Psalm 119
Expanded Bible
The Word of God
119 ·Happy [Blessed] are those ·who live pure lives [L whose way is blameless],
who follow the Lord’s ·teachings [instructions; law].
2 Happy are those who keep his ·rules [decrees; testimonies],
who ·try to obey [L seek] him with their whole heart.
3 They don’t do what is wrong;
they follow his ways.
4 Lord, you ·gave [commanded] your ·orders [precepts]
to be obeyed completely.
5 ·I wish I [L O that my ways] were more ·loyal [steadfast; established; set]
in obeying your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
6 Then I would not be ashamed
·when I study [staring/gazing at] your commands.
7 When I learned that your ·laws [judgments] are fair,
I ·praised [thanked] you with an ·honest [upright] heart.
8 I will obey your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements],
so please don’t ever ·leave [abandon; forsake] me.
9 How can a young person ·live a pure life [L keep his way pure]?
By ·obeying [guarding; keeping] your word.
10 With all my heart I ·try to obey [seek] you.
Don’t let me ·break [stray from] your commands.
11 I have ·taken your words to heart [treasured/stored your words in my heart]
so I would not sin against you.
12 Lord, you ·should be praised [are blessed].
Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
13 My lips will ·tell about [recount]
all the ·laws you have spoken [L judgments of your mouth].
14 I enjoy ·living by your rules [the way of your decrees/testimonies]
as people enjoy great riches.
15 I ·think about [meditate on] your ·orders [precepts]
and ·study [look at] your ways.
16 I enjoy ·obeying your demands [your statutes/ordinances/requirements],
and I will not forget your word.
17 ·Do good [Grant this] to me, your servant, so I can live,
so I can ·obey [keep; guard] your word.
18 Open my eyes to see
the ·miracles [wonders] in your ·teachings [instructions; law].
19 I am a ·stranger [sojourner; alien resident] ·on earth [or in the land].
Do not hide your commands from me.
20 ·I wear myself out [My soul pines away] with ·desire [longing]
for your ·laws [judgments] all the time.
21 You ·scold [rebuke; reprimand] ·proud [arrogant] people;
those who ·ignore [wander from] your commands are cursed.
22 ·Don’t let me be insulted and hated [L Take away insult and contempt]
because I keep your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
23 Even if princes sit around and speak against me,
I, your servant, will ·think [meditate] about your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
24 Your ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements] give me pleasure;
they ·give me good advice [L are my advisors/counselors].
25 ·I am about to die [L My soul clings to the dust].
Give me life, as you have promised.
26 I ·told you about my life [L recounted my way], and you answered me.
Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
27 Help me understand your ·orders [L the way of your precepts].
Then I will ·think [meditate] about your ·miracles [wonders].
28 ·I am sad and tired [L My soul is weary/melts with sorrow affliction].
Make me ·strong [L rise up] again as you have promised.
29 ·Don’t let me be dishonest [L Turn me away from a false way];
·have mercy on me by helping me obey your teachings [graciously teach me your instructions/laws].
30 I have chosen the way of ·truth [faithfulness];
I have ·obeyed [placed before me] your ·laws [judgments].
31 I ·hold on [cling] to your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
Lord, do not let me be ·disgraced [shamed].
32 I will ·quickly obey [L run the way of] your commands,
because you have ·made me happy [L enlarged my heart/mind].
33 Lord, teach me ·your demands [L the way of your demands/statutes/ordinances/requirements],
and I will ·keep [observe] them until the end.
34 Help me understand, so I can ·keep [protect] your ·teachings [instructions; laws],
·obeying [guarding] them with all my heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commands,
because ·that makes me happy [L I take pleasure in them].
36 Make me want to keep your ·rules [decrees; testimonies]
·instead of wishing for riches [L not to gain/profit].
37 ·Keep me [L Turn my eyes] from looking at ·worthless [false; vain] things.
Let me live ·by your word [L in your path].
38 ·Keep your promise [Confirm your word] to me, your servant,
so you will be ·respected [feared; Prov. 1:7].
39 Take away ·the shame [my scorn/humiliation] I fear,
because your ·laws [judgments] are good.
40 How I ·want to follow [long for] your ·orders [precepts].
Give me life because of your ·goodness [righteousness].
41 Lord, ·show [L bring] me your ·love [loyalty],
and ·save me [give me victory] as you have ·promised [said].
42 I have an answer for people who ·insult [scorn] me,
because I ·trust [find refuge in] what you say.
43 Never ·keep me from speaking your truth [L take the word of truth from my mouth],
because I ·depend [pin my hopes] on your ·fair laws [judgments].
44 I will ·obey [keep; guard] your ·teachings [instructions; laws]
forever and ever.
45 So I will live in ·freedom [liberty],
because I ·want to follow [L seek] your ·orders [precepts].
46 I will discuss your ·rules [decrees; testimonies] with kings
and will not be ashamed.
47 I ·enjoy obeying [L delight in] your commands,
which I love.
48 I ·praise [L lift my palms/hands to] your commands, which I love,
and I ·think [meditate] about your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
49 Remember your promise to me, your servant;
it gives me hope.
50 When I suffer, this comforts me:
Your promise gives me life.
51 ·Proud [Arrogant] people always ·make fun of [mock] me,
but I do not ·reject [stray from] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
52 I remember your ·laws [judgments] from long ago,
and they comfort me, Lord.
53 ·I become angry with wicked people [L Indignation seizes me because of the wicked]
who ·do not keep [abandon; forsake] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
54 I sing about your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements]
·wherever I live [L in the house of my dwelling].
55 Lord, I remember ·you [L your name] at night,
and I will ·obey [keep; guard] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
56 This is what I do:
I ·follow [protect] your ·orders [precepts].
57 Lord, you are my ·share in life [portion; lot];
I have promised to ·obey [keep; guard] your words.
58 I ·prayed to [entreat; implore] you with all my heart.
·Have mercy on [Be gracious to] me as you have promised.
59 I ·thought about [considered] my ·life [L path],
and I ·decided to follow [L turned my feet to] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
60 I hurried and did not wait
to ·obey [keep; obey] your commands.
61 Wicked people have ·tied me up [ensnared me],
but I have not forgotten your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
62 In the middle of the night, I get up to ·thank [praise] you
because your ·laws [judgments] are ·right [righteous].
63 I am a ·friend [companion] to everyone who fears you,
to anyone who ·obeys [keeps; guards] your ·orders [precepts].
64 Lord, your ·love [loyalty] fills the earth.
Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
65 You have done good things for your servant,
as you have promised, Lord.
66 Teach me ·wisdom [L good judgment] and knowledge
because I ·trust [believe] your commands.
67 Before I ·suffered [was humbled], I ·did wrong [wandered],
but now I ·obey [keep; guard] your word.
68 You are good, and you do what is good.
Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
69 ·Proud [Arrogant] people ·have made up lies about me [smear me with lies],
but I will ·follow [keep; protect] your ·orders [precepts] with all my heart.
70 ·Those people have no feelings [L Their hearts are gross and fat],
but I ·love [delight in] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
71 It was good for me to ·suffer [be humbled]
so I would learn your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
72 ·Your teachings [L The instructions/laws of your mouth] are ·worth more to [better for] me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
73 You made me and ·formed [fashioned; or established] me with your hands.
Give me understanding so I can learn your commands.
74 Let those who ·respect [fear; Prov. 1:7] you rejoice when they see me,
because I put my hope in your word.
75 Lord, I know that your ·laws [judgments] are ·right [righteous]
and that it was ·right [faithful] for you to ·punish [humble] me.
76 Comfort me with your ·love [loyalty],
as you promised me, your servant.
77 ·Have mercy [L Let your mercy/compassion come] on me so that I may live.
I ·love [delight in] your ·teachings [laws; instructions].
78 Make ·proud [arrogant] people ashamed because they ·lied about me [perverted me with lies].
But I will ·think about [meditate on] your ·orders [precepts].
79 Let those who ·respect [fear; Prov. 1:7] you return to me,
those who know your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
80 ·Let me obey your demands perfectly [L May my heart be blameless in regard to your statutes/ordinances/requirements]
so I will not be ashamed.
81 I ·am weak from waiting for you to save me [grow weak for your salvation/victory],
but I hope in your word.
82 My eyes ·are tired from looking [grow weak] for your promise.
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Even though I am like a wine bag in smoke [C shrunken and dried out],
I do not forget your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
84 ·How long will I live [L Like what are the days of your servant]?
When will you ·judge [perform judgment on] those who are ·hurting [pursuing] me?
85 ·Proud [Arrogant] people have dug pits [C to trap him].
They ·have nothing to do with your teachings [L are not according to your teachings/instructions/laws].
86 All of your commands ·can be trusted [are reliable].
Liars are ·hurting [pursuing] me. Help me!
87 They have almost put me in the ·grave [L earth],
but I have not ·rejected [abandoned; forsaken] your ·orders [precepts].
88 Give me life ·by your love [L according to your loyalty]
so I can ·obey [keep; guard] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
89 ·Lord, your word is everlasting [or The Lord is everlasting];
·it [L your word] ·continues forever [L is firm] in heaven.
90 Your ·loyalty [faithfulness; truth] will go on and on;
you ·made [established] the earth, and it ·still stands [endures].
91 All things ·continue [endure] to this day because of your ·laws [judgments],
because all things ·serve you [L are your servants].
92 If I had not ·loved [delighted in] your ·teachings [instructions; laws],
I would have ·died [perished] ·from my sufferings [in my afflictions].
93 I will never forget your ·orders [precepts],
because you have given me life by them.
94 I am yours. ·Save me [Give me victory].
I ·want to obey [seek] your ·orders [precepts].
95 Wicked people ·are waiting [hope] to ·destroy me [make me perish],
but I will ·think about [consider] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
96 Everything I see has its limits,
but your commands ·have none [L are very broad].
97 How I love your ·teachings [instructions; laws]!
I ·think about [ponder; meditate on] them all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
because they are mine forever.
99 I am ·wiser [more insightful] than all my teachers,
because I ·think about [ponder; meditate on] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
because I ·follow [protect] your ·orders [precepts].
101 I have ·avoided [L kept my feet from] every evil way
so I could ·obey [keep; guard] your word.
102 I haven’t ·walked [turned] away from your ·laws [judgments],
because you yourself are my teacher.
103 ·Your promises are sweet to me [L How sweet your words slip/slide down my palate],
sweeter than honey in my mouth!
104 Your ·orders [precepts] give me understanding,
so I hate lying ways.
105 Your word is like a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path [C it shows how life should be lived].
106 I ·will do what I have promised [L have sworn and confirmed it]
and ·obey [keep; guard] your ·fair [righteous] ·laws [judgments].
107 I have suffered ·for a long time [or greatly].
Lord, ·give me [spare my] life by your word.
108 Lord, accept my ·willing [offering of] praise
and teach me your ·laws [judgments].
109 My life is always in ·danger [L my hand],
but I haven’t forgotten your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
110 Wicked people have set a trap for me,
but I haven’t ·strayed [wandered] from your ·orders [precepts].
111 ·I will follow your rules forever [L Your rules/decrees/precepts are my inheritance forever],
because they make ·me [L my heart] happy.
112 I will ·try [L incline my heart] to do ·what you demand [L your statutes/ordinances]
forever, until the end.
113 I hate ·disloyal [or double-minded] people,
but I love your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Get away from me, you who do evil,
so I can ·keep [protect] my God’s commands.
116 ·Support [Uphold] me as you promised so I can live.
Don’t let me be embarrassed because of my hopes.
117 ·Help [Strengthen] me, and I will ·be saved [have victory].
I will always ·respect [care about] your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
118 You ·reject [treat as worthless] those who ·ignore [go astray from] your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements],
because their lies ·mislead them [leave them in the lurch].
119 You throw away the wicked of the world like ·trash [dross].
So I will love your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
120 ·I [L My flesh] ·shake [shudder] in ·fear [dread] of you;
I ·respect [fear] your ·laws [judgments].
121 I have done what is ·fair [just] and ·right [righteous].
Don’t leave me to ·those who wrong me [my oppressors/exploiters].
122 ·Promise that you will help me, [L Stand as security for/Guarantee good for] your servant.
Don’t let ·proud [arrogant] people ·wrong [oppress; exploit] me.
123 My eyes ·are tired from looking [fail; grow weak] for your ·salvation [victory]
and for your good promise.
124 ·Show your love to me, your servant [Deal with your servant according to your love/loyalty],
and teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
125 I am your servant. ·Give me wisdom [Make me understand]
so I can ·understand [know] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
126 Lord, it is time for you to do something,
because ·people have disobeyed your teachings [L your teachings/instructions/laws have been broken].
127 I love your commands
more than ·the purest gold [L gold, the finest gold].
128 I ·respect [or follow] all your ·orders [precepts],
so I hate ·lying [false] ways.
129 Your ·rules [decrees; testimonies] are wonderful.
That is why I ·keep [protect] them.
130 ·Learning [L Opening] your words ·gives wisdom [illuminates; gives light]
and understanding for the ·foolish [immature; simpleminded].
131 ·I am nearly out of breath [L I crack/open my mouth and pant].
I ·really want to learn [L long for] your commands.
132 ·Look at [L Turn to] me and have ·mercy [compassion] on me
·as you do [L as is your custom] for those who love ·you [L your name].
133 ·Guide my steps [L Steady my feet] as you promised;
don’t let any ·sin [guilt] ·control [dominate] me.
134 ·Save [Redeem] me from ·harmful [L oppressive; exploitative] people
so I can ·obey [keep; guard] your ·orders [precepts].
135 ·Show your kindness to [L Make your face shine on] me, your servant [Num. 6:24–26].
Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
136 ·Tears stream [L Streams of water come down] from my eyes,
because people do not ·obey [keep; guard] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
137 Lord, you ·do what is right [are righteous],
and your ·laws [judgments] are ·fair [virtuous; upright].
138 ·The rules [L Your decrees/testimonies] you commanded are ·right [righteous]
and completely ·trustworthy [true; faithful].
139 ·I am so upset I am worn out [L My passion/zeal consumes; or silences me],
because my ·enemies [foes] have forgotten your words.
140 Your promises are ·proven [refined],
so I, your servant, love them.
141 I am ·unimportant [small] and ·hated [despised],
but I have not forgotten your ·orders [precepts].
142 Your ·goodness continues forever [righteousness is an everlasting righteousness],
and your ·teachings [instructions; laws] are ·true [faithful].
143 ·I have had troubles and misery [L Distress and pressure have found me],
but I ·love [delight in] your commands.
144 Your ·rules [decrees; testimonies] are always ·good [righteous].
·Help [Make] me understand so I can live.
145 I call to you with all my heart.
Answer me, Lord, and I will ·keep [protect] your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
146 I call to you.
·Save me [Give me victory] so I can ·obey [keep; guard] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
147 I ·wake up early in the morning [get up before dawn] and cry out.
I hope in your word.
148 ·I stay awake all night [L My eyes awake in the watches of the night]
so I can ·think about [meditate on] your promises.
149 ·Listen to me [L Hear my voice] because of your ·love [loyalty];
Lord, ·give me [spare my] life by your ·laws [judgments].
150 Those who ·love evil [L pursue/persecute me with an evil plan] are near,
but they are far from your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
151 But, Lord, you are also near,
and all your commands are ·true [faithful].
152 Long ago I learned from your ·rules [decrees; testimonies]
that you made them ·to continue [foundational] forever.
153 See my ·suffering [affliction] and rescue me,
because I have not forgotten your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
154 Argue my case and ·save [redeem] me.
·Let me live [Spare my life] by your promises.
155 ·Wicked people are far from being saved [L Salvation/Victory is far from the wicked],
because they do not ·want [seek] your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
156 Lord, ·you are very kind [L your compassion/mercies are abundant];
give me life by your ·laws [judgments].
157 Many ·enemies [foes] ·are after [pursue; persecute] me,
but I have not ·rejected [swerved from] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
158 I see those traitors, and I ·hate [loathe; am disgusted by] them,
because they do not ·obey [keep; guard] what you say.
159 See how I love your ·orders [precepts].
Lord, give me life by your ·love [loyalty].
160 ·Your words are true from the start [L The head of your word is true/faithful],
and all your ·laws [judgments] will be ·fair [righteous] forever.
161 Leaders ·attack [pursue] me for no reason,
but ·I fear your law in my heart [L my heart fears your words].
162 I ·am as happy over [delight in] your promises
as if I had found ·a great treasure [much plunder].
163 I hate and ·despise [loathe] lies,
but I love your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your ·fair laws [righteous judgments].
165 Those who love your ·teachings [instructions; laws] will find ·true peace [or much prosperity],
and nothing will ·defeat them [make them stumble].
166 I am ·waiting [hoping] for ·you to save me [L your salvation/victory], Lord.
I will ·obey [L do] your commands.
167 I ·obey [keep; guard] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies],
and I love them very much.
168 I ·obey [keep; guard] your ·orders [precepts] and ·rules [decrees; testimonies],
because ·you know everything I do [L all my ways are before you].
169 ·Hear my cry to you [L Let my shout of joy come near you], Lord.
Let your word help me understand.
170 Listen to my ·prayer [supplication];
·save [protect] me as you promised.
171 Let ·me [L my lips] ·speak [bubble forth] your praise,
because you have taught me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
172 Let ·me [L my tongue] sing about your promises,
because all your commands are ·fair [righteous].
173 Give me your helping hand,
because I have chosen your ·commands [precepts].
174 I ·want you to save me [L desire your salvation/victory], Lord.
I ·love [delight in] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
175 Let me live so I can praise you,
and let your ·laws [judgments] help me.
176 I have ·wandered [gone astray] like a lost sheep.
·Look for [Seek] your servant, because I have not forgotten your commands.
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 Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
