诗篇 119
Chinese New Version (Simplified)
遵行 神律例是有福的
119 行为完全，
遵行耶和华律法的，都是有福的。
2 谨守他的法度，
全心寻求他的，都是有福的。
3 他们不作不义的事；
他们遵行他的道。
4 你曾把你的训词吩咐我们，
要我们殷勤遵守。
5 但愿我的道路坚定，
为要遵守你的律例。
6 我重视你的一切诫命，
就不至于羞愧。
7 我学会了你公义的法则，
就以正直的心称谢你。
8 我必遵守你的律例，
求你不要把我弃绝。
谨守 神的话可免犯罪
9 少年人用甚么洁净自己的行为呢？
就是要遵守你的话。
10 我一心寻求你，
求你不要容我偏离你的诫命。
11 我把你的话藏在心里，
免得我得罪你。
12 耶和华啊！你是该受称颂的；
求你把你的律例教导我。
13 我用嘴唇传扬从你口中所出的一切典章。
14 我喜欢你法度定下的道路，
如同喜欢一切财富。
15 我要默想你的训词，
重视你的道路。
16 我喜爱你的律例，
我不会忘记你的话。
爱慕 神典章必有喜乐
17 求你恩待你的仆人，
使我可以活着，
也可以谨守你的话。
18 求你开我的眼睛，
使我能看出你律法的奇妙。
19 我是在世上作寄居的，
求你不要向我隐瞒你的命令。
20 我常常切慕你的典章，
以致我心力交瘁。
21 那些受咒诅的傲慢人，和那些偏离了你诫命的人，
你必斥责他们。
22 求你除去我所受的羞辱和藐视，
因为我遵守你的法度。
23 虽有作领袖的坐着毁谤我，
你的仆人却默想你的律例。
24 你的法度是我的喜乐，
是我的谋士。
恳求 神教导明白律法
25 我快要归回尘土，
求你按着你的话把我救活过来。
26 我陈明我所行的，你就应允了我；
求你把你的律例教导我。
27 求你使我明白你的训词，
我就默想你的奇妙。
28 我因愁苦而流泪，
求你照着你的话使我坚强。
29 求你使我离开虚谎的路，
施恩把你的律法赐给我。
30 我拣选了信实的道路，
我把你的典章摆在我面前。
31 我紧守你的法度，
耶和华啊！求你不要使我蒙羞。
32 因为你使我的心舒畅，
我就跑在你诫命的路上。
立志一心遵守 神诫命
33 耶和华啊！求你把你的律例指教我，
我必遵守到底。
34 求你赐我悟性，我好遵守你的律法，
我必一心谨守。
35 求你领我走在你诫命的路上，
因为这是我喜悦的。
36 求你使我的心倾向你的法度，
不倾向不义之财。
37 求你使我转眼不看虚空的事；
又使我在你的道中存活。
38 求你向你的仆人实践你的诺言，
就是你向敬畏你的人所应许的。
39 求你使我所怕的羞辱离开我，
因为你的典章都是美好的。
40 我切慕你的训词，求你使我活在你的公义中。
信靠 神应许必不蒙羞
41 耶和华啊！愿你照着你的应许，
使你的慈爱、你的救恩临到我。
42 我就有话回答那羞辱我的，
因为我倚靠你的话。
43 求你使真理的话总不离开我的口，
因为我仰望你的典章。
44 我要常常谨守你的律法，
直到永远。
45 我必行在宽阔之处，
因为我一向寻求你的训词。
46 我在君王面前讲论你的法度，
也不以为耻。
47 我要以你的诫命为乐，
这些诫命是我所爱的。
48 我又要向你的诫命举手，这些诫命是我所爱的；
我也要默想你的律例。
神的话满有盼望安慰
49 求你记念你向你仆人应许的话，
因为你使我有盼望。
50 你的应许使我存活；
这就是我在困苦中的安慰。
51 骄傲的人苛刻地讥诮我，
我却没有偏离你的律法。
52 耶和华啊！我思念你在古时赐下的典章，
我就得了安慰。
53 因为恶人离弃你的律法，
我就非常忿怒。
54 在我寄居的住所里，
你的律例成了我的诗歌。
55 耶和华啊！我在夜间记念你的名，
我要谨守你的律法。
56 我这样作，
是因为我遵守你的训词。
谨守 神的话不敢忘记
57 耶和华啊！你是我的业分，
我曾说我要谨守你的话。
58 我曾一心向你乞恩，
愿你照着你的应许恩待我。
59 我思想我所行的道路，
就转回脚步归向你的法度。
60 我赶快谨守你的命令，
不敢耽延。
61 恶人的绳索虽然捆绑我，
我却不忘记你的律法。
62 因你公义的典章，
我半夜起来称谢你。
63 凡是敬畏你，谨守你训词的，
我都与他们为友。
64 耶和华啊！你的慈爱遍满大地；
求你把你的律例教导我。
苦难使人学习 神律例
65 耶和华啊！你向来照着你的话，
善待你的仆人。
66 求你把聪明和知识指教我，
因为我信靠你的命令。
67 我受苦以先，犯了错误；
现在我谨守你的话。
68 你本是良善的，你所行的也是良善的；
求你把你的律例教导我。
69 傲慢人用谎言中伤我，
我却一心遵守你的训词。
70 他们的心麻木如同脂油，
我却喜欢你的律法。
71 我受苦是对我有益的，
为要使我学习你的律例。
72 你口中的律法对我有益，
胜过千千万万的金银。
仰望 神的话必得安慰
73 你的手造了我，建立了我；
求你使我有悟性，可以学习你的命令。
74 愿敬畏你的人看见我就欢喜，
因为我仰望你的话。
75 耶和华啊！我知道你的判语是公义的，
为了你的信实，你使我受苦。
76 求你按着你给你仆人的应许，
以你的慈爱安慰我。
77 愿你的怜悯临到我，使我活着，
因为我喜欢你的律法。
78 愿傲慢人蒙羞，因为他们以诡诈诬蔑我；
至于我，我却要默想你的训词。
79 愿敬畏你、知道你法度的人，
都归向我；
80 愿我的心在你的律例上无可指摘，
使我不至蒙羞。
逼迫中仍谨记 神律例
81 我渴望你的救恩以致心力衰竭，
但我仍仰望你的话。
82 我仰望你的应许以致眼睛昏花，
我说：“你甚么时候才安慰我呢？”
83 我虽然好象烟熏的皮袋，
我却没有忘记你的律例。
84 你仆人的日子还有多少？
你甚么时候才向那些逼迫我的人施行审判呢？
85 傲慢人为我掘了坑，
他们就是那些不按着你律法而行的人。
86 你的一切命令都是可信靠的；
他们以诡诈逼迫我，求你帮助我。
87 他们几乎把我从世上除灭了；
至于我，我却没有离弃你的训词。
88 求你照着你的慈爱使我存活，
我就必谨守你口中的法度。
神的话永远坚立长存
89 耶和华啊！你的话存到永远，
坚立在天上。
90 你的信实存到万代；
你坚立了地，地就长存。
91 天地照着你的安排存到今日，
因为万有都是你的仆役。
92 如果我不是喜欢你的律法，
就早已在苦难中灭亡了。
93 我永远不会忘记你的训词，
因为你用这些训词使我存活。
94 我是属于你的，求你拯救我，
因为我寻求你的训词。
95 恶人等待着要把我毁灭，
我却思考你的法度。
96 我看一切圆满的事都有尽头，
只有你的命令是广阔无边的。
神训词使人明白事理
97 我多么爱慕你的律法，
终日不住地默想。
98 你的命令使我比我的仇敌更有智慧，
因为你的命令常存在我里面。
99 我比我所有的老师明智，
因为我默想你的法度。
100 我比老年人更明理，
因为我遵守你的训词。
101 我制止我的脚不走任何邪恶的路，
为要谨守你的话。
102 我没有偏离你的典章，
因为你亲自教导了我。
103 你的话语在我的上膛多么甜美，
在我的口中比蜂蜜更甜。
104 我借着你的训词，得以明白事理；
因此，我恨恶一切虚谎的道。
立誓专心遵行 神律例
105 你的话是我脚前的灯，
是我路上的光。
106 我曾起誓，并且坚守誓言，
我必遵守你公义的典章。
107 我受苦极重；
耶和华啊！求你照着你的应许使我存活。
108 耶和华啊！求你悦纳我口中的甘心祭，
又把你的典章教导我。
109 我的性命常在危险中，
我却没有忘记你的律法。
110 恶人虽然设下陷阱要害我，
我却没有偏离你的训词。
111 我以你的法度为我永远的产业；
因为它们是我心中的喜乐。
112 我专心遵行你的律例，
永不改变，遵行到底。
重视 神律例必蒙扶持
113 我恨恶心怀二意的人，
我却喜爱你的律法。
114 你是我的避难所，我的盾牌；
我仰望你的话。
115 作恶的人哪！你们离开我吧，
好让我遵守我 神的命令。
116 求你照着你的应许扶持我，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；
我必常常重视你的律例。
118 偏离你的律例的，你都把他们弃绝；
他们的诡诈是徒然的。
119 世上所有的恶人，你都把他们除灭，如同除去渣滓，
因此我喜爱你的法度。
120 我因惧怕你而战栗；
我畏惧你的审判。
秉行 神律法确保福乐
121 我曾秉公行义；
求你不要把我撇下，交给欺压我的人。
122 求你作你仆人的保证人，确保我的好处；
不要容傲慢人欺压我。
123 因盼望你的救恩和你公义的应许，
我的眼睛都昏花了。
124 求你按着你的慈爱待你的仆人，
把你的律例教导我。
125 我是你的仆人，求你赐我悟性，
使我可以明白你的法度。
126 现在是耶和华行动的时候；
因为人都违犯了你的律法。
127 因此我爱你的命令，
胜过金子，甚至胜过精金。
128 在一切事上，你所有的训词我都视为正直；
我恨恶一切虚谎的道。
切慕 神命令，祈愿遵行
129 你的法度奇妙，
所以我必遵守你的法度，
130 你的话一解开，就发出亮光，
使愚人有悟性。
131 我张口喘气，
因为我切慕你的命令。
132 求你转向我，恩待我；
像你素常对待那些爱你名的人那样。
133 求你用你的话引导我的脚步，
不容甚么罪孽辖制我。
134 求你救赎我脱离人的欺压，
好让我谨守你的训词。
135 求你用你的脸光照你的仆人，
把你的律例教导我。
136 我的眼泪像河水涌流，
因为人都不谨守你的律法。
神的话正直可信可靠
137 耶和华啊！你是公义的，
你的判词也是正直的。
138 你以公义和至诚，
命定了你的法度。
139 我心中迫切如同火烧，
因为我的敌人忘记了你的话。
140 你的话语十分精炼，
因此你的仆人喜爱你的话语。
141 我虽然微小，被人藐视，
我却没有忘记你的训词。
142 你的公义是永远的公义，
你的律法是可信可靠的。
143 我遭遇患难和困苦，
但你的命令仍是我欢喜的。
144 你的法度永远是公义的，
求你赐我悟性，
好让我存活。
仰望 神的话，祈求救助
145 耶和华啊！我一心呼求你，求你应允我；
我必遵守你的律例。
146 我向你呼求，求你救我；
我必谨守你的法度。
147 天还未亮我就呼求救助，
我所仰望的就是你的话。
148 我整夜睁开眼睛，
为要默想你的话语。
149 耶和华啊！求你照着你的慈爱垂听我的声音，
求你按着你的公正使我存活。
150 追求奸恶的人临近了，
他们远离你的律法。
151 耶和华啊！你和我十分接近，
你的一切命令都是可信可靠的。
152 我从你的法度早已知道，
这些法度是你立定，存到永远的。
苦难中仍喜爱 神训词
153 求你察看我的苦难，搭救我；
因为我没有忘记你的律法。
154 求你为我的案件申辩，救赎我；
按着你的应许使我存活。
155 救恩远离恶人，
因为他们不寻求你的律例。
156 耶和华啊！你的怜悯浩大；
求你照着你的公正使我存活。
157 逼迫我的和敌挡我的很多，
但我没有偏离你的法度。
158 我看见诡诈的人就讨厌，
因为他们不遵守你的话语。
159 你看我多么爱你的训词；
耶和华啊！求你按着你的慈爱使我存活。
160 你的话的总纲就是真理，
你一切公义的典章要存到永远。
喜爱 神律法必享安乐
161 领袖们无缘无故迫害我，
我的心却畏惧你的话。
162 我因你的话语欢喜，
像得了许多战利品的人一样。
163 虚伪是我憎恨厌恶的，
你的律法却是我所爱的。
164 我因你公义的典章，
一天七次赞美你。
165 喜爱你律法的必有丰盛的平安，
甚么都不能绊倒他们。
166 耶和华啊！我要等候你的救恩，
我要遵行你的命令。
167 我的心谨守你的法度，
这些法度是我热爱的。
168 我谨守你的训词和法度，
因我所行的一切都在你面前。
祈愿 神按应许施拯救
169 耶和华啊！愿我的呼求达到你面前；
求你照着你的话赐我悟性。
170 愿我的恳求达到你面前；
求你照着你的应许拯救我。
171 愿我的嘴唇涌出赞美的话，
因为你把你的律例教导了我。
172 愿我的舌头歌唱你的话语，
因为你的一切命令都是公义的。
173 愿你的手帮助我，
因为我选择了你的训词。
174 耶和华啊！我渴慕你的救恩，
我喜欢你的律法。
175 求你容我活着，可以赞美你；
愿你的典章帮助我。
176 我像亡羊走迷了路；
求你寻找你的仆人，
因为我没有忘记你的命令。
Psalm 119
New English Translation
Psalm 119[a]
א (Alef)
119 How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,[b]
who obey[c] the law of the Lord.
2 How blessed are those who observe his rules,
and seek him with all their heart,
3 who, moreover, do no wrong,
but follow in his footsteps.[d]
4 You demand that your precepts
be carefully kept.[e]
5 If only I were predisposed[f]
to keep your statutes.
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
if[g] I were focused on[h] all your commands.
7 I will give you sincere thanks,[i]
when I learn your just regulations.
8 I will keep your statutes.
Do not completely abandon me.[j]
ב (Bet)
9 How can a young person[k] maintain a pure life?[l]
By guarding it according to your instructions.[m]
10 With all my heart I seek you.
Do not allow me to stray from your commands.
11 In my heart I store up[n] your words,[o]
so I might not sin against you.
12 You deserve praise,[p] O Lord.
Teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips I proclaim
all the regulations you have revealed.[q]
14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules[r]
as if[s] they were riches of all kinds.[t]
15 I will meditate on[u] your precepts
and focus on[v] your behavior.[w]
16 I find delight[x] in your statutes;
I do not forget your instructions.[y]
ג (Gimel)
17 Be kind to your servant.
Then I will live[z] and keep[aa] your instructions.[ab]
18 Open[ac] my eyes so I can truly see[ad]
the marvelous things in your law.
19 I am a resident foreigner in this land.[ae]
Do not hide your commands from me.
20 I desperately long to know[af]
your regulations at all times.
21 You reprimand arrogant people.
Those who stray from your commands are doomed.[ag]
22 Spare me[ah] shame and humiliation,
for I observe your rules.
23 Though rulers plot and slander me,[ai]
your servant meditates on your statutes.
24 Yes, I find delight in your rules;
they give me guidance.[aj]
ד (Dalet)
25 I collapse in the dirt.[ak]
Revive me with your word.[al]
26 I told you about my ways[am] and you answered me.
Teach me your statutes.
27 Help me to understand what your precepts mean.[an]
Then I can meditate[ao] on your marvelous teachings.[ap]
28 I collapse[aq] from grief.
Sustain me by your word.[ar]
29 Remove me from the path of deceit.[as]
Graciously give me[at] your law.
30 I choose the path of faithfulness;
I am committed to[au] your regulations.
31 I hold fast[av] to your rules.
O Lord, do not let me be ashamed.
32 I run along the path of your commands,
for you enable me to do so.[aw]
ה (He)
33 Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,[ax]
so that I might observe it continually.[ay]
34 Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,
and keep it with all my heart.[az]
35 Guide me[ba] in the path of your commands,
for I delight to walk in it.[bb]
36 Give me a desire for your rules,[bc]
rather than for wealth gained unjustly.[bd]
37 Turn my eyes away from what is worthless.[be]
Revive me with your word.[bf]
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,[bg]
which you made to the one who honors you.[bh]
39 Take away the insults that I dread.[bi]
Indeed,[bj] your regulations are good.
40 Look, I long for your precepts.
Revive me with your deliverance.[bk]
ו (Vav)
41 May I experience your loyal love,[bl] O Lord,
and your deliverance,[bm] as you promised.[bn]
42 Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me,[bo]
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony,[bp]
for I await your justice.
44 Then I will keep[bq] your law continually
now and for all time.[br]
45 I will be secure,[bs]
for I seek your precepts.
46 I will speak[bt] about your regulations before kings
and not be ashamed.
47 I will find delight in your commands,
which I love.
48 I will lift my hands to[bu] your commands,
which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
ז (Zayin)
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 This[bv] is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.[bw]
51 Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.[bx]
Yet I do not turn aside from your law.
52 I remember your ancient regulations,[by]
O Lord, and console myself.[bz]
53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
those who reject your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs[ca]
in the house where I live.[cb]
55 I remember your name during the night, O Lord,
and I will keep[cc] your law.
56 This[cd] has been my practice,
for I observe your precepts.
ח (Khet)
57 The Lord is my source of security.[ce]
I have determined[cf] to follow your instructions.[cg]
58 I seek your favor[ch] with all my heart.
Have mercy on me as you promised.[ci]
59 I consider my actions[cj]
and follow[ck] your rules.
60 I keep your commands eagerly
and without delay.[cl]
61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around[cm] me,
but I do not forget your law.
62 In the middle of the night I arise[cn] to thank you
for your just regulations.
63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers,[co]
and to those who keep your precepts.
64 O Lord, your loyal love fills the earth.
Teach me your statutes!
ט (Tet)
65 You are good[cp] to your servant,
O Lord, just as you promised.[cq]
66 Teach me proper discernment[cr] and understanding.
For I consider your commands to be reliable.[cs]
67 Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,[ct]
but now I keep your instructions.[cu]
68 You are good and you do good.
Teach me your statutes.
69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies,[cv]
but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are calloused,[cw]
but I find delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to suffer,
so that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law you have revealed is more important to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.[cx]
י (Yod)
73 Your hands made me and formed me.[cy]
Give me understanding so that I might learn[cz] your commands.
74 Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me,[da]
for I find hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your regulations[db] are just.
You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me.[dc]
76 May your loyal love console me,
as you promised your servant.[dd]
77 May I experience your compassion,[de] so I might live.
For I find delight in your law.
78 May the arrogant be humiliated, for they have slandered me.[df]
But I meditate on your precepts.
79 May your loyal followers[dg] turn to me,
those who know your rules.
80 May I be fully committed to your statutes,[dh]
so that I might not be ashamed.
כ (Kaf)
81 I desperately long for[di] your deliverance.
I find hope in your word.
82 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled.[dj]
I say,[dk] “When will you comfort me?”
83 For[dl] I am like a wineskin[dm] dried up in smoke.[dn]
I do not forget your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure this?[do]
When will you judge those who pursue me?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,[dp]
which violates your law.[dq]
86 All your commands are reliable.
I am pursued without reason.[dr] Help me!
87 They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,
but I do not reject your precepts.
88 Revive me with[ds] your loyal love,
that I might keep[dt] the rules you have revealed.[du]
ל (Lamed)
89 O Lord, your instructions endure;
they stand secure in heaven.[dv]
90 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations.[dw]
You established the earth and it stood firm.
91 Today they stand firm by your decrees,
for all things are your servants.
92 If I had not found encouragement in your law,[dx]
I would have died in my sorrow.[dy]
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have revived me.
94 I belong to you. Deliver me!
For I seek your precepts.
95 The wicked prepare to kill me,[dz]
yet I concentrate on your rules.
96 I realize that everything has its limits,
but your commands are beyond full comprehension.[ea]
מ (Mem)
97 O how I love your law!
All day long I meditate on it.
98 Your commandments[eb] make me wiser than my enemies,
for I am always aware of them.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your rules.
100 I am more discerning than those older than I,
for I observe your precepts.
101 I stay away[ec] from every evil path,
so that I might keep your instructions.[ed]
102 I do not turn aside from your regulations,
for you teach me.
103 Your words are sweeter
in my mouth than honey![ee]
104 Your precepts give me discernment.
Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.[ef]
נ (Nun)
105 Your word[eg] is a lamp to walk by,
and a light to illumine my path.[eh]
106 I have vowed and solemnly sworn
to keep your just regulations.
107 I am suffering terribly.
O Lord, revive me with your word.[ei]
108 O Lord, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise.[ej]
Teach me your regulations.
109 My life is in continual danger,[ek]
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked lay a trap for me,
but I do not wander from your precepts.
111 I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy.[el]
112 I am determined to obey[em] your statutes
at all times, to the very end.
ס (Samek)
113 I hate people with divided loyalties,[en]
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
I find hope in your word.
115 Turn away from me, you evil men,
so that I can observe[eo] the commands of my God.[ep]
116 Sustain me as you promised,[eq] so that I will live.[er]
Do not disappoint me.[es]
117 Support me, so that I will be delivered.
Then I will focus[et] on your statutes continually.
118 You despise[eu] all who stray from your statutes,
for such people are deceptive and unreliable.[ev]
119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag.[ew]
Therefore I love your rules.[ex]
120 My body[ey] trembles[ez] because I fear you;[fa]
I am afraid of your judgments.
ע (Ayin)
121 I do what is fair and right.[fb]
Do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant.[fc]
Do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance,[fd]
for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.[fe]
124 Show your servant your loyal love.[ff]
Teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant. Give me insight,
so that I can understand[fg] your rules.
126 It is time for the Lord to act—
they break your law.
127 For this reason[fh] I love your commands
more than gold, even purest gold.
128 For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts.[fi]
I hate all deceitful actions.[fj]
פ (Pe)
129 Your rules are marvelous.
Therefore I observe them.
130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.[fk]
They give[fl] insight to the untrained.[fm]
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long[fn] for your commands.
132 Turn toward me and extend mercy to me,
as you typically do to your loyal followers.[fo]
133 Direct my steps by your word.[fp]
Do not let any sin dominate me.
134 Deliver me[fq] from oppressive men,
so that I can keep[fr] your precepts.
135 Smile[fs] on your servant.
Teach me your statutes!
136 Tears stream down from my eyes,[ft]
because people[fu] do not keep your law.
צ (Tsade)
137 You are just, O Lord,
and your judgments are fair.
138 The rules you impose are just,[fv]
and absolutely reliable.
139 My zeal[fw] consumes[fx] me,
for my enemies forget your instructions.[fy]
140 Your word is absolutely pure,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am insignificant and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your justice endures,[fz]
and your law is reliable.[ga]
143 Distress and hardship confront[gb] me,
yet I find delight in your commands.
144 Your rules remain just.[gc]
Give me insight so that I can live.[gd]
ק (Qof)
145 I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, O Lord!
I will observe your statutes.”
146 I cried out to you, “Deliver me,
so that I can keep[ge] your rules.”
147 I am up before dawn crying for help.
I find hope in your word.
148 My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours,
so that I can meditate on your word.
149 Listen to me[gf] because of[gg] your loyal love.
O Lord, revive me, as you typically do.[gh]
150 Those who are eager to do[gi] wrong draw near;
they are far from your law.
151 You are near, O Lord,
and all your commands are reliable.[gj]
152 I learned long ago that
you ordained your rules to last.[gk]
ר (Resh)
153 See my pain and rescue me.
For I do not forget your law.
154 Fight for me[gl] and defend me.[gm]
Revive me with your word.
155 The wicked have no chance for deliverance,[gn]
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Your compassion is great, O Lord.
Revive me, as you typically do.[go]
157 The enemies who chase me are numerous.[gp]
Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.
158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them,
because they do not keep your instructions.[gq]
159 See how I love your precepts.
O Lord, revive me with your loyal love.
160 Your instructions are totally reliable;
all your just regulations endure.[gr]
שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)
161 Rulers pursue me for no reason,
yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.[gs]
162 I rejoice in your instructions,
like one who finds much plunder.[gt]
163 I hate and despise deceit;
I love your law.
164 Seven times[gu] a day I praise you
because of your just regulations.
165 Those who love your law are completely secure;[gv]
nothing causes them to stumble.[gw]
166 I hope for your deliverance, O Lord,
and I obey[gx] your commands.
167 I keep your rules;
I love them greatly.
168 I keep your precepts and rules,
for you are aware of everything I do.[gy]
ת (Tav)
169 Listen to my cry for help,[gz] O Lord.
Give me insight by your word.
170 Listen to my appeal for mercy.[ha]
Deliver me, as you promised.[hb]
171 May praise flow freely from my lips,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 May my tongue sing about your instructions,[hc]
for all your commands are just.
173 May your hand help me,
for I choose to obey[hd] your precepts.
174 I long for your deliverance, O Lord;
I find delight in your law.
175 May I[he] live and praise you.
May your regulations help me.[hf]
176 I have wandered off like a lost sheep.[hg]
Come looking for your servant,
for I do not forget your commands.
Footnotes
- Psalm 119:1 tn The psalmist celebrates God’s law and the guidance it provides his people. He expresses his desire to know God’s law thoroughly so that he might experience the blessings that come to those who obey it. This lengthy psalm exhibits an elaborate acrostic pattern. The psalm is divided into twenty-two sections (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet), each of which is comprised of eight verses. Each of the verses in the first section (vv. 1-8) begins with the letter alef (א), the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This pattern continues throughout the psalm as each new section highlights a successive letter of the alphabet. Each verse in section two (vv. 9-16) begins with the second letter of the alphabet, each verse in section three (vv. 17-24) with the third letter, etc. This rigid pattern creates a sense of order and completeness and may have facilitated memorization.
- Psalm 119:1 tn Heb “[Oh] the happiness of those who are blameless of way.”
- Psalm 119:1 tn Heb “walk in.”
- Psalm 119:3 tn Heb “walk in his ways.”
- Psalm 119:4 tn Heb “you, you commanded your precepts, to keep, very much.”
- Psalm 119:5 tn Heb “if only my ways were established.”
- Psalm 119:6 tn Or “when.”
- Psalm 119:6 tn Heb “I gaze at.”
- Psalm 119:7 tn Heb “I will give you thanks with an upright heart.”
- Psalm 119:8 tn Heb “do not abandon me to excess.” For other uses of the phrase עַד מְאֹד (ʿad meʾod, “to excess”), see Ps 38:6, 8.
- Psalm 119:9 tn Heb “young man.” Hebrew wisdom literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age. To facilitate modern application, the gender specific “young man” has been translated with the more neutral “young person.”
- Psalm 119:9 tn Heb “purify his path.”
- Psalm 119:9 tn Heb “by keeping according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural, “your words.”
- Psalm 119:11 tn Or “hide.”
- Psalm 119:11 tn Heb “your word.” Some medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural, “your words.”
- Psalm 119:12 tn Heb “[are] blessed.”
- Psalm 119:13 tn Heb “of your mouth.”
- Psalm 119:14 tn Heb “in the way of your rules.”
- Psalm 119:14 tn Heb “as upon,” meaning “as if” (see 2 Chr 32:19).
- Psalm 119:14 tn Heb “all wealth.” The phrase refers to all kinds of wealth and riches. See Prov 1:13; 6:31; 24:4; Ezek 27:12, 18.
- Psalm 119:15 tn The cohortative verbal forms in this verse express the psalmist’s resolve.
- Psalm 119:15 tn Heb “gaze [at].”
- Psalm 119:15 tn Heb “ways” (referring figuratively to God’s behavior here).
- Psalm 119:16 tn The imperfects in this verse emphasize the attitude the psalmist maintains toward God’s law. Another option is to translate with the future tense, “I will find delight…I will not forget.”
- Psalm 119:16 tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural here.
- Psalm 119:17 tn The prefixed verbal form is probably a cohortative indicating purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:17 tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the imperative that begins the verse.
- Psalm 119:17 tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as several ancient versions read the plural here.
- Psalm 119:18 tn Heb “uncover.” The verb form גַּל (gal) is an apocopated Piel imperative from גָּלָה (galah, see GKC 214 §75.cc).
- Psalm 119:18 tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:19 sn Heb This metaphor probably derives from Lev 25:23, which uses the terms גֵּר (ger, “resident foreigner”) and תּוֹשָׁב; (toshav, “resident/temporary settler”). Lev 25:23 emphasizes that Israel would be a guest on God’s land. They were attached to the Lord’s household; they did not own the land. Cf. also Ps 39:12 and Gen 23:4.
- Psalm 119:20 tn Heb “my soul languishes for longing for.”
- Psalm 119:21 tn Heb “accursed.” The traditional punctuation of the Hebrew text takes “accursed” with the previous line (“arrogant, accursed ones”), but it is preferable to take it with the second line as the predicate of the statement.
- Psalm 119:22 tn Heb “roll away from upon me.” Some derive the imperatival form גַּל (gal) from גָּלָה (galah, “uncover,” as in v. 18), but here the form is from גָּלַל (galal, “roll”; see Josh 5:9, where חֶרְפָּה [kherpah, “shame; reproach”] also appears as object of the verb). Some, following the lead of a Dead Sea scroll (11QPsa), emend the form to גֹּל (gol).
- Psalm 119:23 tn Heb “though rulers sit, about me they talk together.” (For another example of the Niphal of דָּבַר (davar) used with a suffixed form of the preposition ב (bet), see Ezek 33:30.)
- Psalm 119:24 tn Heb “men of my counsel.” That is, God’s rules are like advisers to the psalmist, for they teach him how to live in a godly manner that refutes the accusations of his enemies.
- Psalm 119:25 tn Heb “my soul clings to the dirt.” The Hebrew term נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh, “being; soul”) with a pronominal suffix is often equivalent to a pronoun, especially in poetry (see BDB 660 s.v. נֶפֶשׁ 4.a).
- Psalm 119:25 tn Heb “according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural “your words.”
- Psalm 119:26 tn Heb “my ways I proclaimed.”
- Psalm 119:27 tn Heb “the way of your precepts make me understand.”
- Psalm 119:27 tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:27 tn Heb “your amazing things,” which refers here to the teachings of the law (see v. 18).
- Psalm 119:28 tn Some translate “my soul weeps,” taking the verb דָלַף (dalaf) from a root meaning “to drip; to drop” (BDB 196 s.v. דֶּלַף). On the basis of cognate evidence from Arabic and Akkadian, HALOT 223 s.v. II דלף proposes a homonymic root here, meaning “be sleepless.” Following L. C. Allen (Psalms 101-150 [WBC], 127, 135) the translation assumes that the verb is cognate with Ugaritic dlp, “to collapse; to crumple” in CTA 2 iv. 17, 26. See G. R. Driver, Canaanite Myths and Legends, 44, 144.
- Psalm 119:28 tn Heb “according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural “your words.”
- Psalm 119:29 tn The “path of deceit” refers to a lifestyle characterized by deceit and disloyalty to God. It stands in contrast to the “way of faithfulness” in v. 30.
- Psalm 119:29 tn Heb “be gracious to me.” The verb is used metonymically here for “graciously giving” the law. (See Gen 33:5, where Jacob uses this verb in describing how God had graciously given him children.)
- Psalm 119:30 tn BDB 1000-1001 s.v. I שָׁוָה derives the verb from the first homonym listed, meaning “to agree with; to be like; to resemble.” It here means (in the Piel stem) “to be accounted suitable,” which in turn would mean by metonymy “to accept; to be committed to.” Some prefer to derive the verb from a homonym meaning “to place; to set,” but in this case an elliptical prepositional phrase must be understood, “I place your regulations [before me]” (see Ps 16:8).
- Psalm 119:31 tn Or “cling to.”
- Psalm 119:32 tn Heb “for you make wide my heart.” The “heart” is viewed here as the seat of the psalmist’s volition and understanding. The Lord gives the psalmist the desire and moral understanding that are foundational to the willing obedience depicted metaphorically in the preceding line. In Isa 60:5 the expression “your heart will be wide” means “your heart will swell with pride,” but here the nuance appears to be different.
- Psalm 119:33 tn Heb “the way of your statutes.”
- Psalm 119:33 tn Heb “and I will keep it to the end.” The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. The Hebrew term עֵקֶב (ʿeqev) is understood to mean “end” here. Another option is to take עֵקֶב as meaning “reward” here (see Ps 19:11) and to translate, “so that I might observe it and be rewarded.”
- Psalm 119:34 tn The two prefixed verbal forms with vav (ו) conjunctive indicate purpose/result after the introductory imperative.
- Psalm 119:35 tn Or “make me walk.”
- Psalm 119:35 tn Heb “for in it I delight.”
- Psalm 119:36 tn Heb “turn my heart to your rules.”
- Psalm 119:36 tn Heb “and not unjust gain.”
- Psalm 119:37 tn Heb “Make my eyes pass by from looking at what is worthless.”
- Psalm 119:37 tn Heb “by your word.”
- Psalm 119:38 tn Heb “word.”
- Psalm 119:38 tn Heb “which [is] for your fear,” that is, the promise made to those who exhibit fear of God.
- Psalm 119:39 tn Heb “my reproach that I fear.”
- Psalm 119:39 tn Or “for.”
- Psalm 119:40 tn Or “righteousness.”
- Psalm 119:41 tn Heb “and may your loyal love come to me.”
- Psalm 119:41 tn Or “salvation” (so many English versions).
- Psalm 119:41 tn Heb “according to your word.”
- Psalm 119:42 tn Heb “and I will answer [the] one who insults me a word.” The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the jussive (see v. 41).
- Psalm 119:43 tn Heb “do not snatch from my mouth a word of truth to excess.” The psalmist wants to be able to give a reliable testimony about the Lord’s loyal love (vv. 41-42), but if God does not intervene, the psalmist will be deprived of doing so, for the evidence of such love (i.e., deliverance) will be lacking.
- Psalm 119:44 tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the negated jussive (see v. 43).
- Psalm 119:44 tn Or “forever and ever.”
- Psalm 119:45 tn Heb “and I will walk about in a wide place.” The cohortative with prefixed vav (ו) conjunctive gives a further consequence of the anticipated positive divine response (see vv. 43-44). Another option is to take the cohortative as expressing the psalmist’s request. In this case one could translate, “and please give me security.”
- Psalm 119:46 tn The series of four cohortatives with prefixed vav (ו) conjunctive in vv. 46-48 list further consequences of the anticipated positive divine response to the request made in v. 43.
- Psalm 119:48 tn Lifting the hands is often associated with prayer (Pss 28:2; 63:4; Lam 2:19). (1) Because praying to God’s law borders on the extreme, some prefer to emend the text to “I lift up my hands to you,” eliminating “your commands, which I love” as dittographic. In this view these words were accidentally repeated from the previous verse. (2) However, it is possible that the psalmist closely associates the law with God himself because he views the law as the expression of the divine will. (3) Another option is that “lifting the hands” does not refer to prayer here, but to the psalmist’s desire to receive and appropriate the law. (4) Still others understand this to be an action praising God’s commands (so NCV; cf. TEV, CEV, NLT).
- Psalm 119:50 tn The demonstrative “this” refers back to the hope just mentioned or forward to the statement in the second line concerning the promise’s power to revive. See the note on the word “me” at the end of the verse for further discussion.
- Psalm 119:50 tn The hope generated by the promise (see v. 49b) brings comfort because (note “for” at the beginning of the line) the promise revives the psalmist’s spirits. Another option is to take כִּי (ki) at the beginning of the second line in the sense of “that,” in which case “this” refers to the promise’s power to revive.
- Psalm 119:51 tn Heb “scoff at me to excess.”
- Psalm 119:52 tn Heb “I remember your regulations from of old.” The prepositional phrase “from of old” apparently modifies “your regulations,” alluding to the fact that God revealed them to Israel in the distant past. Another option is to understand the prepositional phrase as modifying the verb, in which case one might translate, “I have long remembered your regulations.”
- Psalm 119:52 tn Or “find comfort.”
- Psalm 119:54 tn Heb “songs were your statutes to me.”
- Psalm 119:54 tn Heb “in the house of my dwelling place.” Some take the Hebrew noun מָגוֹר (magor) in the sense of “temporary abode,” and see this as a reference to the psalmist’s status as a resident foreigner (see v. 19). But the noun can refer to a dwelling place in general (see Ps 55:15).
- Psalm 119:55 tn The cohortative verbal form expresses the psalmist’s resolve to obey the law.
- Psalm 119:56 tn Heb “this has been to me.” The demonstrative “this” (1) refers back to the practices mentioned in vv. 54-55, or (2) looks forward to the statement in the second line, in which case the כִּי (ki) at the beginning of the second line should be translated “that.”
- Psalm 119:57 tn Heb “my portion [is] the Lord.” The psalmist compares the Lord to landed property, which was foundational to economic stability in ancient Israel (see Ps 16:5).
- Psalm 119:57 tn Heb “I said.”
- Psalm 119:57 tn Heb “to keep your words” (see v. 9).
- Psalm 119:58 tn Heb “I appease your face.”
- Psalm 119:58 tn Heb “according to your word.”
- Psalm 119:59 tn Heb “my ways.”
- Psalm 119:59 tn Heb “and I turn my feet toward.”
- Psalm 119:60 tn Heb “I hurry and I do not delay to keep your commands.”
- Psalm 119:61 tn Heb “surround.”
- Psalm 119:62 tn The psalmist uses an imperfect verbal form to emphasize that this is his continuing practice.
- Psalm 119:63 tn Heb “to all who fear you.”
- Psalm 119:65 tn Heb “do good.”
- Psalm 119:65 tn Heb “according to your word.”
- Psalm 119:66 tn Heb “goodness of taste.” Here “taste” refers to moral and ethical discernment.
- Psalm 119:66 tn Heb “for I believe in your commands.”
- Psalm 119:67 tn Heb “before I suffered, I was straying off.”
- Psalm 119:67 tn Heb “your word.”
- Psalm 119:69 tn Heb “smear over me a lie.”
- Psalm 119:70 tn Heb “their heart is insensitive like fat.”
- Psalm 119:72 tn Heb “better to me [is] the law of your mouth than thousands of gold and silver.”
- Psalm 119:73 tn Heb “made me and established me.” The two verbs also appear together in Deut 32:6, where God, compared to a father, is said to have “made and established” Israel.
- Psalm 119:73 tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:74 tn Heb “those who fear you will see me and rejoice.”
- Psalm 119:75 tn In this context (note the second line) the Hebrew term מִשְׁפָּטִים (mishpatim), which so often refers to the regulations of God’s law elsewhere in this psalm, may refer instead to his decisions or disciplinary judgment.
- Psalm 119:75 tn Heb “and [in] faithfulness you afflicted me.”
- Psalm 119:76 tn Heb “according to your word to your servant.”
- Psalm 119:77 tn Heb “and may your compassion come to me.”
- Psalm 119:78 tn Heb “for [with] falsehood they have denied me justice.”
- Psalm 119:79 tn Heb “those who fear you.”
- Psalm 119:80 tn Heb “may my heart be complete in your statutes.”
- Psalm 119:81 tn Heb “my soul pines for.” See Ps 84:2.
- Psalm 119:82 tn Heb “my eyes fail for your word.” The psalmist has intently kept his eyes open, looking for God to intervene, but now his eyes are watery and bloodshot, impairing his vision. See Ps 69:3.
- Psalm 119:82 tn Heb “saying.”
- Psalm 119:83 tn Or “even though.”
- Psalm 119:83 tn The Hebrew word נֹאד (noʾd, “leather container”) refers to a container made from animal skin which is used to hold wine or milk (see Josh 9:4, 13; Judg 4:19; 1 Sam 16:20).
- Psalm 119:83 tn Heb “in the smoke.”
- Psalm 119:84 tn Heb “How long are the days of your servant?”
- Psalm 119:85 tn Heb “for me.”
- Psalm 119:85 tn Heb “which [is] not according to your law.”
- Psalm 119:86 sn God’s commands are a reliable guide to right and wrong. By keeping them the psalmist is doing what is right, yet he is still persecuted.
- Psalm 119:88 tn Heb “according to.”
- Psalm 119:88 tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:88 tn Heb “of your mouth.”
- Psalm 119:89 tn Heb “Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in heaven,” or “Forever, O Lord, [is] your word; it stands firm in heaven.” The translation assumes that “your word” refers here to the body of divine instructions contained in the law (note the frequent references to the law in vv. 92-96). See vv. 9, 16-17, 57, 101, 105, 130, 139 and 160-61. The reference in v. 86 to God’s law being faithful favors this interpretation. Another option is that “your word” refers to God’s assuring word of promise, mentioned in vv. 25, 28, 42, 65, 74, 81, 107, 114, 147 and 169. In this case one might translate, “O Lord, your promise is reliable, it stands firm in heaven.”
- Psalm 119:90 tn Heb “to a generation and a generation [is] your faithfulness.”
- Psalm 119:92 tn Heb “if your law had not been my delight.”
- Psalm 119:92 tn Or “my suffering.”
- Psalm 119:95 tn Heb “the wicked wait for me to kill me.”
- Psalm 119:96 tn Heb “to every perfection I have seen an end, your command is very wide.” God’s law is beyond full comprehension, which is why the psalmist continually studies it (vv. 95, 97).
- Psalm 119:98 tn The plural form needs to be revocalized as a singular in order to agree with the preceding singular verb and the singular pronoun in the next line. The Lord’s “command” refers here to the law (see Ps 19:8).
- Psalm 119:101 tn Heb “I hold back my feet.”
- Psalm 119:101 tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural.
- Psalm 119:103 tn Heb “How smooth they are to my palate, your word, more than honey to my mouth.” A few medieval Hebrew mss, as well as several other ancient witnesses, read the plural “your words,” which can then be understood as the subject of the plural verb “they are smooth.”
- Psalm 119:104 tn Heb “every false path.”
- Psalm 119:105 tn Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural (“words”).
- Psalm 119:105 tn Heb “[is] a lamp for my foot and a light for my path.”
- Psalm 119:107 tn Heb “according to your word.”
- Psalm 119:108 tn Heb “of my mouth.”
- Psalm 119:109 tn Heb “my life [is] in my hands continually.”
- Psalm 119:111 tn Heb “for the joy of my heart [are] they.”
- Psalm 119:112 tn Heb “I turn my heart to do.”
- Psalm 119:113 tn Heb “divided ones.” The word occurs only here; it appears to be derived from a verbal root, attested in Arabic, meaning “to split” (see HALOT 762 s.v. *סֵעֵף). Since the psalmist is emphasizing his unswerving allegiance to God and his law, the term probably refers to those who lack such loyalty. The translation is similar to that suggested by L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 131.
- Psalm 119:115 tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:115 tn The psalmist has already declared that he observes God’s commands despite persecution, so here the idea must be “so that I might observe the commands of my God unhindered by threats.”
- Psalm 119:116 tn Heb “according to your word.”
- Psalm 119:116 tn The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:116 tn Heb “do not make me ashamed of my hope.” After the Hebrew verb בּוֹשׁ (bosh, “to be ashamed”) the preposition מִן (min, “from”) often introduces the reason for shame.
- Psalm 119:117 tn Or “and that I might focus.” The two cohortatives with vav (ו) conjunctive indicate purpose/result after the imperative at the beginning of the verse.
- Psalm 119:118 tn The Hebrew verb סָלָה (salah, “to disdain”) occurs only here and in Lam 1:15. Cognate usage in Aramaic and Akkadian, as well as Lam 1:15, suggest it may have a concrete nuance of “to throw away.”
- Psalm 119:118 tn Heb “for their deceit [is] falsehood.”
- Psalm 119:119 sn Traditionally “dross” (so KJV, ASV, NIV). The metaphor comes from metallurgy; “slag” is the substance left over after the metallic ore has been refined.
- Psalm 119:119 sn As he explains in the next verse, the psalmist’s fear of judgment motivates him to obey God’s rules.
- Psalm 119:120 tn Heb “my flesh.”
- Psalm 119:120 tn The Hebrew verb סָמַר (samar, “to tremble”) occurs only here and in Job 4:15.
- Psalm 119:120 tn Heb “from fear of you.” The pronominal suffix on the noun is an objective genitive.
- Psalm 119:121 tn Heb “do justice and righteousness.”
- Psalm 119:122 tn Heb “be surety for your servant for good.”
- Psalm 119:123 tn Heb “my eyes fail for your deliverance.” The psalmist has intently kept his eyes open, looking for God to intervene, but now his eyes are watery and bloodshot, impairing his vision. See the similar phrase in v. 82.
- Psalm 119:123 tn Heb “and for the word of your faithfulness.”
- Psalm 119:124 tn Heb “do with your servant according to your loyal love.”
- Psalm 119:125 tn or “know.” The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:127 tn “For this reason” connects logically with the statement made in v. 126. Because the judgment the psalmist fears (see vv. 119-120) is imminent, he remains loyal to God’s law.
- Psalm 119:128 tn Heb “for this reason all the precepts of everything I regard as right.” The phrase “precepts of everything” is odd. It is preferable to take the כ (kaf) on כֹּל (kol, “everything) with the preceding form as a pronominal suffix, “your precepts,” and the ל (lamed) with the following verb as an emphatic particle. See L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 138.
- Psalm 119:128 tn Heb “every false path.”
- Psalm 119:130 tn Heb “the doorway of your words gives light.” God’s “words” refer here to the instructions in his law (see vv. 9, 57).
- Psalm 119:130 tn Heb “it [i.e., the doorway] gives.”
- Psalm 119:130 tn Or “the [morally] naive,” that is, the one who is young and still in the process of learning right from wrong and distinguishing wisdom from folly. See Pss 19:7; 116:6.
- Psalm 119:131 tn The verb occurs only here in the OT.
- Psalm 119:132 tn Heb “according to custom toward the lovers of your name.” The “lovers of” God’s “name” are the Lord’s loyal followers. See Pss 5:11; 69:36; Isa 56:6.
- Psalm 119:133 tn God’s “word” refers here to his law (see v. 11).
- Psalm 119:134 tn Or “redeem me.”
- Psalm 119:134 tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:135 tn Heb “cause your face to shine.”
- Psalm 119:136 tn Heb “[with] flowing streams my eyes go down.”
- Psalm 119:136 tn Heb “they”; even though somewhat generic, the referent (people) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
- Psalm 119:138 tn Heb “you commanded [in] justice your rules.”
- Psalm 119:139 tn or “zeal.”
- Psalm 119:139 tn Heb “destroys,” in a hyperbolic sense.
- Psalm 119:139 tn Heb “your words.”
- Psalm 119:142 tn Heb “your justice [is] justice forever.”
- Psalm 119:142 tn Or “truth.”
- Psalm 119:143 tn Heb “find.”
- Psalm 119:144 tn Heb “just are your rules forever.”
- Psalm 119:144 tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:146 tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
- Psalm 119:149 tn Heb “my voice.”
- Psalm 119:149 tn Heb “according to.”
- Psalm 119:149 tn Heb “according to your custom.”
- Psalm 119:150 tn Heb “those who pursue.”
- Psalm 119:151 tn Or “truth.”
- Psalm 119:152 tn Heb “long ago I knew concerning your rules, that forever you established them.” See v. 89 for the same idea. The translation assumes that the preposition מִן (min) prefixed to “your rules” introduces the object of the verb יָדַע (yadaʿ), as in 1 Sam 23:23. Another option is that the preposition indicates source, in which case one might translate, “Long ago I realized from your rules that forever you established them” (cf. NIV, NRSV).
- Psalm 119:154 tn Or “argue my case.”
- Psalm 119:154 tn Heb “and redeem me.” The verb “redeem” casts the Lord in the role of a leader who protects members of his extended family in times of need and crisis (see Ps 19:14).
- Psalm 119:155 tn Heb “far from the wicked [is] deliverance.”
- Psalm 119:156 tn Heb “according to your customs.”
- Psalm 119:157 tn Heb “many [are] those who chase me and my enemies.”
- Psalm 119:158 tn Heb “your word.”
- Psalm 119:160 tn Heb “the head of your word is truth, and forever [is] all your just regulation.” The term “head” is used here of the “sum total” of God’s instructions.
- Psalm 119:161 tn Heb “and because of your instructions my heart trembles.” The psalmist’s healthy “fear” of the consequences of violating God’s instructions motivates him to obey them. See v. 120.
- Psalm 119:162 tn Heb “like one who finds great plunder.” See Judg 5:30. The image is that of a victorious warrior who finds a large amount of plunder on the field of battle.
- Psalm 119:164 tn The number “seven” is use rhetorically to suggest thoroughness.
- Psalm 119:165 tn Heb “great peace [is] to the lovers of your law.”
- Psalm 119:165 tn Heb “and there is no stumbling to them.”
- Psalm 119:166 tn Heb “do.”
- Psalm 119:168 tn Heb “for all my ways [are] before you.”
- Psalm 119:169 tn Heb “may my cry approach before you.”
- Psalm 119:170 tn Heb “may my appeal for mercy come before you.”
- Psalm 119:170 tn Heb “according to your speech.”
- Psalm 119:172 tn Heb “your word.”
- Psalm 119:173 tn The words “to obey” are not in the Hebrew text, but have been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons and for clarity.
- Psalm 119:175 tn Heb “my life.”
- Psalm 119:175 tn God’s regulations will “help” the psalmist by giving him moral and ethical guidance.
- Psalm 119:176 tn Heb “I stray like a lost sheep.” It is possible that the point of the metaphor is vulnerability: The psalmist, who is threatened by his enemies, feels as vulnerable as a straying, lost sheep. This would not suggest, however, that he has wandered from God’s path (see the second half of the verse, as well as v. 110).
Psalm 119
King James Version
119 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.
32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.
53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
57 Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.
58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
94 I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.
95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
126 It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.
127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
137 Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.
138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.
146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
151 Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.
152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.
160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
166 Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
169 Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.
170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
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