005 by Worldwide Bible Society.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
