Psalm 119
GOD’S WORD Translation
119 Blessed are those whose lives have integrity,
those who follow the teachings of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who obey his written instructions.
They wholeheartedly search for him.
3 They do nothing wrong.
They follow his directions.
4 You have commanded
that your guiding principles be carefully followed.
5 I pray that my ways may become firmly established
so that I can obey your laws.
6 Then I will never feel ashamed
when I study all your commandments.
7 I will give thanks to you
as I learn your regulations, which are based on your righteousness.
8 I will obey your laws.
Never abandon me.
9 How can a young person keep his life pure?
⌞He can do it⌟ by holding on to your word.
10 I wholeheartedly searched for you.
Do not let me wander away from your commandments.
11 I have treasured your promise in my heart
so that I may not sin against you.
12 Thanks be to you, O Lord.
Teach me your laws.
13 With my lips I have repeated
every regulation that ⌞comes⌟ from your mouth.
14 I find joy in the way ⌞shown by⌟ your written instructions
more than I find joy in all kinds of riches.
15 I want to reflect on your guiding principles
and study your ways.
16 Your laws make me happy.
I never forget your word.
17 Be kind to me so that I may live
and hold on to your word.
18 Uncover my eyes
so that I may see the miraculous things in your teachings.
19 I am a foreigner in this world.
Do not hide your commandments from me.
20 My soul is overwhelmed with endless longing for your regulations.
21 You threaten arrogant people, who are condemned
and wander away from your commandments.
22 Remove the insults and contempt that have fallen on me
because I have obeyed your written instructions.
23 Even though influential people plot against me,
I reflect on your laws.
24 Indeed, your written instructions make me happy.
They are my best friends.
25 I am close to death.
Give me a new life as you promised.
26 I told you what I have done, and you answered me.
Teach me your laws.
27 Help me understand your guiding principles
so that I may reflect on your miracles.
28 I am drowning in tears.
Strengthen me as you promised.
29 Turn me away from a life of lies.
Graciously provide me with your teachings.
30 I have chosen a life of faithfulness.
I have set your regulations in front of me.
31 I have clung tightly to your written instructions.
O Lord, do not let me be put to shame.
32 I will eagerly pursue your commandments
because you continue to increase my understanding.
33 Teach me, O Lord, how to live by your laws,
and I will obey them to the end.
34 Help me understand so that I can follow your teachings.
I will guard them with all my heart.
35 Lead me on the path of your commandments,
because I am happy with them.
36 Direct my heart toward your written instructions
rather than getting rich in underhanded ways.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things.
Give me a new life in your ways.
38 Keep your promise to me
so that I can fear you.
39 Take away insults, which I dread,
because your regulations are good.
40 I long for your guiding principles.
Give me a new life in your righteousness.
41 Let your blessings reach me, O Lord.
Save me as you promised.
42 Then I will have an answer for the one who insults me
since I trust your word.
43 Do not take so much as a single word of truth from my mouth.
My hope is based on your regulations.
44 I will follow your teachings forever and ever.
45 I will walk around freely
because I sought out your guiding principles.
46 I will speak about your written instructions in the presence of kings
and not feel ashamed.
47 Your commandments, which I love, make me happy.
48 I lift my hands ⌞in prayer⌟ because of your commandments,
which I love.
I will reflect on your laws.
49 Remember the word ⌞you gave⌟ me.
Through it you gave me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my misery:
Your promise gave me a new life.
51 Arrogant people have mocked me with cruelty,
yet I have not turned away from your teachings.
52 I remembered your regulations from long ago, O Lord,
and I found comfort ⌞in them⌟.
53 I am burning with anger because of wicked people,
who abandon your teachings.
54 Your laws have become like psalms to me
in this place where I am only a foreigner.
55 At night I remember your name, O Lord,
and I follow your teachings.
56 This has happened to me
because I have obeyed your guiding principles.
57 You are my inheritance, O Lord.
I promised to hold on to your words.
58 With all my heart I want to win your favor.
Be kind to me as you promised.
59 I have thought about my life,
and I have directed my feet back to your written instructions.
60 Without any hesitation I hurry to obey your commandments.
61 ⌞Though⌟ the ropes of wicked people are tied around me,
I never forget your teachings.
62 At midnight I wake up to give thanks to you
for the regulations, which are based on your righteousness.
63 I am a friend to everyone who fears you
and to everyone who follows your guiding principles.
64 Your mercy, O Lord, fills the earth.
Teach me your laws.
65 You have treated me well, O Lord,
as you promised.
66 Teach me ⌞to use⌟ good judgment and knowledge,
because I believe in your commandments.
67 Before you made me suffer, I used to wander off,
but now I hold on to your word.
68 You are good, and you do good things.
Teach me your laws.
69 Arrogant people have smeared me with lies,
⌞yet⌟ I obey your guiding principles with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are cold and insensitive,
⌞yet⌟ I am happy with your teachings.
71 It was good that I had to suffer
in order to learn your laws.
72 The teachings ⌞that come⌟ from your mouth are worth more to me
than thousands in gold or silver.
73 Your hands created me and made me what I am.
Help me understand so that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will see me and rejoice,
because my hope is based on your word.
75 I know that your regulations are fair, O Lord,
and that you were right to make me suffer.
76 Let your mercy comfort me
as you promised.
77 Let your compassion reach me so that I may live,
because your teachings make me happy.
78 Let arrogant people be put to shame
because they lied about me,
⌞yet⌟ I reflect on your guiding principles.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me
so that they can come to know your written instructions.
80 Let my heart be filled with integrity in regard to your laws
so that I will not be put to shame.
81 My soul is weak from waiting for you to save me.
My hope is based on your word.
82 My eyes have become strained from looking for your promise.
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Although I have become like a shriveled and dried out wineskin,
I have not forgotten your laws.
84 What is left of my life?
When will you bring those who persecute me to justice?
85 Arrogant people have dug pits to trap me
in defiance of your teachings.
86 (All your commandments are reliable.)
Those people persecute me with lies. Help me!
87 They almost wiped me off ⌞the face of⌟ the earth.
But I did not abandon your guiding principles.
88 Give me a new life through your mercy
so that I may obey the written instructions,
⌞which came⌟ from your mouth.
89 O Lord, your word is established in heaven forever.
90 Your faithfulness endures throughout every generation.
You set the earth in place, and it continues to stand.
91 All things continue to stand today because of your regulations,
since they are all your servants.
92 If your teachings had not made me happy,
then I would have died in my misery.
93 I will never forget your guiding principles,
because you gave me a new life through them.
94 I am yours.
Save me, because I have searched for your guiding principles.
95 The wicked people have waited for me in order to destroy me,
⌞yet⌟ I want to understand your written instructions.
96 I have seen a limit to everything else,
⌞but⌟ your commandments have no limit.
97 Oh, how I love your teachings!
They are in my thoughts all day long.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
because your commandments are always with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
because your written instructions are in my thoughts.
100 I have more wisdom than those with many years of experience,
because I have obeyed your guiding principles.
101 I have kept my feet ⌞from walking⌟ on any evil path
in order to obey your word.
102 I have not neglected your regulations,
because you have taught me.
103 How sweet the taste of your promise is!
It tastes sweeter than honey.
104 From your guiding principles I gain understanding.
That is why I hate every path that leads to lying.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I took an oath, and I will keep it.
I took an oath to follow your regulations,
which are based on your righteousness.
107 I have suffered so much.
Give me a new life, O Lord, as you promised.
108 Please accept the praise I gladly give you, O Lord,
and teach me your regulations.
109 I always take my life into my own hands,
but I never forget your teachings.
110 Wicked people have set a trap for me,
but I have never wandered away from your guiding principles.
111 Your written instructions are mine forever.
They are the joy of my heart.
112 I have decided to obey your laws.
They offer a reward that never ends.
113 I hate two-faced people,
but I love your teachings.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
My hope is based on your word.
115 Get away from me, you evildoers,
so that I can obey the commandments of my God.
116 Help me God, as you promised, so that I may live.
Do not turn my hope into disappointment.
117 Hold me, and I will be safe,
and I will always respect your laws.
118 You reject all who wander away from your laws,
because their lies mislead them.
119 You get rid of all wicked people on earth as if they were rubbish.
That is why I love your written instructions.
120 My body shudders in fear of you,
and I am afraid of your regulations.
121 I have done what is fair and right.
Do not leave me at the mercy of those who oppress me.
122 Guarantee my well-being.
Do not let arrogant people oppress me.
123 My eyes are strained from looking for you to save me
and from looking for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Treat me with kindness,
and teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant.
Help me understand
so that I may come to know your written instructions.
126 It is time for you to act, O Lord.[a]
Even though people have abolished your teachings,
127 I love your commandments more than gold, more than pure gold.
128 I follow the straight paths of your guiding principles.
I hate every pathway that leads to lying.
129 Your written instructions are miraculous.
That is why I obey them.
130 Your word is a doorway that lets in light,
and it helps gullible people understand.
131 I open my mouth and pant
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn toward me, and have pity on me
as you have pledged to do for those who love your name.
133 Make my steps secure through your promise,
and do not let any sin control me.
134 Save me from human oppression
so that I may obey your guiding principles.
135 Smile on me,
and teach me your laws.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes
because others do not follow your teachings.
137 You are righteous, O Lord,
and your regulations are fair.
138 You have issued your written instructions.
They are fair and completely dependable.
139 My devotion ⌞for your words⌟ consumes me,
because my enemies have forgotten your words.
140 Your promise has been thoroughly tested,
and I love it.
141 I am unimportant and despised,
⌞yet⌟ I never forget your guiding principles.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your teachings are reliable.
143 Trouble and hardship have found me,
but your commandments ⌞still⌟ make me happy.
144 Your written instructions are always right.
Help me understand ⌞them⌟ so that I will live.
145 I have called out with all my heart. Answer me, O Lord.
I want to obey your laws.
146 I have called out.
Save me, so that I can obey your written instructions.
147 I got up before dawn, and I cried out for help.
My hope is based on your word.
148 My eyes are wide-open throughout the nighttime hours
to reflect on your word.
149 In keeping with your mercy, hear my voice.
O Lord, give me a new life guided by your regulations.
150 Those who carry out plots against me are near,
⌞yet⌟ they are far away from your teachings.
151 You are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are reliable.
152 Long ago I learned from your written instructions
that you made them to last forever.
153 Look at my misery, and rescue me,
because I have never forgotten your teachings.
154 Plead my case ⌞for me⌟, and save me.
Give me a new life as you promised.
155 Wicked people are far from being saved,
because they have not searched for your laws.
156 Your acts of compassion are many in number, O Lord.
Give me a new life guided by your regulations.
157 I have many persecutors and opponents,
⌞yet⌟ I have not turned away from your written instructions.
158 I have seen traitors,
and I am filled with disgust.
They have not accepted your promise.
159 See how I have loved your guiding principles!
O Lord, in keeping with your mercy, give me a new life.
160 There is nothing but truth in your word,
and all of your righteous regulations endure forever.
161 Influential people have persecuted me for no reason,
but it is only your words that fill my heart with terror.
162 I find joy in your promise
like someone who finds a priceless treasure.
163 I hate lying; I am disgusted with it.
I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous regulations.
165 There is lasting peace for those who love your teachings.
Nothing can make those people stumble.
166 I have waited with hope for you to save me, O Lord.
I have carried out your commandments.
167 I have obeyed your written instructions.
I have loved them very much.
168 I have followed your guiding principles and your written instructions,
because my whole life is in front of you.
169 Let my cry for help come into your presence, O Lord.
Help me understand as you promised.
170 Let my plea for mercy come into your presence.
Rescue me as you promised.
171 Let my lips pour out praise
because you teach me your laws.
172 Let my tongue sing about your promise
because all your commandments are fair.
173 Let your hand help me
because I have chosen ⌞to follow⌟ your guiding principles.
174 I have longed for you to save me, O Lord,
and your teachings make me happy.
175 Let my soul have new life so that it can praise you.
Let your regulations help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost lamb.
Search for me,
because I have never forgotten your commandments.
Footnotes
- 119:126 One Hebrew manuscript, Latin; other Hebrew manuscripts “It is time to act for the LORD.”
Psalm 119
English Standard Version
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
Aleph
119 [a] Blessed are those whose (A)way is blameless,
who (B)walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who (C)keep his (D)testimonies,
who (E)seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also (F)do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your (G)precepts
to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may (H)be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 (I)Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn (J)your righteous rules.[b]
8 I will keep your statutes;
(K)do not utterly forsake me!
Beth
9 How can (L)a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 (M)With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not (N)wander from your commandments!
11 I have (O)stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
(P)teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I (Q)declare
all the rules[c] of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I (R)delight
as much as in all (S)riches.
15 I will (T)meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your (U)ways.
16 I will (V)delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Gimel
17 (W)Deal bountifully with your servant,
(X)that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am (Y)a sojourner on the earth;
(Z)hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with (AA)longing
for your rules[d] at all times.
21 You rebuke (AB)the insolent, (AC)accursed ones,
who (AD)wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me (AE)scorn and contempt,
(AF)for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though (AG)princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will (AH)meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my (AI)delight;
they are my (AJ)counselors.
Daleth
25 (AK)My soul clings to the dust;
(AL)give me life (AM)according to your word!
26 When (AN)I told of my ways, you answered me;
(AO)teach me your statutes!
27 (AP)Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will (AQ)meditate on your wondrous works.
28 (AR)My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously (AS)teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I (AT)set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
(AU)let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you (AV)enlarge my heart![e]
He
33 (AW)Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it (AX)to the end.[f]
34 (AY)Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 (AZ)Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I (BA)delight in it.
36 (BB)Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to (BC)selfish gain!
37 (BD)Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and (BE)give me life in your ways.
38 (BF)Confirm to your servant your promise,
(BG)that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the (BH)reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I (BI)long for your precepts;
(BJ)in your righteousness give me life!
Waw
41 Let your (BK)steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation (BL)according to your promise;
42 then (BM)shall I have an answer for him (BN)who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my (BO)hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk (BP)in a wide place,
for I have (BQ)sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies (BR)before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I (BS)find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48 I will (BT)lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will (BU)meditate on your statutes.
Zayin
49 Remember (BV)your word to your servant,
in which you have made me (BW)hope.
50 This is (BX)my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise (BY)gives me life.
51 (BZ)The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not (CA)turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53 (CB)Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my (CC)sojourning.
55 I (CD)remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
that (CE)I have kept your precepts.
Heth
57 (CF)The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I (CG)entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me (CH)according to your promise.
59 When I (CI)think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though (CJ)the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not (CK)forget your law.
62 At (CL)midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your (CM)righteous rules.
63 (CN)I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 (CO)The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
(CP)teach me your statutes!
Teth
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, (CQ)according to your word.
66 Teach me (CR)good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 (CS)Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 (CT)You are good and do good;
(CU)teach me your statutes.
69 (CV)The insolent (CW)smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I (CX)keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling (CY)like fat,
but I (CZ)delight in your law.
71 It is (DA)good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 (DB)The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Yodh
73 (DC)Your hands have made and fashioned me;
(DD)give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and (DE)rejoice,
because I have (DF)hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are (DG)righteous,
and that in (DH)faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your (DI)mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my (DJ)delight.
78 Let (DK)the insolent be put to (DL)shame,
because they have (DM)wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will (DN)meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you (DO)turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be (DP)blameless in your statutes,
(DQ)that I may not be put to shame!
Kaph
81 My soul (DR)longs for your salvation;
I (DS)hope in your word.
82 My (DT)eyes long for your promise;
I ask, (DU)“When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have (DV)become like a (DW)wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 (DX)How long must your servant endure?[g]
(DY)When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 (DZ)The insolent have (EA)dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are (EB)sure;
they persecute me (EC)with falsehood; (ED)help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love (EE)give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Lamedh
89 Forever, O Lord, your (EF)word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your (EG)faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have (EH)established the earth, and it (EI)stands fast.
91 By your (EJ)appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my (EK)delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have (EL)given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
(EM)for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly (EN)broad.
Mem
97 Oh how (EO)I love your law!
It is my (EP)meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me (EQ)wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for (ER)your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than (ES)the aged,[h]
for I (ET)keep your precepts.
101 I (EU)hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How (EV)sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore (EW)I hate every false way.
Nun
105 (EX)Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have (EY)sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your (EZ)righteous rules.
107 I am severely (FA)afflicted;
(FB)give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108 Accept (FC)my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and (FD)teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life (FE)in my hand continually,
but I do not (FF)forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid (FG)a snare for me,
but (FH)I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are (FI)my heritage forever,
for they are (FJ)the joy of my heart.
112 I (FK)incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, (FL)to the end.[i]
Samekh
113 I hate (FM)the double-minded,
but I love (FN)your law.
114 You are my (FO)hiding place and my (FP)shield;
I (FQ)hope in your word.
115 (FR)Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may (FS)keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me (FT)according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be (FU)put to shame in my (FV)hope!
117 (FW)Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You (FX)spurn all who (FY)go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like (FZ)dross,
therefore (GA)I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh (GB)trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
Ayin
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant (GC)a pledge of good;
let not (GD)the insolent oppress me.
123 My (GE)eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and (GF)teach me your statutes.
125 I am your (GG)servant; (GH)give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I (GI)love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every (GJ)false way.
Pe
129 Your testimonies are (GK)wonderful;
therefore my soul (GL)keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts (GM)understanding to the simple.
131 I (GN)open my mouth and (GO)pant,
because I (GP)long for your commandments.
132 (GQ)Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 (GR)Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity (GS)get dominion over me.
134 (GT)Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 (GU)Make your face shine upon your servant,
and (GV)teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes (GW)shed streams of tears,
because people (GX)do not keep your law.
Tsadhe
137 (GY)Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in (GZ)righteousness
and in all (HA)faithfulness.
139 My (HB)zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well (HC)tried,
and your servant (HD)loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not (HE)forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is (HF)true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my (HG)delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
(HH)give me understanding that I may (HI)live.
Qoph
145 With my (HJ)whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will (HK)keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before (HL)dawn and cry for help;
I (HM)hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before (HN)the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, (HO)according to your justice (HP)give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But (HQ)you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are (HR)true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have (HS)founded them forever.
Resh
153 Look on my (HT)affliction and deliver me,
for (HU)I do not forget your law.
154 (HV)Plead my cause and redeem me;
(HW)give me life according to your promise!
155 (HX)Salvation is far from the wicked,
(HY)for they do not seek your statutes.
156 (HZ)Great is your mercy, O Lord;
(IA)give me life according to your rules.
157 (IB)Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not (IC)swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at (ID)the faithless with (IE)disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I (IF)love your precepts!
(IG)Give me life, O Lord, according to your steadfast love.
160 (IH)The sum of your word is (II)truth,
and every one of your (IJ)righteous rules endures forever.
Sin and Shin
161 (IK)Princes persecute me (IL)without cause,
but my heart (IM)stands in awe of your words.
162 I (IN)rejoice at your word
like one who (IO)finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love (IP)your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your (IQ)righteous rules.
165 Great (IR)peace have those who love your law;
(IS)nothing can make them stumble.
166 I (IT)hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I (IU)love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
(IV)for all my ways are before you.
Taw
169 Let my (IW)cry come before you, O Lord;
(IX)give me understanding (IY)according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
(IZ)deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will (JA)pour forth praise,
for you (JB)teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for (JC)all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have (JD)chosen your precepts.
174 I (JE)long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my (JF)delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have (JG)gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not (JH)forget your commandments.
Footnotes
- Psalm 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem of twenty-two stanzas, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet; within a stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter
- Psalm 119:7 Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164
- Psalm 119:13 Or all the just decrees
- Psalm 119:20 Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175
- Psalm 119:32 Or for you set my heart free
- Psalm 119:33 Or keep it as my reward
- Psalm 119:84 Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?
- Psalm 119:100 Or the elders
- Psalm 119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal
Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
