上帝的律法

119 行为正直、遵行耶和华律法的人有福了!
遵守祂的法度、全心寻求祂的人有福了!
他们不做不义的事,
只照祂的旨意而行。
耶和华啊,你已经赐下法则,
叫我们竭力遵行。
我渴望坚定地遵从你的律例。
我重视你的一切命令,
便不致羞愧。
我学习你公义的法令时,
要存着正直的心来称谢你。
我要遵守你的律例,
求你不要弃绝我。
青年如何保持纯洁呢?
就是要遵守你的话。
10 我全心全意地寻求你,
求你不要让我偏离你的命令。
11 我把你的话珍藏在心中,
免得我得罪你。
12 耶和华啊,你当受称颂!
求你将你的律例教导我。
13 我宣扬你口中所出的一切法令。
14 我喜爱你的法度如同人们喜爱财富。
15 我要默想你的法则,
思想你的旨意。
16 我以遵行你的律例为乐,
我不忘记你的话语。
17 求你以厚恩待我,
使我能活着,并遵守你的话语。
18 求你开我的眼睛,
使我能明白你律法中的奥妙。
19 我在世上是过客,
求你不要向我隐藏你的命令。
20 我的心时刻切慕你的法令。
21 你斥责受咒诅、不听从你命令的狂傲人。
22 求你除去我所受的羞辱和藐视,
因为我遵从你的法度。
23 虽然权贵们坐着毁谤我,
仆人仍要默想你的律例。
24 你的法度是我的喜乐,
是我的谋士。
25 我几乎性命不保,
求你照你的应许救我的性命。
26 我陈明自己的行为,
你就回应了我;
求你将你的律例教导我。
27 求你使我明白你的法则,
我要思想你的奇妙作为。
28 我伤心欲绝,
求你照你的应许使我坚强起来。
29 求你使我远离恶道,
开恩将你的律法教导我。
30 我已经选择了真理之路,
决心遵行你的法令。
31 我持守你的法度,耶和华啊,
求你不要使我蒙羞。
32 我竭力遵守你的命令,
因为你使我更有悟性。
33 耶和华啊,
求你将你的律例教导我,
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 求你引导我遵行你的命令,
因为这是我喜爱的。
36 求你使我的心爱慕你的法度而非不义之财。
37 求你使我的眼目远离虚空之事,
按你的旨意更新我的生命。
38 求你实现你给仆人的应许,
就是你给敬畏你之人的应许。
39 求你除去我所害怕的羞辱,
因为你的法令是美善的。
40 我渴望遵行你的法则,
求你按你的公义更新我的生命。

41 耶和华啊!
愿你的慈爱临到我,
愿你的拯救临到我,
正如你的应许,
42 好叫我能面对嘲笑我的人,
因为我信靠你的话。
43 求你使真理不离我的口,
因为你的法令是我的盼望。
44 我要持守你的律法,
直到永永远远。
45 我要自由地生活,
因为我寻求你的法则。
46 我要在君王面前讲论你的法度,
我不以此为耻。
47 我以遵行你的命令为乐,
我喜爱你的命令。
48 我尊崇你的命令,
我喜爱你的命令,
我要默想你的律例。
49 求你顾念你对仆人的应许,
你的话带给我盼望。
50 你的应许是我生命的支柱,
是我患难中的安慰。
51 狂傲人肆意嘲讽我,
但我仍然没有偏离你的律法。
52 耶和华啊,
我牢记你古时赐下的法令,
你的法令是我的安慰。
53 我见恶人丢弃你的律法,
就怒火中烧。
54 我在世寄居的日子,
你的律例就是我的诗歌。
55 耶和华啊,我在夜间思想你,
我要遵守你的律法。
56 我向来乐于遵行你的法则。
57 耶和华啊,你是我的福分!
我决心遵行你的话语。
58 我一心求你施恩,
求你照着你的应许恩待我。
59 我思想自己走过的路,
就决定归向你的法度。
60 我毫不迟疑地遵守你的命令。
61 虽然恶人用绳索捆绑我,
我仍不忘记你的律法。
62 我半夜起来称谢你公义的法令。
63 我与所有敬畏你、遵守你法则的人为友。
64 耶和华啊,
你的慈爱遍及天下,
求你将你的律例教导我。
65 耶和华啊,
你信守诺言,善待了仆人。
66 求你赐我知识,教我判别是非,
因为我信靠你的命令。
67 从前我没有受苦的时候走迷了路,
现在我要遵行你的话。
68 你是美善的,
你所行的都是美善的,
求你将你的律例教导我。
69 傲慢人毁谤我,
但我一心遵守你的法则。
70 他们执迷不悟,
但我喜爱你的律法。
71 我受苦对我有益,
使我可以学习你的律例。
72 你赐的律法对我而言比千万金银更宝贵。
73 你亲手造我、塑我,
求你赐我悟性好明白你的命令。
74 敬畏你的人见我就欢喜,
因为我信靠你的话。
75 耶和华啊,
我知道你的法令公义,
你是凭信实管教我。
76 求你照着你给仆人的应许,
用慈爱来安慰我。
77 求你怜悯我,使我可以存活,
因为你的律法是我的喜乐。
78 愿狂傲人受辱,
因他们诋毁我;
但我要思想你的法则。
79 愿敬畏你的人到我这里来,
好明白你的法度。
80 愿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,
你的话语是我的盼望。
82 我期盼你的应许实现,
望眼欲穿。
我说:“你何时才安慰我?”
83 我形容枯槁,好像烟熏的皮袋,
但我仍然没有忘记你的律例。
84 你仆人还要等多久呢?
你何时才会惩罚那些迫害我的人呢?
85 违背你律法的狂傲人挖陷阱害我。
86 你的一切命令都可靠,
他们无故地迫害我,
求你帮助我。
87 他们几乎置我于死地,
但我仍然没有背弃你的法则。
88 求你施慈爱保护我的性命,
我好遵守你赐下的法度。
89 耶和华啊,
你的话与天同存,亘古不变。
90 你的信实万代长存;
你创造了大地,使它恒久不变。
91 天地照你的法令一直存到今日,
因为万物都是你的仆役。
92 如果没有你的律法给我带来喜乐,
我早已死在苦难中了。
93 我永不忘记你的法则,
因你借着法则救了我的生命。
94 我属于你,求你拯救我,
因为我努力遵守你的法则。
95 恶人伺机害我,
但我仍然思想你的法度。
96 我看到万事都有尽头,
唯有你的命令无边无界。
97 我多么爱慕你的律法,
终日思想。
98 我持守你的命令,
你的命令使我比仇敌有智慧。
99 我比我的老师更有洞见,
因为我思想你的法度。
100 我比长者更明智,
因为我遵守你的法则。
101 我听从你的话,
拒绝走恶道。
102 我从未偏离你的法令,
因为你教导过我。
103 你的话语品尝起来何等甘甜,
在我口中胜过蜂蜜。
104 我从你的法则中得到智慧,
我厌恶一切诡诈之道。
105 你的话是我脚前的灯,
是我路上的光。
106 我曾经起誓,我必信守诺言:
我要遵行你公义的法令。
107 我饱受痛苦,耶和华啊,
求你照你的话保护我的性命。
108 耶和华啊,
求你悦纳我由衷的赞美,
将你的法令教导我。
109 我的生命时刻面临危险,
但我不会忘记你的律法。
110 恶人为我设下网罗,
但我没有偏离你的法则。
111 你的法度永远是我的宝贵产业,
是我喜乐的泉源。
112 我决心遵行你的律例,
一直到底。
113 我厌恶心怀二意的人,
我爱慕你的律法。
114 你是我的藏身之所,
是我的盾牌,
你的话语是我的盼望。
115 你们这些恶人离开我吧,
我要顺从上帝的命令。
116 耶和华啊,
求你按你的应许扶持我,
使我存活,
不要使我的盼望落空。
117 求你扶持我,使我得救,
我要时刻默想你的律例。
118 你弃绝一切偏离你律例的人,
他们的诡计无法得逞。
119 你铲除世上的恶人,
如同除掉渣滓,
因此我喜爱你的法度。
120 我因敬畏你而战抖,
我惧怕你的法令。
121 我做事公平正直,
求你不要把我交给欺压我的人。
122 求你保障仆人的福祉,
不要让傲慢的人欺压我。
123 我望眼欲穿地期盼你拯救我,
实现你公义的应许。
124 求你以慈爱待你的仆人,
将你的律例教导我。
125 我是你的仆人,
求你赐我悟性可以明白你的法度。
126 耶和华啊,人们违背你的律法,
是你惩罚他们的时候了。
127 我爱你的命令胜于爱金子,
胜于爱纯金。
128 我遵行你一切的法则,
我憎恨一切恶道。
129 你的法度奇妙,我一心遵守。
130 你的话语一解明,
就发出亮光,
使愚人得到启迪。
131 我迫切地渴慕你的命令。
132 求你眷顾我、怜悯我,
像你素来恩待那些爱你的人一样。
133 求你照你的应许引导我的脚步,
不要让罪恶辖制我。
134 求你救我脱离恶人的欺压,
好使我能顺服你的法则。
135 求你笑颜垂顾仆人,
将你的律例教导我。
136 我泪流成河,
因为人们不遵行你的律法。
137 耶和华啊,你是公义的,
你的法令是公正的。
138 你定的法度公义,完全可信。
139 我看见仇敌漠视你的话语,
就心急如焚。
140 你仆人喜爱你的应许,
因为你的应许可靠。
141 我虽然卑微、受人藐视,
但我铭记你的法则。
142 你的公义常存,
你的律法是真理。
143 我虽然遭遇困苦患难,
但你的命令是我的喜乐。
144 你的法度永远公正,
求你帮助我明白你的法度,
使我可以存活。
145 耶和华啊,我迫切向你祷告,
求你应允我,
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,
我就起来呼求你的帮助,
你的话语是我的盼望。
148 我整夜不睡,思想你的应许。
149 耶和华啊,你充满慈爱,
求你垂听我的呼求,
照你的法令保护我的性命。
150 作恶多端的人逼近了,
他们远离你的律法。
151 但耶和华啊,你就在我身边,
你的一切命令都是真理。
152 我很早就从你的法度中知道,
你的法度永远长存。
153 求你眷顾苦难中的我,搭救我,
因为我没有忘记你的律法。
154 求你为我申冤,救赎我,
照着你的应许保护我的性命。
155 恶人不遵守你的律例,
以致得不到拯救。
156 耶和华啊,
你有无比的怜悯之心,
求你照你的法令保护我的性命。
157 迫害我的仇敌众多,
但我却没有偏离你的法度。
158 我厌恶这些背弃你的人,
因为他们不遵行你的话。
159 耶和华啊,
你知道我多么爱你的法则,
求你施慈爱保护我的生命。
160 你的话都是真理,
你一切公义的法令永不改变。
161 权贵无故迫害我,
但我的心对你的话充满敬畏。
162 我喜爱你的应许,
如获至宝。
163 我厌恶虚假,
喜爱你的律法。
164 因你公义的法令,
我要每天七次赞美你。
165 喜爱你律法的人常有平安,
什么也不能使他跌倒。
166 耶和华啊,我等候你的拯救,
我遵行你的命令。
167 我深爱你的法度,一心遵守。
168 我遵守你的法则和法度,
你知道我做的每一件事。
169 耶和华啊,求你垂听我的祷告,
照你的话赐我悟性。
170 求你垂听我的祈求,
照你的应许拯救我。
171 愿我的口涌出赞美,
因你将你的律例教导了我。
172 愿我的舌头歌颂你的应许,
因为你一切的命令尽都公义。
173 愿你的手随时帮助我,
因为我选择了你的法则。
174 耶和华啊,我盼望你的拯救,
你的律法是我的喜乐。
175 求你让我存活,我好赞美你,
愿你的法令成为我的帮助。
176 我像只迷途的羊,
求你来寻找仆人,
因为我没有忘记你的命令。

Psalm 119[a]

א alef

119 Those whose way is blameless—
    who walk in the Lord’s Instruction—are truly happy!
Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy!
    They seek God with all their hearts.
They don’t even do anything wrong!
    They walk in God’s ways.
God, you have ordered that your decrees
    should be kept most carefully.
How I wish my ways were strong
    when it comes to keeping your statutes!
Then I wouldn’t be ashamed
    when I examine all your commandments.
I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right
    as I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes.
    Please don’t leave me all alone!

ב bet

How can young people keep their paths pure?
    By guarding them according to what you’ve said.[b]
10 I have sought you with all my heart.
    Don’t let me stray from any of your commandments!
11 I keep your word close, in my heart,
    so that I won’t sin against you.
12 You, Lord, are to be blessed!
    Teach me your statutes.
13 I will declare out loud
    all the rules you have spoken.
14 I rejoice in the content of your laws
    as if I were rejoicing over great wealth.
15 I will think about your precepts
    and examine all your paths.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget what you have said.

ג gimel

17 Be good to your servant so I can go on living
        and keeping your word.
18 Open my eyes so I can examine
        the wonders of your Instruction!
19 I’m an immigrant in the land.
    Don’t hide your commandments from me!
20 I’m worn out by longing
    every minute for your rules!
21 You rebuke the arrogant, accursed people
    who stray from your commandments.
22 Take all their insults and contempt away from me
    because I’ve kept your laws!
23 Even if rulers gather and scheme against me,
    your servant will contemplate your statutes!
24 Yes, your laws are my joy—
    they are my most trusted advisors!

ד dalet

25 My life is stuck in the dirt.
    Now make me live again according to your promise!
26 I confessed my ways and you answered me.
    Now teach me your statutes!
27 Help me understand what your precepts are about
    so I can contemplate your wondrous works!
28 My spirit sags because of grief.
    Now raise me up according to your promise!
29 Remove all false ways from me;
    show mercy to me by means of your Instruction.
30 I’ve chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I’m set on your rules.
31 I’m holding tight to your laws, Lord.
    Please don’t let me be put to shame.
32 I run the same path as your commandments
    because you give my heart insight.

ה he

33 Lord, teach me what your statutes are about,
    and I will guard every part of them.
34 Help me understand so I can guard your Instruction
    and keep it with all my heart.
35 Lead me on the trail of your commandments
    because that is what I want.
36 Turn my heart to your laws,
    not to greedy gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things.
    Make me live by your way.
38 Confirm your promise to your servant—
    the promise that is for all those who honor you.
39 Remove the insults that I dread
    because your rules are good.
40 Look how I desire your precepts!
    Make me live by your righteousness.

ו waw

41 Lord, let your faithful love come to me—
        let your salvation come to me according to your promise—
42     so I can have a response for those who mock me
        because I have trusted in your word!
43 Please don’t take your true word out of my mouth,
    because I have waited for your rules.
44 I will always keep your Instruction,
    always and forever!
45 I will walk around in wide-open spaces,
    because I have pursued your precepts.
46 I will talk about your laws
    before rulers with no shame whatsoever.
47 I will rejoice in your commandments
    because I love them.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments
    because I love them,
    and I will contemplate all your statutes.

ז zayin

49 Remember your promise to your servant,
    for which you made me wait.
50 My comfort during my suffering is this:
    your word gives me new life.
51 The arrogant make fun of me to no end,
    but I haven’t deviated from your Instruction.
52 When I remember your ancient rules,
    I’m comforted, Lord.
53 But I’m seized with anger because of the wicked—
    because of those who abandon your Instruction.
54 Your statutes have been my songs of praise
    wherever I lived as an immigrant.
55 Lord, I remember your name at nighttime,
    and I keep your Instruction.
56 This has been my practice
    because I guard your precepts.

ח khet

57 The Lord is my possession.
    I promise to do what you have said.
58 I’ve sought your favor with all my heart;
    have mercy on me according to your word.
59 I’ve considered my ways and turned my feet back to your laws.
60 I hurry to keep your commandments—
    I never put it off!
61 Though the wicked have surrounded me with their ropes,
    I haven’t forgotten your Instruction.
62 I get up in the middle of the night to give thanks to you
    because of your righteous rules.
63 I’m a friend to everyone who honors you
    and to all who keep your precepts.
64 Lord, the world is full of your faithful love!
    Teach me your statutes!

ט tet

65 You have treated your servant well,
    Lord, according to your promise.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment
    because I’ve put my trust in your commandments.
67 Before I suffered, I took the wrong way,
    but now I do what you say.
68 You are good and you do good.
    Teach me your statutes!
69 The arrogant cover me with their lies,
    but I guard your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are unfeeling, like blubber,
    but I rejoice in your Instruction.
71 My suffering was good for me,
    because through it I learned your statutes.
72 The Instruction you’ve given to me is better
    than thousands of pieces of gold and silver!

י yod

73 Your hands have made me and set me in place.
    Help me understand so I can learn your commandments.
74 Then those who honor you will see me and be glad
    because I have waited for your promise.
75 Lord, I know that your rules are right
    and that you rightly made me suffer.
76 Please let your faithful love comfort me,
    according to what you’ve said to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me so I can live again,
    because your Instruction is my joy!
78 But let the arrogant be ashamed
    because they oppressed me with lies—
        meanwhile, I will be contemplating your precepts!
79 Let the people who honor you come back to me;
    let those who know your precepts return to me.
80 Let my heart be blameless in your statutes
    so that I am not put to shame.

כ kaf

81 My whole being yearns for your saving help!
    I wait for your promise.
82     My eyes are worn out looking for your word.
“When will you comfort me?” I ask,
83     because I’ve become like a bottle dried up by smoke,
    though I haven’t forgotten your statutes.
84 How much more time does your servant have?
    When will you bring my oppressors to justice?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me—
    those people who act against your Instruction.
86 All your commandments are true,
    but people harass me for no reason.
    Help me!
87 They’ve almost wiped me off the face of the earth!
    Meanwhile, I haven’t abandoned your precepts!
88 Make me live again according to your faithful love
    so I can keep the law you’ve given!

ל lamed

89 Your word, Lord,
    stands firm in heaven forever!
90 Your faithfulness extends from one generation to the next!
    You set the earth firmly in place, and it is still there.
91 Your rules endure to this day
    because everything serves you.
92 If your Instruction hadn’t been my delight,
    I would have died because of my suffering.
93 I will never forget your precepts
    because through them you gave me life again.
94 I’m yours—save me
    because I’ve pursued your precepts!
95 The wicked wait for me,
wanting to kill me, but I’m studying your laws.
96 I’ve seen that everything,
    no matter how perfect, has a limit,[c]
    but your commandment is boundless.

מ mem

97 I love your Instruction!
    I think about it constantly.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies
    because it is always with me.
99 I have greater insight than all my teachers
    because I contemplate your laws.
100 I have more understanding than the elders
    because I guard your precepts.
101 I haven’t set my feet on any evil path
    so I can make sure to keep your word.
102 I haven’t deviated from any of your rules
    because you are the one who has taught me.
103 Your word is so pleasing to my taste buds—
    it’s sweeter than honey in my mouth!
104 I’m studying your precepts—
    that’s why I hate every false path.

נ nun

105 Your word is a lamp before my feet
    and a light for my journey.
106 I have sworn, and I fully mean it:
    I will keep your righteous rules.
107 I have been suffering so much—
    Lord, make me live again according to your promise.
108 Please, Lord, accept my spontaneous gifts of praise.
    Teach me your rules!
109 Though my life is constantly in danger,
    I won’t forget your Instruction.
110 Though the wicked have set a trap for me,
    I won’t stray from your precepts.
111 Your laws are my possession forever
    because they are my heart’s joy.
112 I have decided to keep your statutes forever, every last one.

ס samek

113 I hate fickle people,
    but I love your Instruction.
114 You are my shelter and my shield—
    I wait for your promise.
115 Get away from me, you evildoers;
    I want to guard my God’s commandments!
116 Sustain me according to your word so I can live!
    Don’t let me be put to shame because of hope.
117 Support me so I can be saved
    and so I can focus constantly on your statutes.
118 You discard everyone who strays from your statutes
    because they are dishonest and false.
119 You dispose of all the wicked people on earth like waste—
    that’s why I love your laws.
120 My body shudders because I fear you;
    I’m in awe of your rules.

ע ayin

121 I’ve done what is just and right.
    Don’t just hand me over to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee good things for your servant.
    Please don’t let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes are worn out looking for your saving help—
    looking for your word that will set things right.
124 Act toward your servant according to your faithful love.
    Teach me your statutes!
125 I’m your servant!
    Help me understand so I can know your laws.
126 It is time for the Lord to do something!
    Your Instruction has been broken.
127 But I love your commandments
    more than gold, even more than pure gold.
128 That’s why I walk straight by every single one of your precepts.
    That’s why I hate every false path.

פ pe

129 Your laws are wonderful!
    That’s why I guard them.
130 Access to your words[d] gives light,
    giving simple folk understanding.
131 I open my mouth up wide, panting,
    because I long for your commandments.
132 Come back to me and have mercy on me;
    that’s only right for those who love your name.
133 Keep my steps steady by your word;
    don’t let any sin rule me.
134 Redeem me from the people who oppress me
    so I can keep your precepts.
135 Shine your face on your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
136 Rivers of tears stream from my eyes
    because your Instruction isn’t being kept.

צ tsade

137 Lord, you are righteous,
    and your rules are right.
138 The laws you commanded are righteous,
    completely trustworthy.
139 Anger consumes me
    because my enemies have forgotten what you’ve said.
140 Your word has been tried and tested;
    your servant loves your word!
141 I’m insignificant and unpopular,
    but I don’t forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness lasts forever!
    Your Instruction is true!
143 Stress and strain have caught up with me,
    but your commandments are my joy!
144 Your laws are righteous forever.
    Help me understand so I can live!

ק qof

145 I cry out with all my heart:
    Lord, answer me so I can guard your statutes!”
146 I cry out to you, “Save me
    so I can keep your laws!”
147 I meet the predawn light and cry for help.
    I wait for your promise.
148 My eyes encounter each hour of the night
    as I think about your word.
149 Listen to my voice, according to your faithful love.
    Lord, make me live again, according to your justice.
150 The people who love to plot wicked schemes are nearby,
    but they are so far from your Instruction!
151 But you, Lord, are nearby too,
    and all your commandments are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your laws
    that you had established them forever.

ר resh

153 Look at my suffering and deliver me
    because I haven’t forgotten your Instruction.
154 Argue my case and redeem me.
    Make me live again by your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked
    because they haven’t pursued your statutes.
156 You have so much compassion, Lord
    make me live again, according to your rules.
157 My oppressors and enemies are many,
    but I haven’t turned away from your laws.
158 I look on the faithless, and I am disgusted
    because they haven’t kept your word.
159 Look at how much I love your precepts.
    Make me live again, Lord, according to your faithful love!
160 The first thing to know about your word is that it is true
    and that all your righteous rules last forever.

שׂ sin and שׁ shin

161 Rulers oppress me without cause,
    but my heart honors what you’ve said.
162 I’m overjoyed at your word,
    like someone who finds great treasure.
163 I hate, I absolutely despise, what is false,
    but I’m in love with your Instruction.
164 I praise you seven times a day
    for your righteous rules.
165 The people who love your Instruction enjoy peace—and lots of it.
    There’s no stumbling for them!
166 Lord, I wait for your saving help.
    I do what you’ve commanded.
167 I keep your laws;
    I love them so much!
168 I keep your precepts and your laws
    because all my ways are seen by you.

ת tav

169 Let my cry reach you, Lord;
    help me understand according to what you’ve said.
170 Let my request for grace come before you;
    deliver me according to your promise!
171 Let my lips overflow with praise
    because you’ve taught me your statutes.
172 Let my tongue declare your word,
    because all your commandments are righteous.
173 Let your power help me
    because I have chosen your precepts.
174 Lord, I long for your saving help!
    Your Instruction is my joy!
175 Let me live again so I can praise you!
    Let your rules help me!
176 I’ve wandered off like a sheep, lost.
    Find your servant
        because I haven’t forgotten
        your commandments!

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:1 Ps 119 is an alphabetic acrostic poem (cf Pss 9–10) in Heb, with each line of Heb within the marked sections beginning with the same letter of the alphabet.
  2. Psalm 119:9 LXX
  3. Psalm 119:96 Heb uncertain
  4. Psalm 119:130 Vulg, Sym

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!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the (B)whole heart!
(C)They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.
Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!
(D)Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.
I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

ב BETH

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

  1. Psalm 119:1 blameless
  2. Psalm 119:15 look into
  3. Psalm 119:20 is crushed
  4. Psalm 119:28 Lit. drops
  5. Psalm 119:28 grief
  6. Psalm 119:36 Cause me to long for
  7. Psalm 119:37 Lit. Cause my eyes to pass away from
  8. Psalm 119:37 So with MT, LXX, Vg.; Tg. Your words
  9. Psalm 119:42 taunts
  10. Psalm 119:45 Lit. in a wide place
  11. Psalm 119:69 Lit. smeared me with a lie
  12. Psalm 119:70 Insensible
  13. Psalm 119:75 Lit. righteous
  14. Psalm 119:89 Lit. stands firm
  15. Psalm 119:90 Lit. stands
  16. Psalm 119:95 give attention to
  17. Psalm 119:100 aged
  18. Psalm 119:109 In danger
  19. Psalm 119:111 inheritance
  20. Psalm 119:113 Lit. divided in heart or mind
  21. Psalm 119:117 Uphold me
  22. Psalm 119:119 destroy, lit. cause to cease
  23. Psalm 119:119 slag or refuse
  24. Psalm 119:122 guaranty
  25. Psalm 119:126 broken Your law
  26. Psalm 119:139 put an end to
  27. Psalm 119:140 Lit. refined or tried
  28. Psalm 119:143 Lit. found
  29. Psalm 119:156 Or Many
  30. Psalm 119:165 Lit. they have no stumbling block
  31. Psalm 119:170 Prayer of supplication