Psalm 119
Christian Standard Bible
Psalm 119
Delight in God’s Word
א Aleph
1 How[a] happy are those whose way is blameless,(A)
who walk according to the Lord’s instruction!(B)
2 Happy are those who keep his decrees(C)
and seek him with all their heart.(D)
3 They do nothing wrong;(E)
they walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded that your precepts(F)
be diligently kept.
5 If only my ways were committed
to keeping your statutes!(G)
6 Then I would not be ashamed(H)
when I think about all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart(I)
when I learn your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes;
never abandon me.(J)
ב Beth
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping your[b] word.(K)
10 I have sought you with all my heart;(L)
don’t let me wander from your commands.(M)
11 I have treasured your word in my heart(N)
so that I may not sin against you.
12 Lord, may you be blessed;
teach me your statutes.(O)
13 With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments from your mouth.(P)
14 I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees(Q)
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts(R)
and think about your ways.(S)
16 I will delight in your statutes;(T)
I will not forget your word.
ג Gimel
17 Deal generously with your servant(U)
so that I might live;
then I will keep your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wondrous things from your instruction.
19 I am a resident alien on earth;(V)
do not hide your commands from me.
20 I am continually overcome
with longing for your judgments.(W)
21 You rebuke the arrogant,
the ones under a curse,(X)
who wander from your commands.(Y)
22 Take insult and contempt away from me,(Z)
for I have kept your decrees.
23 Though princes sit together speaking against me,(AA)
your servant will think about your statutes;(AB)
24 your decrees are my delight
and my counselors.(AC)
ד Daleth
25 My life is down in the dust;(AD)
give me life(AE) through your word.
26 I told you about my life,
and you answered me;
teach me your statutes.(AF)
27 Help me understand
the meaning of your precepts
so that I can meditate on your wonders.(AG)
28 I am weary[c] from grief;
strengthen me through your word.(AH)
29 Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set your ordinances before me.(AI)
31 I cling to your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.(AJ)
32 I pursue the way of your commands,
for you broaden my understanding.[d](AK)
ה He
33 Teach me, Lord, the meaning[e] of your statutes,
and I will always keep them.[f](AL)
34 Help me understand your instruction,(AM)
and I will obey it
and follow it with all my heart.(AN)
35 Help me stay on the path of your commands,(AO)
for I take pleasure in it.(AP)
36 Turn my heart to your decrees(AQ)
and not to dishonest profit.(AR)
37 Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless;(AS)
give me life in your ways.[g](AT)
38 Confirm what you said to your servant,(AU)
for it produces reverence for you.
39 Turn away the disgrace I dread;(AV)
indeed, your judgments are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!(AW)
Give me life through your righteousness.
ו Waw
41 Let your faithful love come to me, Lord,(AX)
your salvation, as you promised.(AY)
42 Then I can answer the one who taunts me,(AZ)
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take the word of truth from my mouth,
for I hope in your judgments.(BA)
44 I will always obey your instruction,
forever and ever.(BB)
45 I will walk freely in an open place(BC)
because I study your precepts.(BD)
46 I will speak of your decrees before kings
and not be ashamed.(BE)
47 I delight in your commands,
which I love.(BF)
48 I will lift up my hands(BG) to your commands,
which I love,
and will meditate on your statutes.(BH)
ז Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant;
you have given me hope through it.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction:(BI)
Your promise has given me life.
51 The arrogant constantly ridicule me,
but I do not turn away from your instruction.(BJ)
52 Lord, I remember your judgments from long ago
and find comfort.
53 Fury seizes me(BK) because of the wicked
who reject your instruction.(BL)
54 Your statutes are the theme of my song
during my earthly life.[h]
55 Lord, I remember your name(BM) in the night,(BN)
and I obey your instruction.
56 This is my practice:
I obey your precepts.(BO)
ח Cheth
57 The Lord is my portion;[i](BP)
I have promised to keep your words.
58 I have sought your favor(BQ) with all my heart;
be gracious to me(BR) according to your promise.
59 I thought about my ways(BS)
and turned my steps back to your decrees.
60 I hurried, not hesitating
to keep your commands.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked(BT)
were wrapped around me,
I did not forget your instruction.(BU)
62 I rise at midnight to thank you(BV)
for your righteous judgments.(BW)
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,(BX)
to those who keep your precepts.
64 Lord, the earth is filled with your faithful love;(BY)
teach me your statutes.(BZ)
ט Teth
65 Lord, you have treated your servant well,
just as you promised.
66 Teach me good judgment and discernment,(CA)
for I rely on your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,(CB)
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good,(CC) and you do what is good;(CD)
teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant have smeared me with lies,(CE)
but I obey your precepts with all my heart.(CF)
70 Their hearts are hard and insensitive,(CG)
but I delight in your instruction.(CH)
71 It was good for me to be afflicted(CI)
so that I could learn your statutes.
72 Instruction from your lips(CJ) is better for me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
י Yod
73 Your hands made me and formed me;(CK)
give me understanding
so that I can learn your commands.(CL)
74 Those who fear you will see me and rejoice,(CM)
for I put my hope in your word.(CN)
75 I know, Lord, that your judgments are just
and that you have afflicted me fairly.(CO)
76 May your faithful love comfort me
as you promised your servant.
77 May your compassion come to me(CP)
so that I may live,
for your instruction is my delight.(CQ)
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame(CR)
for slandering me with lies;
I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you,
those who know your decrees, turn to me.
80 May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes(CS)
so that I will not be put to shame.
כ Kaph
81 I long for your salvation;(CT)
I put my hope in your word.(CU)
82 My eyes grow weary
looking for what you have promised;(CV)
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke,
I do not forget your statutes.
84 How many days must your servant wait?
When will you execute judgment on my persecutors?(CW)
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me;(CX)
they violate your instruction.
86 All your commands are true;
people persecute me with lies—help me!(CY)
87 They almost ended my life on earth,
but I did not abandon your precepts.
88 Give me life in accordance with your faithful love,
and I will obey the decree you have spoken.
ל Lamed
89 Lord, your word is forever;(CZ)
it is firmly fixed in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness is for all generations;(DA)
you established the earth, and it stands firm.(DB)
91 Your judgments stand firm today,(DC)
for all things are your servants.(DD)
92 If your instruction had not been my delight,
I would have died in my affliction.(DE)
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for you have given me life through them.(DF)
94 I am yours; save me,(DG)
for I have studied your precepts.(DH)
95 The wicked hope to destroy me,(DI)
but I contemplate your decrees.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your command is without limit.
מ Mem
97 How I love your instruction!(DJ)
It is my meditation all day long.(DK)
98 Your command makes me wiser than my enemies,(DL)
for it is always with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers
because your decrees are my meditation.(DM)
100 I understand more than the elders(DN)
because I obey your precepts.(DO)
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path(DP)
to follow your word.
102 I have not turned from your judgments,(DQ)
for you yourself have instructed me.
103 How sweet your word is(DR) to my taste—
sweeter than honey in my mouth.
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;(DS)
therefore I hate every false way.(DT)
נ Nun
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet(DU)
and a light on my path.
106 I have solemnly sworn(DV)
to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am severely afflicted;
Lord, give me life according to your word.(DW)
108 Lord, please accept my freewill offerings of praise,(DX)
and teach me your judgments.(DY)
109 My life is constantly in danger,[j]
yet I do not forget your instruction.(DZ)
110 The wicked have set a trap for me,(EA)
but I have not wandered from your precepts.(EB)
111 I have your decrees as a heritage forever;
indeed, they are the joy of my heart.(EC)
112 I am resolved to obey your statutes
to the very end.[k](ED)
ס Samek
113 I hate those who are double-minded,(EE)
but I love your instruction.(EF)
114 You are my shelter and my shield;(EG)
I put my hope in your word.(EH)
115 Depart from me,(EI) you evil ones,
so that I may obey my God’s commands.(EJ)
116 Sustain me as you promised,(EK) and I will live;
do not let me be ashamed of my hope.(EL)
117 Sustain me so that I can be safe(EM)
and always be concerned about your statutes.(EN)
118 You reject all who stray from your statutes,(EO)
for their deceit is a lie.
119 You remove all the wicked on earth
as if they were[l] dross from metal;(EP)
therefore, I love your decrees.(EQ)
120 I tremble[m] in awe of you;(ER)
I fear your judgments.
ע Ayin
121 I have done what is just and right;(ES)
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being;(ET)
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes grow weary(EU) looking for your salvation
and for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant based on your faithful love;(EV)
teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant;(EW) give me understanding(EX)
so that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,(EY)
for they have violated your instruction.
127 Since I love your commands(EZ)
more than gold, even the purest gold,
128 I carefully follow all your precepts(FA)
and hate every false way.(FB)
פ Pe
129 Your decrees are wondrous;(FC)
therefore I obey them.(FD)
130 The revelation of your words(FE) brings light
and gives understanding to the inexperienced.(FF)
131 I open my mouth and pant(FG)
because I long for your commands.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,(FH)
as is your practice toward those who love your name.
133 Make my steps steady through your promise;(FI)
don’t let any sin dominate me.(FJ)
134 Redeem me from human oppression,(FK)
and I will keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant,(FL)
and teach me your statutes.(FM)
136 My eyes pour out streams of tears(FN)
because people do not follow your instruction.
צ Tsade
137 You are righteous, Lord,(FO)
and your judgments are just.
138 The decrees you issue are righteous
and altogether trustworthy.(FP)
139 My anger overwhelms me
because my foes forget your words.(FQ)
140 Your word is completely pure,(FR)
and your servant loves it.(FS)
141 I am insignificant and despised,(FT)
but I do not forget your precepts.(FU)
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your instruction is true.(FV)
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your commands are my delight.(FW)
144 Your decrees are righteous forever.(FX)
Give me understanding, and I will live.
ק Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord.
I will obey your statutes.(FY)
146 I call to you; save me,
and I will keep your decrees.(FZ)
147 I rise before dawn and cry out for help;(GA)
I put my hope in your word.
148 I am awake through each watch of the night
to meditate on your promise.(GB)
149 In keeping with your faithful love, hear my voice.
Lord, give me life in keeping with your justice.(GC)
150 Those who pursue evil plans[n](GD) come near;
they are far from your instruction.
151 You are near, Lord,(GE)
and all your commands are true.(GF)
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them forever.(GG)
ר Resh
153 Consider my affliction and rescue me,(GH)
for I have not forgotten your instruction.(GI)
154 Champion my cause and redeem me;(GJ)
give me life as you promised.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not study your statutes.(GK)
156 Your compassions are many, Lord;(GL)
give me life according to your judgments.
157 My persecutors and foes are many.(GM)
I have not turned from your decrees.(GN)
158 I have seen the disloyal(GO) and feel disgust(GP)
because they do not keep your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts;
Lord, give me life according to your faithful love.(GQ)
160 The entirety of your word is truth,
each of your righteous judgments endures forever.(GR)
שׂ Sin
161 Princes have persecuted me without cause,
but my heart fears only your word.(GS)
162 I rejoice over your promise(GT)
like one who finds vast treasure.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,(GU)
but I love your instruction.(GV)
164 I praise you seven times a day
for your righteous judgments.(GW)
165 Abundant peace belongs to those(GX)
who love your instruction;
nothing makes them stumble.(GY)
166 Lord, I hope for your salvation(GZ)
and carry out your commands.
167 I obey your decrees
and love them greatly.(HA)
168 I obey your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before you.(HB)
ת Taw
169 Let my cry reach you, Lord;(HC)
give me understanding according to your word.(HD)
170 Let my plea reach you;(HE)
rescue me according to your promise.(HF)
171 My lips pour out praise,(HG)
for you teach me your statutes.(HH)
172 My tongue sings about your promise,(HI)
for all your commands are righteous.(HJ)
173 May your hand be ready to help me,(HK)
for I have chosen your precepts.(HL)
174 I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your instruction is my delight.(HM)
175 Let me live, and I will praise you;(HN)
may your judgments help me.
176 I wander like a lost sheep;(HO)
seek your servant,(HP)
for I do not forget your commands.(HQ)
Footnotes
- 119:1 The stanzas of this poem form an acrostic.
- 119:9 Or keeping it according to your
- 119:28 Or I weep
- 119:32 Lit you enlarge my heart
- 119:33 Lit way
- 119:33 Or will keep it as my reward
- 119:37 Some Hb mss, Tg read word
- 119:54 Lit song in the house of my sojourning
- 119:57 Lit You are my portion, Lord
- 119:109 Lit in my hand
- 119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal
- 119:119 Some Hb mss, DSS, LXX, Aq, Sym, Jer read All the wicked of the earth you count as
- 119:120 Lit My flesh shudders
- 119:150 Some Hb mss, LXX, Sym, Jer read who maliciously persecute me
Psalm 119
Amplified Bible
Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.
[a]Aleph.
119 How blessed and favored by God are those whose way is blameless [those with personal integrity, the upright, the guileless],
Who walk in the law [and who are guided by the precepts and revealed will] of the Lord.
2
Blessed and favored by God are those who keep His testimonies,
And who [consistently] seek Him and long for Him with all their heart.
3
They do no unrighteousness;
They walk in His ways.(A)
4
You have ordained Your precepts,
That we should follow them with [careful] diligence.
5
Oh, that my ways may be established
To observe and keep Your statutes [obediently accepting and honoring them]!
6
Then I will not be ashamed
When I look [with respect] to all Your commandments [as my guide].
7
I will give thanks to You with an upright heart,
When I learn [through discipline] Your righteous judgments [for my transgressions].
8
I shall keep Your statutes;
Do not utterly abandon me [when I fail].
Beth.
9
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts].
10
With all my heart I have sought You, [inquiring of You and longing for You];
Do not let me wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience].(B)
11
Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
12
Blessed and reverently praised are You, O Lord;
Teach me Your statutes.
13
With my lips I have told of
All the ordinances 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 [thoughtfully] regard Your ways [the path of life established by Your precepts].(C)
16
I will delight in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
Gimel.
17
Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word [treasuring it and being guided by it day by day].(D)
18
Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold
Wonderful things from Your law.
19
I am a stranger on the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.(E)
20
My soul is crushed with longing
For Your ordinances at all times.
21
You rebuke the presumptuous and arrogant, the cursed ones,
Who wander from Your commandments.
22
Take reproach and contempt away from me,
For I observe Your testimonies.
23
Even though princes sit and talk to one another against me,
Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24
Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.
Daleth.
25
My earthly life clings to the dust;
Revive and refresh me according to Your word.(F)
26
I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
27
Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
So that I will meditate (focus my thoughts) on Your wonderful works.(G)
28
My soul dissolves because of grief;
Renew and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word.
29
Remove from me the way of falsehood and unfaithfulness,
And graciously grant me Your law.
30
I have chosen the faithful way;
I have placed Your ordinances before me.
31
I cling tightly to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32
I will run the way of Your commandments [with purpose],
For You will give me a heart that is willing.
He.
33
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I will [steadfastly] observe it to the end.
34
Give me understanding [a teachable heart and the ability to learn], that I may keep Your law;
And observe it with all my heart.(H)
35
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
36
Incline my heart to Your testimonies
And not to dishonest gain and envy.(I)
37
Turn my eyes away from vanity [all those worldly, meaningless things that distract—let Your priorities be mine],
And restore me [with renewed energy] in Your ways.
38
Establish Your word and confirm Your promise to Your servant,
As that which produces [awe-inspired] reverence for You.(J)
39
Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your ordinances are good.
40
I long for Your precepts;
Renew me through Your righteousness.
Vav.
41
May Your lovingkindness also come to me, O Lord,
Your salvation according to Your promise;
42
So I will have an answer for the one who taunts me,
For I trust [completely] in Your word [and its reliability].
43
And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I wait for Your ordinances.
44
I will keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever [writing Your precepts on my heart].
45
And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek and deeply long for Your precepts.
46
I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings
And shall not be ashamed.(K)
47
For I shall delight in Your commandments,
Which I love.
48
And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments,
Which I love;
And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Zayin.
49
Remember [always] the word and promise to Your servant,
In which You have made me hope.
50
This is my comfort in my affliction,
That Your word has revived me and given me life.(L)
51
The arrogant utterly ridicule me,
Yet I do not turn away from Your law.
52
I have remembered [carefully] Your ancient ordinances, O Lord,
And I have taken comfort.
53
Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked,
Who [b]reject Your law.
54
Your statutes are my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.
55
O Lord, I remember Your name in the night,
And keep Your law.
56
This has become mine [as the gift of Your grace],
That I observe Your precepts [accepting them with loving obedience].
Heth.
57
The Lord is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.
58
I sought Your favor with all my heart;
Be merciful and gracious to me according to Your promise.
59
I considered my ways
And turned my feet to [follow and obey] Your testimonies.
60
I hurried and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
61
The cords of the wicked have encircled and ensnared me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.
62
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You
Because of Your righteous ordinances.
63
I am a companion of all who [reverently] fear You,
And of those who keep and honor Your precepts.
64
The earth, O Lord, is full of Your lovingkindness and goodness;
Teach me Your statutes.
Teth.
65
You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your promise.
66
Teach me good judgment (discernment) and knowledge,
For I have believed and trusted and relied on Your commandments.
67
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep and honor Your word [with loving obedience].
68
You are good and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.
69
The arrogant have forged a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with all my heart.
70
Their heart is insensitive like fat [their minds are dull and brutal],
But I delight in Your law.
71
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
72
The law from Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Yodh.
73
Your hands have made me and established me;
Give me understanding and a teachable heart, that I may learn Your commandments.
74
May those who [reverently] fear You see me and be glad,
Because I wait for Your word.
75
I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are fair,
And that in faithfulness You have disciplined me.(M)
76
O may Your lovingkindness and graciousness comfort me,
According to Your word (promise) to Your servant.
77
Let Your compassion come to me that I may live,
For Your law is my delight.
78
Let the arrogant be ashamed and humiliated, for they sabotage me with a lie;
But I will meditate on Your precepts.
79
May those who fear You [with submissive wonder] turn to me,
Even those who have known Your testimonies.
80
May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,
So that I will not be ashamed.
Kaph.
81
My soul languishes and grows weak for Your salvation;
I wait for Your word.
82
My eyes fail [with longing, watching] for [the fulfillment of] Your promise,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
83
For I have become like a wineskin [blackened and shriveled] in the smoke [in which it hangs],
Yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84
How many are the days of Your servant [which he must endure]?
When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?(N)
85
The arrogant (godless) have dug pits for me,
Men who do not conform to Your law.
86
All Your commandments are faithful and trustworthy.
They have persecuted me with a lie; help me [Lord]!
87
They had almost destroyed me on earth,
But as for me, I did not [c]turn away from Your precepts.
88
According to Your steadfast love refresh me and give me life,
So that I may keep and obey the testimony of Your mouth.
Lamedh.
89
Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven [standing firm and unchangeable].(O)
90
Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation;
You have established the earth, and it stands [securely].
91
They continue this day according to Your ordinances,
For all things [all parts of the universe] are Your servants.(P)
92
If Your law had not been my delight,
Then I would have perished in my time of trouble.
93
I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have revived me and given me life.
94
I am Yours, save me [as Your own];
For I have [diligently] sought Your precepts and required them [as my greatest need].(Q)
95
The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
But I will consider Your testimonies.
96
I have seen that all [human] perfection has its limits [no matter how grand and perfect and noble];
Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity].(R)
Mem.
97
Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.(S)
98
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For Your words are always with me.
99
I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers [because of Your word],
For Your testimonies are my meditation.(T)
100
I understand more than the aged [who have not observed Your precepts],
Because I have observed and kept Your precepts.
101
I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.(U)
102
I have not turned aside from Your ordinances,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103
How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!(V)
104
From Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.
Nun.
105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.(W)
106
I have sworn [an oath] and have confirmed it,
That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.(X)
107
I am greatly afflicted;
Renew and revive me [giving me life], O Lord, according to Your word.
108
Accept and take pleasure in the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your ordinances.(Y)
109
My life is continually [d]in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
110
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I do not wander from Your precepts.
111
I have taken Your testimonies as a heritage forever,
For they are the joy of my heart.(Z)
112
I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even to the end.
Samekh.
113
I hate those who are double-minded,
But I love and treasure Your law.
114
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word.(AA)
115
Leave me, you evildoers,
That I may keep the commandments of my God [honoring and obeying them].(AB)
116
Uphold me according to Your word [of promise], so that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope [in Your great goodness].(AC)
117
Uphold me that I may be safe,
That I may have regard for Your statutes continually.
118
You have turned Your back on all those who wander from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is useless.
119
You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross [for they have no value];
Therefore I love Your testimonies.
120
My flesh trembles in [reverent] fear of You,
And I am afraid and in awe of Your judgments.
Ayin.
121
I have done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to those who oppress me.
122
Be the guarantee for Your servant for good [as Judah was the guarantee for Benjamin];
Do not let the arrogant oppress me.(AD)
123
My eyes fail [with longing, watching] for [the fulfillment of] Your salvation,
And for [the fulfillment of] Your righteous word.
124
Deal with Your servant according to Your [gracious] lovingkindness,
And teach me Your statutes.
125
I am Your servant; give me understanding [the ability to learn and a teachable heart]
That I may know Your testimonies.
126
It is time for the Lord to act;
They have broken Your law.
127
Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold,
Yes, more than refined gold.
128
Therefore I esteem as right all Your precepts concerning everything;
I hate every false way.
Pe.
129
Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
130
The unfolding of Your [glorious] words give light;
Their unfolding gives understanding to the simple (childlike).
131
I opened my mouth and panted [with anticipation],
Because I longed for Your commandments.
132
Turn to me and be gracious to me and show me favor,
As is Your way to those who love Your name.
133
Establish my footsteps in [the way of] Your word;
Do not let any human weakness have power over me [causing me to be separated from You].
134
Redeem me from the oppression of man;
That I may keep Your precepts.(AE)
135
Make Your face shine [with pleasure] upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.(AF)
136
My eyes weep streams of water
Because people do not keep Your law.
Tsadhe.
137
Righteous are You, O Lord,
And upright are Your judgments.
138
You have commanded Your testimonies in righteousness
And in great faithfulness.
139
My zeal has [completely] consumed me,
Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140
Your word is very pure (refined);
Therefore Your servant loves it.
141
I am small and despised,
But I do not forget Your precepts.
142
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.(AG)
143
Trouble and anguish have found me,
Yet Your commandments are my delight and my joy.
144
Your righteous testimonies are everlasting;
Give me understanding [the ability to learn and a teachable heart] that I may live.
Qoph.
145
I cried with all my heart; answer me, O Lord!
I will observe Your statutes.
146
I cried to You; save me
And I will keep Your testimonies.
147
I rise before dawn and cry [in prayer] for help;
I wait for Your word.
148
My eyes anticipate the night watches and I awake before the call of the watchman,
That I may meditate on Your word.
149
Hear my voice according to Your [steadfast] lovingkindness;
O Lord, renew and refresh me according to Your ordinances.
150
Those who follow after wickedness approach;
They are far from Your law.
151
You are near, O Lord,
And all Your commandments are truth.
152
Of old I have known from Your testimonies
That You have founded them forever.(AH)
Resh.
153
Look upon my agony and rescue me,
For I do not forget Your law.
154
Plead my cause and redeem me;
Revive me and give me life according to [the promise of] Your word.
155
Salvation is far from the wicked,
For they do not seek Your statutes.
156
Great are Your tender mercies and steadfast love, O Lord;
Revive me and give me life according to Your ordinances.
157
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
Yet I do not turn away from Your testimonies.
158
I see the treacherous and loathe them,
Because they do not respect Your law.
159
Consider how I love Your precepts;
Revive me and give me life, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
160
The sum of Your word is truth [the full meaning of all Your precepts],
And every one of Your righteous ordinances endures forever.
Shin.
161
Princes persecute me without cause,
But my heart stands in [reverent] awe of Your words [so I can expect You to help me].(AI)
162
I rejoice at Your word,
As one who finds great treasure.
163
I hate and detest falsehood,
But I love Your law.
164
[e]Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous ordinances.
165
Those who love Your law have great peace;
Nothing makes them stumble.(AJ)
166
I hope and wait [with complete confidence] for Your salvation, O Lord,
And I do Your commandments.(AK)
167
My soul keeps Your testimonies [hearing and accepting and obeying them];
I love them greatly.
168
I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are [fully known] before You.
Tav.
169
Let my [mournful] cry come before You, O Lord;
Give me understanding [the ability to learn and a teachable heart] according to Your word [of promise].
170
Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.
171
Let my lips speak praise [with thanksgiving],
For You teach me Your statutes.
172
Let my tongue sing [praise for the fulfillment] of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteous.
173
Let Your hand be ready to help me,
For I have chosen Your precepts.
174
I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
And Your law is my delight.
175
Let my soul live that it may praise You,
And let Your ordinances help me.
176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
Seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.(AL)
Footnotes
- Psalm 119:1 This long Psalm (176 verses) consists of separate units, each of which has its first word beginning with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet as a memory aid. The first verse begins with the first letter of the alphabet, aleph (first letter of the word blessed), and the last unit of the Psalm (vv 169-176) begins with tav, the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
- Psalm 119:53 Lit forsake.
- Psalm 119:87 Lit forsake.
- Psalm 119:109 I.e. in danger.
- Psalm 119:164 The number seven sometimes represents a continuing action or a sufficiently high number of actions (cf Matt 18:21).
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
