Psalm 119

New International Version

Psalm 119^[a]

א Aleph

¹Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,^(A)
    who walk^(B) according to the law of the Lord.^(C)
²Blessed^(D) are those who keep his statutes^(E)
    and seek him^(F) with all their heart—^(G)
³they do no wrong^(H)
    but follow his ways.^(I)
⁴You have laid down precepts^(J)
    that are to be fully obeyed.^(K)
⁵Oh, that my ways were steadfast
    in obeying your decrees!^(L)
⁶Then I would not be put to shame^(M)
    when I consider all your commands.^(N)
⁷I will praise you with an upright heart
    as I learn your righteous laws.^(O)
⁸I will obey your decrees;
    do not utterly forsake me.^(P)

ב Beth

⁹How can a young person stay on the path of purity?^(Q)
    By living according to your word.^(R)
¹⁰I seek you with all my heart;^(S)
    do not let me stray from your commands.^(T)
¹¹I have hidden your word in my heart^(U)
    that I might not sin^(V) against you.
¹²Praise be^(W) to you, Lord;
    teach me^(X) your decrees.^(Y)
¹³With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.^(Z)
¹⁴I rejoice in following your statutes^(AA)
    as one rejoices in great riches.
¹⁵I meditate on your precepts^(AB)
    and consider your ways.
¹⁶I delight^(AC) in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.

ג Gimel

¹⁷Be good to your servant^(AD) while I live,
    that I may obey your word.^(AE)
¹⁸Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.
¹⁹I am a stranger on earth;^(AF)
    do not hide your commands from me.
²⁰My soul is consumed^(AG) with longing
    for your laws^(AH) at all times.
²¹You rebuke the arrogant,^(AI) who are accursed,^(AJ)
    those who stray^(AK) from your commands.
²²Remove from me their scorn^(AL) and contempt,
    for I keep your statutes.^(AM)
²³Though rulers sit together and slander me,
    your servant will meditate on your decrees.
²⁴Your statutes are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

ד Daleth

²⁵I am laid low in the dust;^(AN)
    preserve my life^(AO) according to your word.^(AP)
²⁶I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
    teach me your decrees.^(AQ)
²⁷Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.^(AR)
²⁸My soul is weary with sorrow;^(AS)
    strengthen me^(AT) according to your word.^(AU)
²⁹Keep me from deceitful ways;^(AV)
    be gracious to me^(AW) and teach me your law.
³⁰I have chosen^(AX) the way of faithfulness;^(AY)
    I have set my heart^(AZ) on your laws.
³¹I hold fast^(BA) to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
³²I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.

ה He

³³Teach me,^(BB) Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.^[b]
³⁴Give me understanding,^(BC) so that I may keep your law^(BD)
    and obey it with all my heart.^(BE)
³⁵Direct me^(BF) in the path of your commands,^(BG)
    for there I find delight.^(BH)
³⁶Turn my heart^(BI) toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.^(BJ)
³⁷Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life^(BK) according to your word.^[c]^(BL)
³⁸Fulfill your promise^(BM) to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
³⁹Take away the disgrace^(BN) I dread,
    for your laws are good.
⁴⁰How I long^(BO) for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.^(BP)

ו Waw

⁴¹May your unfailing love^(BQ) come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, according to your promise;^(BR)
⁴²then I can answer^(BS) anyone who taunts me,^(BT)
    for I trust in your word.
⁴³Never take your word of truth from my mouth,^(BU)
    for I have put my hope^(BV) in your laws.
⁴⁴I will always obey your law,^(BW)
    for ever and ever.
⁴⁵I will walk about in freedom,
    for I have sought out your precepts.^(BX)
⁴⁶I will speak of your statutes before kings^(BY)
    and will not be put to shame,^(BZ)
⁴⁷for I delight^(CA) in your commands
    because I love them.^(CB)
⁴⁸I reach out for your commands, which I love,
    that I may meditate^(CC) on your decrees.

ז Zayin

⁴⁹Remember your word^(CD) to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.^(CE)
⁵⁰My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life.^(CF)
⁵¹The arrogant mock me^(CG) unmercifully,
    but I do not turn^(CH) from your law.
⁵²I remember,^(CI) Lord, your ancient laws,
    and I find comfort in them.
⁵³Indignation grips me^(CJ) because of the wicked,
    who have forsaken your law.^(CK)
⁵⁴Your decrees are the theme of my song^(CL)
    wherever I lodge.
⁵⁵In the night, Lord, I remember^(CM) your name,
    that I may keep your law.^(CN)
⁵⁶This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts.^(CO)

ח Heth

⁵⁷You are my portion,^(CP) Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.^(CQ)
⁵⁸I have sought^(CR) your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me^(CS) according to your promise.^(CT)
⁵⁹I have considered my ways^(CU)
    and have turned my steps to your statutes.
⁶⁰I will hasten and not delay
    to obey your commands.^(CV)
⁶¹Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
    I will not forget^(CW) your law.
⁶²At midnight^(CX) I rise to give you thanks
    for your righteous laws.^(CY)
⁶³I am a friend to all who fear you,^(CZ)
    to all who follow your precepts.^(DA)
⁶⁴The earth is filled with your love,^(DB) Lord;
    teach me your decrees.^(DC)

ט Teth

⁶⁵Do good^(DD) to your servant
    according to your word,^(DE) Lord.
⁶⁶Teach me knowledge^(DF) and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
⁶⁷Before I was afflicted^(DG) I went astray,^(DH)
    but now I obey your word.^(DI)
⁶⁸You are good,^(DJ) and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.^(DK)
⁶⁹Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,^(DL)
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.
⁷⁰Their hearts are callous^(DM) and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.
⁷¹It was good for me to be afflicted^(DN)
    so that I might learn your decrees.
⁷²The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.^(DO)

י Yodh

⁷³Your hands made me^(DP) and formed me;
    give me understanding to learn your commands.
⁷⁴May those who fear you rejoice^(DQ) when they see me,
    for I have put my hope in your word.^(DR)
⁷⁵I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,^(DS)
    and that in faithfulness^(DT) you have afflicted me.
⁷⁶May your unfailing love^(DU) be my comfort,
    according to your promise^(DV) to your servant.
⁷⁷Let your compassion^(DW) come to me that I may live,
    for your law is my delight.^(DX)
⁷⁸May the arrogant^(DY) be put to shame for wronging me without cause;^(DZ)
    but I will meditate on your precepts.
⁷⁹May those who fear you turn to me,
    those who understand your statutes.^(EA)
⁸⁰May I wholeheartedly follow^(EB) your decrees,^(EC)
    that I may not be put to shame.^(ED)

כ Kaph

⁸¹My soul faints^(EE) with longing for your salvation,^(EF)
    but I have put my hope^(EG) in your word.
⁸²My eyes fail,^(EH) looking for your promise;^(EI)
    I say, “When will you comfort me?”
⁸³Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
    I do not forget^(EJ) your decrees.
⁸⁴How long^(EK) must your servant wait?
    When will you punish my persecutors?^(EL)
⁸⁵The arrogant^(EM) dig pits^(EN) to trap me,
    contrary to your law.
⁸⁶All your commands are trustworthy;^(EO)
    help me,^(EP) for I am being persecuted^(EQ) without cause.^(ER)
⁸⁷They almost wiped me from the earth,
    but I have not forsaken^(ES) your precepts.
⁸⁸In your unfailing love^(ET) preserve my life,^(EU)
    that I may obey the statutes^(EV) of your mouth.

ל Lamedh

⁸⁹Your word, Lord, is eternal;^(EW)
    it stands firm in the heavens.
⁹⁰Your faithfulness^(EX) continues through all generations;^(EY)
    you established the earth, and it endures.^(EZ)
⁹¹Your laws endure^(FA) to this day,
    for all things serve you.^(FB)
⁹²If your law had not been my delight,^(FC)
    I would have perished in my affliction.^(FD)
⁹³I will never forget^(FE) your precepts,
    for by them you have preserved my life.^(FF)
⁹⁴Save me,^(FG) for I am yours;
    I have sought out your precepts.^(FH)
⁹⁵The wicked are waiting to destroy me,^(FI)
    but I will ponder your statutes.^(FJ)
⁹⁶To all perfection I see a limit,
    but your commands are boundless.^(FK)

מ Mem

⁹⁷Oh, how I love your law!^(FL)
    I meditate^(FM) on it all day long.
⁹⁸Your commands are always with me
    and make me wiser^(FN) than my enemies.
⁹⁹I have more insight than all my teachers,
    for I meditate on your statutes.^(FO)
¹⁰⁰I have more understanding than the elders,
    for I obey your precepts.^(FP)
¹⁰¹I have kept my feet^(FQ) from every evil path
    so that I might obey your word.^(FR)
¹⁰²I have not departed from your laws,^(FS)
    for you yourself have taught^(FT) me.
¹⁰³How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey^(FU) to my mouth!^(FV)
¹⁰⁴I gain understanding^(FW) from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path.^(FX)

נ Nun

¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp^(FY) for my feet,
    a light^(FZ) on my path.
¹⁰⁶I have taken an oath^(GA) and confirmed it,
    that I will follow your righteous laws.^(GB)
¹⁰⁷I have suffered much;
    preserve my life,^(GC) Lord, according to your word.
¹⁰⁸Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,^(GD)
    and teach me your laws.^(GE)
¹⁰⁹Though I constantly take my life in my hands,^(GF)
    I will not forget^(GG) your law.
¹¹⁰The wicked have set a snare^(GH) for me,
    but I have not strayed^(GI) from your precepts.
¹¹¹Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.^(GJ)
¹¹²My heart is set^(GK) on keeping your decrees
    to the very end.^[d]^(GL)

ס Samekh

¹¹³I hate double-minded people,^(GM)
    but I love your law.^(GN)
¹¹⁴You are my refuge and my shield;^(GO)
    I have put my hope^(GP) in your word.
¹¹⁵Away from me,^(GQ) you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commands of my God!
¹¹⁶Sustain me,^(GR) my God, according to your promise,^(GS) and I will live;
    do not let my hopes be dashed.^(GT)
¹¹⁷Uphold me,^(GU) and I will be delivered;^(GV)
    I will always have regard for your decrees.^(GW)
¹¹⁸You reject all who stray^(GX) from your decrees,
    for their delusions come to nothing.
¹¹⁹All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;^(GY)
    therefore I love your statutes.^(GZ)
¹²⁰My flesh trembles^(HA) in fear of you;^(HB)
    I stand in awe^(HC) of your laws.

ע Ayin

¹²¹I have done what is righteous and just;^(HD)
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
¹²²Ensure your servant’s well-being;^(HE)
    do not let the arrogant oppress me.^(HF)
¹²³My eyes fail,^(HG) looking for your salvation,^(HH)
    looking for your righteous promise.^(HI)
¹²⁴Deal with your servant according to your love^(HJ)
    and teach me your decrees.^(HK)
¹²⁵I am your servant;^(HL) give me discernment
    that I may understand your statutes.^(HM)
¹²⁶It is time for you to act, Lord;
    your law is being broken.^(HN)
¹²⁷Because I love your commands^(HO)
    more than gold,^(HP) more than pure gold,^(HQ)
¹²⁸and because I consider all your precepts right,^(HR)
    I hate every wrong path.^(HS)

פ Pe

¹²⁹Your statutes are wonderful;^(HT)
    therefore I obey them.^(HU)
¹³⁰The unfolding of your words gives light;^(HV)
    it gives understanding to the simple.^(HW)
¹³¹I open my mouth and pant,^(HX)
    longing for your commands.^(HY)
¹³²Turn to me^(HZ) and have mercy^(IA) on me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.^(IB)
¹³³Direct my footsteps according to your word;^(IC)
    let no sin rule^(ID) over me.
¹³⁴Redeem me from human oppression,^(IE)
    that I may obey your precepts.^(IF)
¹³⁵Make your face shine^(IG) on your servant
    and teach me your decrees.^(IH)
¹³⁶Streams of tears^(II) flow from my eyes,
    for your law is not obeyed.^(IJ)

צ Tsadhe

¹³⁷You are righteous,^(IK) Lord,
    and your laws are right.^(IL)
¹³⁸The statutes you have laid down are righteous;^(IM)
    they are fully trustworthy.^(IN)
¹³⁹My zeal wears me out,^(IO)
    for my enemies ignore your words.
¹⁴⁰Your promises^(IP) have been thoroughly tested,^(IQ)
    and your servant loves them.^(IR)
¹⁴¹Though I am lowly and despised,^(IS)
    I do not forget your precepts.^(IT)
¹⁴²Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.^(IU)
¹⁴³Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.^(IV)
¹⁴⁴Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding^(IW) that I may live.

ק Qoph

¹⁴⁵I call with all my heart;^(IX) answer me, Lord,
    and I will obey your decrees.^(IY)
¹⁴⁶I call out to you; save me^(IZ)
    and I will keep your statutes.
¹⁴⁷I rise before dawn^(JA) and cry for help;
    I have put my hope in your word.
¹⁴⁸My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,^(JB)
    that I may meditate on your promises.
¹⁴⁹Hear my voice^(JC) in accordance with your love;^(JD)
    preserve my life,^(JE) Lord, according to your laws.
¹⁵⁰Those who devise wicked schemes^(JF) are near,
    but they are far from your law.
¹⁵¹Yet you are near,^(JG) Lord,
    and all your commands are true.^(JH)
¹⁵²Long ago I learned from your statutes^(JI)
    that you established them to last forever.^(JJ)

ר Resh

¹⁵³Look on my suffering^(JK) and deliver me,^(JL)
    for I have not forgotten^(JM) your law.
¹⁵⁴Defend my cause^(JN) and redeem me;^(JO)
    preserve my life^(JP) according to your promise.^(JQ)
¹⁵⁵Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek out^(JR) your decrees.
¹⁵⁶Your compassion, Lord, is great;^(JS)
    preserve my life^(JT) according to your laws.^(JU)
¹⁵⁷Many are the foes who persecute me,^(JV)
    but I have not turned^(JW) from your statutes.
¹⁵⁸I look on the faithless with loathing,^(JX)
    for they do not obey your word.^(JY)
¹⁵⁹See how I love your precepts;
    preserve my life,^(JZ) Lord, in accordance with your love.
¹⁶⁰All your words are true;
    all your righteous laws are eternal.^(KA)

ש Sin and Shin

¹⁶¹Rulers persecute me^(KB) without cause,
    but my heart trembles^(KC) at your word.
¹⁶²I rejoice^(KD) in your promise
    like one who finds great spoil.^(KE)
¹⁶³I hate and detest^(KF) falsehood
    but I love your law.^(KG)
¹⁶⁴Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous laws.^(KH)
¹⁶⁵Great peace^(KI) have those who love your law,
    and nothing can make them stumble.^(KJ)
¹⁶⁶I wait for your salvation,^(KK) Lord,
    and I follow your commands.
¹⁶⁷I obey your statutes,
    for I love them^(KL) greatly.
¹⁶⁸I obey your precepts^(KM) and your statutes,^(KN)
    for all my ways are known^(KO) to you.

ת Taw

¹⁶⁹May my cry come^(KP) before you, Lord;
    give me understanding^(KQ) according to your word.^(KR)
¹⁷⁰May my supplication come^(KS) before you;
    deliver me^(KT) according to your promise.^(KU)
¹⁷¹May my lips overflow with praise,^(KV)
    for you teach me^(KW) your decrees.
¹⁷²May my tongue sing^(KX) of your word,
    for all your commands are righteous.^(KY)
¹⁷³May your hand be ready to help^(KZ) me,
    for I have chosen^(LA) your precepts.
¹⁷⁴I long for your salvation,^(LB) Lord,
    and your law gives me delight.^(LC)
¹⁷⁵Let me live^(LD) that I may praise you,
    and may your laws sustain me.
¹⁷⁶I have strayed like a lost sheep.^(LE)
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten^(LF) your commands.

Footnotes

Psalm 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet; moreover, the verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way
Psalm 119:112 Or decrees / for their enduring reward

Psalm 119

Complete Jewish Bible

א (Alef)

119 How happy are those whose way of life is blameless,
who live by the Torah of Adonai!
²How happy are those who observe his instruction,
who seek him wholeheartedly!
³They do nothing wrong
but live by his ways.
⁴You laid down your precepts
for us to observe with care.
⁵May my ways be steady
in observing your laws.
⁶Then I will not be put to shame,
since I will have fixed my sight on all your mitzvot.
⁷I thank you with a sincere heart
as I learn your righteous rulings.
⁸I will observe your laws;
don’t completely abandon me!

ב (Bet)

⁹How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
¹⁰I seek you with all my heart;
don’t let me stray from your mitzvot.
¹¹I treasure your word in my heart,
so that I won’t sin against you.
¹²Blessed are you, Adonai!
Teach me your laws.
¹³I proclaim with my mouth
all the rulings you have spoken.
¹⁴I rejoice in the way of your instruction
more than in any kind of wealth.
¹⁵I will meditate on your precepts
and keep my eyes on your ways.
¹⁶I will find my delight in your regulations.
I will not forget your word.

ג (Gimel)

¹⁷Deal generously with your servant;
then I will live and observe your word.
¹⁸Open my eyes, so that I will see
wonders from your Torah.
¹⁹Though I’m just a wanderer on the earth,
don’t hide your mitzvot from me.
²⁰I am continually consumed
with longing for your rulings.
²¹You rebuke the proud, the cursed,
who stray from your mitzvot.
²²Remove scorn and contempt from me,
because I observe your instruction.
²³Even when princes sit and plot against me,
your servant meditates on your laws.
²⁴Also your instructions are my delight;
they are my counselors.

ד (Dalet)

²⁵I lie prostrate in the dust;
revive me, in keeping with your word.
²⁶I told you of my ways, and you answered me;
teach me your laws.
²⁷Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wonders.
²⁸I am melting away from anxiety and grief;
renew my strength, in keeping with your word.
²⁹Keep deceitful ways far from me,
and favor me with your Torah.
³⁰I choose the way of trust;
I set your rulings [before me].
³¹I cling to your instruction;
Adonai, don’t let me be put to shame!
³²I will run the way of your mitzvot,
for you have broadened my understanding.

ה (Heh)

³³Teach me, Adonai, the way of your laws;
keeping them will be its own reward for me.
³⁴Give me understanding; then I will keep your Torah;
I will observe it with all my heart.
³⁵Guide me on the path of your mitzvot,
for I take pleasure in it.
³⁶Bend my heart toward your instructions
and not toward selfish gain.
³⁷Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
with your ways, give me life.
³⁸Fulfill your promise, which you made to your servant,
which you made to those who fear you.
³⁹Avert the disgrace which I dread,
for your rulings are good.
⁴⁰See how I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness, give me life!

ו (Vav)

⁴¹May your grace come to me, Adonai,
your salvation, as you promised;
⁴²then I will have an answer for those who taunt me;
for I trust in your word.
⁴³Don’t take away completely my power to speak the truth;
for I put my hope in your rulings;
⁴⁴and I will keep your Torah always,
forever and ever.
⁴⁵I will go wherever I like,
for I have sought your precepts.
⁴⁶I will speak of your instructions even to kings
without being ashamed.
⁴⁷I will delight myself in your mitzvot,
which I have loved.
⁴⁸I will lift my hands to your mitzvot, which I love;
and I will meditate on your laws.

ז (Zayin)

⁴⁹Remember your promise to your servant,
through which you have given me hope.
⁵⁰In my distress my comfort is this:
that your promise gives me life.
⁵¹Though the arrogant scorn me completely,
I have not turned away from your Torah.
⁵²Adonai, I keep in mind your age-old rulings;
in them I take comfort.
⁵³Fury seizes me when I think of the wicked,
because they abandon your Torah.
⁵⁴Your laws have become my songs
wherever I make my home.
⁵⁵I remember your name, Adonai, at night;
and I observe your Torah.
⁵⁶This [comfort] has come to me,
because I observe your precepts.

ח (Het)

⁵⁷Adonai, I say that my task
is to observe your words.
⁵⁸I beg your favor with my whole heart;
show pity to me, in keeping with your promise.
⁵⁹I thought about my ways
and turned my feet toward your instruction.
⁶⁰I hurry, I don’t delay,
to observe your mitzvot.
⁶¹Even when the cords of the wicked close around me,
I don’t forget your Torah.
⁶²At midnight I rise to give you thanks
because of your righteous rulings.
⁶³I am a friend of all who fear you,
of those who observe your precepts.
⁶⁴The earth, Adonai, is full of your grace;
teach me your laws.

ט (Tet)

⁶⁵You have treated your servant well,
Adonai, in keeping with your word.
⁶⁶Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
because I trust in your mitzvot.
⁶⁷Before I was humbled, I used to go astray;
but now I observe your word.
⁶⁸You are good, and you do good;
teach me your laws.
⁶⁹The arrogant are slandering me,
but I will wholeheartedly keep your precepts.
⁷⁰Their hearts are as thick as fat,
but I take delight in your Torah.
⁷¹It is for my good that I have been humbled;
it was so that I would learn your laws.
⁷²The Torah you have spoken means more to me
than a fortune in gold and silver.

י (Yud)

⁷³Your hands made and formed me;
give me understanding, so I can learn your mitzvot.
⁷⁴Those who fear you rejoice at the sight of me,
because I put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵I know, Adonai, that your rulings are righteous,
that even when you humble me you are faithful.
⁷⁶Let your grace comfort me,
in keeping with your promise to your servant.
⁷⁷Show me pity, and I will live,
for your Torah is my delight.
⁷⁸Let the proud be ashamed, because they wrong me with lies;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
⁷⁹Let those who fear you turn to me,
along with those who know your instruction.
⁸⁰Let my heart be pure in your laws,
so that I won’t be put to shame.

כ (Kaf)

⁸¹I am dying to know your salvation;
my hope is in your word.
⁸²My eyes fail from watching for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
⁸³For I have shriveled like a wineskin in a smoky room;
still, I don’t forget your laws.
⁸⁴How long can your servant stay alive?
When will you bring judgment on my persecutors?
⁸⁵The arrogant have dug pits for me to fall in;
this is not in keeping with your Torah!
⁸⁶All your mitzvot [show your] faithfulness;
they are hounding me with lies; help me!
⁸⁷They have nearly ended my life on earth,
but I have not abandoned your precepts.
⁸⁸In keeping with your grace, revive me;
and I will observe your spoken instructions.

ל (Lamed)

⁸⁹Your word continues forever, Adonai,
firmly fixed in heaven;
⁹⁰your faithfulness through all generations;
you established the earth, and it stands.
⁹¹Yes, it stands today, in keeping with your rulings;
for all things are your servants.
⁹²If your Torah had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my distress.
⁹³I will never forget your precepts,
for with them you have made me alive.
⁹⁴I am yours; save me
because I seek your precepts.
⁹⁵The wicked hope to destroy me,
but I focus on your instruction.
⁹⁶I see the limits of all perfection,
but your mitzvah has no bounds.

מ (Mem)

⁹⁷How I love your Torah!
I meditate on it all day.
⁹⁸I am wiser than my foes,
because your mitzvot are mine forever.
⁹⁹I have more understanding than all my teachers,
because I meditate on your instruction.
¹⁰⁰I understand more than my elders,
because I keep your precepts.
¹⁰¹I keep my feet from every evil way,
in order to observe your word.
¹⁰²I don’t turn away from your rulings,
because you have instructed me.
¹⁰³How sweet to my tongue is your promise,
truly sweeter than honey in my mouth!
¹⁰⁴From your precepts I gain understanding;
this is why I hate every false way.

נ (Nun)

¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp for my foot
and light on my path.
¹⁰⁶I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
that I will observe your righteous rulings.
¹⁰⁷I am very much distressed;
Adonai, give me life, in keeping with your word.
¹⁰⁸Please accept my mouth’s voluntary offerings, Adonai;
and teach me your rulings.
¹⁰⁹I am continually taking my life in my hands,
yet I haven’t forgotten your Torah.
¹¹⁰The wicked have set a trap for me,
yet I haven’t strayed from your precepts.
¹¹¹I take your instruction as a permanent heritage,
because it is the joy of my heart.
¹¹²I have resolved to obey your laws
forever, at every step.

ס (Samekh)

¹¹³I hate doubleminded people,
but I love your Torah.
¹¹⁴You are my hiding-place and shield;
I put my hope in your word.
¹¹⁵Leave me alone, you evildoers,
so that I can keep my God’s mitzvot.
¹¹⁶Uphold me, as you promised; and I will live;
don’t disappoint me in my hope.
¹¹⁷Support me; and I will be saved,
always putting my attention on your laws.
¹¹⁸You reject all who stray from your laws,
for what they deceive themselves with is false.
¹¹⁹You discard the wicked of the earth like slag;
this is why I love your instruction.
¹²⁰My body trembles for fear of you;
your rulings make me afraid.

ע (‘Ayin)

¹²¹I have done what is just and right;
don’t abandon me to my oppressors.
¹²²Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
don’t let the arrogant oppress me.
¹²³My eyes fail from watching for your salvation
and for [the fulfillment of] your righteous promise.
¹²⁴Deal with your servant in accordance with your grace,
and teach me your laws.
¹²⁵I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I can know your instruction.
¹²⁶The time has come for Adonai to act,
because they are breaking your Torah.
¹²⁷Therefore I love your mitzvot
more than gold, more than fine gold.
¹²⁸Thus I direct my steps by [your] precepts;
every false way I hate.

פ (Peh)

¹²⁹Your instruction is a wonder;
this is why I follow it.
¹³⁰Your words are a doorway that lets in light,
giving understanding to the thoughtless.
¹³¹My mouth is wide open, as I pant
with longing for your mitzvot.
¹³²Turn to me, and show me your favor;
in keeping with [your] judgment for those who love your name.
¹³³Guide my footsteps by your word;
don’t let any kind of sin rule me.
¹³⁴Redeem me from human oppression,
and I will observe your precepts.
¹³⁵Make your face shine on your servant,
and teach me your laws.
¹³⁶Rivers of tears flow down from my eyes,
because they don’t observe your Torah.

צ (Tzadeh)

¹³⁷You are righteous, Adonai;
and your rulings are upright.
¹³⁸You have commanded your instructions
in righteousness and great faithfulness.
¹³⁹My zeal is destroying me,
because my foes have forgotten your words.
¹⁴⁰Your word is refined to complete purity,
and your servant loves it.
¹⁴¹I may be small and despised,
but I do not forget your precepts.
¹⁴²Your righteousness is eternal righteousness,
and your Torah is truth.
¹⁴³Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your mitzvot are my delight.
¹⁴⁴Your instruction is righteous forever;
give me understanding, and I will live.

ק (Kuf)

¹⁴⁵Wholeheartedly I am calling on you;
answer me, Adonai; I will keep your laws.
¹⁴⁶I am calling on you; save me;
and I will observe your instruction.
¹⁴⁷I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your word.
¹⁴⁸My eyes are open before the night watches,
so that I can meditate on your promise.
¹⁴⁹In your grace, hear my voice;
Adonai, in keeping with your justice, revive me.
¹⁵⁰The pursuers of carnality are getting close;
they are distancing themselves from your Torah.
¹⁵¹You are close by, Adonai;
and all your mitzvot are truth.
¹⁵²Long ago I learned from your instruction
that you established it forever.

ר (Resh)

¹⁵³Look at my distress, and rescue me,
for I do not forget your Torah.
¹⁵⁴Plead my cause, and redeem me;
in keeping with your promise, revive me.
¹⁵⁵Salvation is far away from the wicked,
because they don’t seek your laws.
¹⁵⁶Great is your compassion, Adonai;
in keeping with your rulings, revive me.
¹⁵⁷Although my persecutors and foes are many,
I have not turned away from your instruction.
¹⁵⁸I look at traitors with disgust,
because they don’t keep your word.
¹⁵⁹See how I love your precepts, Adonai;
in keeping with your grace, revive me.
¹⁶⁰The main thing about your word is that it’s true;
and all your just rulings last forever.

ש (Shin)

¹⁶¹Princes persecute me for no reason,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
¹⁶²I take joy in your promise,
like someone who finds much booty.
¹⁶³I hate falsehood, I detest it;
but I love your Torah.
¹⁶⁴I praise you seven times a day
because of your righteous rulings.
¹⁶⁵Those who love your Torah have great peace;
nothing makes them stumble.
¹⁶⁶I hope for your deliverance, Adonai;
I obey your mitzvot.
¹⁶⁷My soul observes your instruction,
and I love it so much!
¹⁶⁸I observe your precepts and instruction,
for all my ways lie open before you.

ת (Tav)

¹⁶⁹Let my cry come before you, Adonai;
in keeping with your word, give me understanding.
¹⁷⁰Let my prayer come before you;
in keeping with your promise, rescue me.
¹⁷¹Let my lips speak praise,
because you teach me your laws.
¹⁷²Let my tongue sing of your promise,
because all your mitzvot are righteous.
¹⁷³Let your hand be ready to help me,
because I choose your precepts.
¹⁷⁴I long for your deliverance, Adonai;
and your Torah is my delight.
¹⁷⁵Let me live, and I will praise you;
let your rulings help me.
¹⁷⁶I strayed like a lost sheep; seek out your servant;
for I do not forget your mitzvot.

Psalm 119

Expanded Bible

The Word of God

119 ·Happy [Blessed] are those ·who live pure lives [^Lwhose way is blameless],
    who follow the Lord’s ·teachings [instructions; law].
²Happy are those who keep his ·rules [decrees; testimonies],
    who ·try to obey [^Lseek] him with their whole heart.
³They don’t do what is wrong;
    they follow his ways.
⁴Lord, you ·gave [commanded] your ·orders [precepts]
    to be obeyed completely.
⁵·I wish I [^LO that my ways] were more ·loyal [steadfast; established; set]
    in obeying your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
⁶Then I would not be ashamed
    ·when I study [staring/gazing at] your commands.
⁷When I learned that your ·laws [judgments] are fair,
    I ·praised [thanked] you with an ·honest [upright] heart.
⁸I will obey your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements],
    so please don’t ever ·leave [abandon; forsake] me.

⁹How can a young person ·live a pure life [^Lkeep his way pure]?
    By ·obeying [guarding; keeping] your word.
¹⁰With all my heart I ·try to obey [seek] you.
    Don’t let me ·break [stray from] your commands.
¹¹I have ·taken your words to heart [treasured/stored your words in my heart]
    so I would not sin against you.
¹²Lord, you ·should be praised [are blessed].
    Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
¹³My lips will ·tell about [recount]
    all the ·laws you have spoken [^Ljudgments of your mouth].
¹⁴I enjoy ·living by your rules [the way of your decrees/testimonies]
    as people enjoy great riches.
¹⁵I ·think about [meditate on] your ·orders [precepts]
    and ·study [look at] your ways.
¹⁶I 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.
¹⁸Open my eyes to see
    the ·miracles [wonders] in your ·teachings [instructions; law].
¹⁹I 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.
²¹You ·scold [rebuke; reprimand] ·proud [arrogant] people;
    those who ·ignore [wander from] your commands are cursed.
²²·Don’t let me be insulted and hated [^LTake away insult and contempt]
    because I keep your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
²³Even if princes sit around and speak against me,
    I, your servant, will ·think [meditate] about your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
²⁴Your ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements] give me pleasure;
    they ·give me good advice [^Lare my advisors/counselors].

²⁵·I am about to die [^LMy soul clings to the dust].
    Give me life, as you have promised.
²⁶I ·told you about my life [^Lrecounted my way], and you answered me.
    Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
²⁷Help me understand your ·orders [^Lthe way of your precepts].
    Then I will ·think [meditate] about your ·miracles [wonders].
²⁸·I am sad and tired [^LMy soul is weary/melts with sorrow affliction].
    Make me ·strong [^Lrise up] again as you have promised.
²⁹·Don’t let me be dishonest [^LTurn me away from a false way];
    ·have mercy on me by helping me obey your teachings [graciously teach me your instructions/laws].
³⁰I have chosen the way of ·truth [faithfulness];
    I have ·obeyed [placed before me] your ·laws [judgments].
³¹I ·hold on [cling] to your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
    Lord, do not let me be ·disgraced [shamed].
³²I will ·quickly obey [^Lrun the way of] your commands,
    because you have ·made me happy [^Lenlarged my heart/mind].

³³Lord, teach me ·your demands [^Lthe way of your demands/statutes/ordinances/requirements],
    and I will ·keep [observe] them until the end.
³⁴Help me understand, so I can ·keep [protect] your ·teachings [instructions; laws],
    ·obeying [guarding] them with all my heart.
³⁵Lead me in the path of your commands,
    because ·that makes me happy [^LI take pleasure in them].
³⁶Make me want to keep your ·rules [decrees; testimonies]
    ·instead of wishing for riches [^Lnot to gain/profit].
³⁷·Keep me [^LTurn my eyes] from looking at ·worthless [false; vain] things.
    Let me live ·by your word [^Lin your path].
³⁸·Keep your promise [Confirm your word] to me, your servant,
    so you will be ·respected [feared; Prov. 1:7].
³⁹Take away ·the shame [my scorn/humiliation] I fear,
    because your ·laws [judgments] are good.
⁴⁰How I ·want to follow [long for] your ·orders [precepts].
    Give me life because of your ·goodness [righteousness].

⁴¹Lord, ·show [^Lbring] me your ·love [loyalty],
    and ·save me [give me victory] as you have ·promised [said].
⁴²I have an answer for people who ·insult [scorn] me,
    because I ·trust [find refuge in] what you say.
⁴³Never ·keep me from speaking your truth [^Ltake the word of truth from my mouth],
    because I ·depend [pin my hopes] on your ·fair laws [judgments].
⁴⁴I will ·obey [keep; guard] your ·teachings [instructions; laws]
    forever and ever.
⁴⁵So I will live in ·freedom [liberty],
    because I ·want to follow [^Lseek] your ·orders [precepts].
⁴⁶I will discuss your ·rules [decrees; testimonies] with kings
    and will not be ashamed.
⁴⁷I ·enjoy obeying [^Ldelight in] your commands,
    which I love.
⁴⁸I ·praise [^Llift my palms/hands to] your commands, which I love,
    and I ·think [meditate] about your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].

⁴⁹Remember your promise to me, your servant;
    it gives me hope.
⁵⁰When 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].
⁵²I remember your ·laws [judgments] from long ago,
    and they comfort me, Lord.
⁵³·I become angry with wicked people [^LIndignation seizes me because of the wicked]
    who ·do not keep [abandon; forsake] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
⁵⁴I sing about your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements]
    ·wherever I live [^Lin the house of my dwelling].
⁵⁵Lord, I remember ·you [^Lyour name] at night,
    and I will ·obey [keep; guard] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
⁵⁶This is what I do:
    I ·follow [protect] your ·orders [precepts].

⁵⁷Lord, you are my ·share in life [portion; lot];
    I have promised to ·obey [keep; guard] your words.
⁵⁸I ·prayed to [entreat; implore] you with all my heart.
    ·Have mercy on [Be gracious to] me as you have promised.
⁵⁹I ·thought about [considered] my ·life [^Lpath],
    and I ·decided to follow [^Lturned my feet to] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
⁶⁰I hurried and did not wait
    to ·obey [keep; obey] your commands.
⁶¹Wicked people have ·tied me up [ensnared me],
    but I have not forgotten your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
⁶²In the middle of the night, I get up to ·thank [praise] you
    because your ·laws [judgments] are ·right [righteous].
⁶³I am a ·friend [companion] to everyone who fears you,
    to anyone who ·obeys [keeps; guards] your ·orders [precepts].
⁶⁴Lord, your ·love [loyalty] fills the earth.
    Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].

⁶⁵You have done good things for your servant,
    as you have promised, Lord.
⁶⁶Teach me ·wisdom [^Lgood judgment] and knowledge
    because I ·trust [believe] your commands.
⁶⁷Before I ·suffered [was humbled], I ·did wrong [wandered],
    but now I ·obey [keep; guard] your word.
⁶⁸You 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 [^LTheir hearts are gross and fat],
    but I ·love [delight in] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
⁷¹It was good for me to ·suffer [be humbled]
    so I would learn your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
⁷²·Your teachings [^LThe instructions/laws of your mouth] are ·worth more to [better for] me
    than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

⁷³You made me and ·formed [fashioned; or established] me with your hands.
    Give me understanding so I can learn your commands.
⁷⁴Let those who ·respect [fear; Prov. 1:7] you rejoice when they see me,
    because I put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵Lord, I know that your ·laws [judgments] are ·right [righteous]
    and that it was ·right [faithful] for you to ·punish [humble] me.
⁷⁶Comfort me with your ·love [loyalty],
    as you promised me, your servant.
⁷⁷·Have mercy [^LLet your mercy/compassion come] on me so that I may live.
    I ·love [delight in] your ·teachings [laws; instructions].
⁷⁸Make ·proud [arrogant] people ashamed because they ·lied about me [perverted me with lies].
    But I will ·think about [meditate on] your ·orders [precepts].
⁷⁹Let 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 [^LMay my heart be blameless in regard to your statutes/ordinances/requirements]
    so I will not be ashamed.

⁸¹I ·am weak from waiting for you to save me [grow weak for your salvation/victory],
    but I hope in your word.
⁸²My eyes ·are tired from looking [grow weak] for your promise.
    I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
⁸³Even though I am like a wine bag in smoke [^Cshrunken and dried out],
    I do not forget your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
⁸⁴·How long will I live [^LLike 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 [^Cto trap him].
    They ·have nothing to do with your teachings [^Lare not according to your teachings/instructions/laws].
⁸⁶All of your commands ·can be trusted [are reliable].
    Liars are ·hurting [pursuing] me. Help me!
⁸⁷They have almost put me in the ·grave [^Learth],
    but I have not ·rejected [abandoned; forsaken] your ·orders [precepts].
⁸⁸Give me life ·by your love [^Laccording 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 [^Lyour word] ·continues forever [^Lis firm] in heaven.
⁹⁰Your ·loyalty [faithfulness; truth] will go on and on;
    you ·made [established] the earth, and it ·still stands [endures].
⁹¹All things ·continue [endure] to this day because of your ·laws [judgments],
    because all things ·serve you [^Lare your servants].
⁹²If I had not ·loved [delighted in] your ·teachings [instructions; laws],
    I would have ·died [perished] ·from my sufferings [in my afflictions].
⁹³I will never forget your ·orders [precepts],
    because you have given me life by them.
⁹⁴I am yours. ·Save me [Give me victory].
    I ·want to obey [seek] your ·orders [precepts].
⁹⁵Wicked people ·are waiting [hope] to ·destroy me [make me perish],
    but I will ·think about [consider] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
⁹⁶Everything I see has its limits,
    but your commands ·have none [^Lare very broad].

⁹⁷How I love your ·teachings [instructions; laws]!
    I ·think about [ponder; meditate on] them all day long.
⁹⁸Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
    because they are mine forever.
⁹⁹I am ·wiser [more insightful] than all my teachers,
    because I ·think about [ponder; meditate on] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
¹⁰⁰I have more understanding than the elders,
    because I ·follow [protect] your ·orders [precepts].
¹⁰¹I have ·avoided [^Lkept my feet from] every evil way
    so I could ·obey [keep; guard] your word.
¹⁰²I haven’t ·walked [turned] away from your ·laws [judgments],
    because you yourself are my teacher.
¹⁰³·Your promises are sweet to me [^LHow sweet your words slip/slide down my palate],
    sweeter than honey in my mouth!
¹⁰⁴Your ·orders [precepts] give me understanding,
    so I hate lying ways.

¹⁰⁵Your word is like a lamp for my feet
    and a light for my path [^Cit shows how life should be lived].
¹⁰⁶I ·will do what I have promised [^Lhave sworn and confirmed it]
    and ·obey [keep; guard] your ·fair [righteous] ·laws [judgments].
¹⁰⁷I have suffered ·for a long time [or greatly].
    Lord, ·give me [spare my] life by your word.
¹⁰⁸Lord, accept my ·willing [offering of] praise
    and teach me your ·laws [judgments].
¹⁰⁹My life is always in ·danger [^Lmy hand],
    but I haven’t forgotten your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
¹¹⁰Wicked people have set a trap for me,
    but I haven’t ·strayed [wandered] from your ·orders [precepts].
¹¹¹·I will follow your rules forever [^LYour rules/decrees/precepts are my inheritance forever],
    because they make ·me [^Lmy heart] happy.
¹¹²I will ·try [^Lincline my heart] to do ·what you demand [^Lyour statutes/ordinances]
    forever, until the end.

¹¹³I hate ·disloyal [or double-minded] people,
    but I love your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
¹¹⁴You are my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in your word.
¹¹⁵Get 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].
¹¹⁸You ·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].
¹¹⁹You throw away the wicked of the world like ·trash [dross].
    So I will love your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
¹²⁰·I [^LMy flesh] ·shake [shudder] in ·fear [dread] of you;
    I ·respect [fear] your ·laws [judgments].

¹²¹I 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, [^LStand as security for/Guarantee good for] your servant.
    Don’t let ·proud [arrogant] people ·wrong [oppress; exploit] me.
¹²³My 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].
¹²⁵I am your servant. ·Give me wisdom [Make me understand]
    so I can ·understand [know] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
¹²⁶Lord, it is time for you to do something,
    because ·people have disobeyed your teachings [^Lyour teachings/instructions/laws have been broken].
¹²⁷I love your commands
    more than ·the purest gold [^Lgold, the finest gold].
¹²⁸I ·respect [or follow] all your ·orders [precepts],
    so I hate ·lying [false] ways.

¹²⁹Your ·rules [decrees; testimonies] are wonderful.
    That is why I ·keep [protect] them.
¹³⁰·Learning [^LOpening] your words ·gives wisdom [illuminates; gives light]
    and understanding for the ·foolish [immature; simpleminded].
¹³¹·I am nearly out of breath [^LI crack/open my mouth and pant].
    I ·really want to learn [^Llong for] your commands.
¹³²·Look at [^LTurn to] me and have ·mercy [compassion] on me
    ·as you do [^Las is your custom] for those who love ·you [^Lyour name].
¹³³·Guide my steps [^LSteady my feet] as you promised;
    don’t let any ·sin [guilt] ·control [dominate] me.
¹³⁴·Save [Redeem] me from ·harmful [^Loppressive; exploitative] people
    so I can ·obey [keep; guard] your ·orders [precepts].
¹³⁵·Show your kindness to [^LMake your face shine on] me, your servant [Num. 6:24–26].
    Teach me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
¹³⁶·Tears stream [^LStreams of water come down] from my eyes,
    because people do not ·obey [keep; guard] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].

¹³⁷Lord, you ·do what is right [are righteous],
    and your ·laws [judgments] are ·fair [virtuous; upright].
¹³⁸·The rules [^LYour decrees/testimonies] you commanded are ·right [righteous]
    and completely ·trustworthy [true; faithful].
¹³⁹·I am so upset I am worn out [^LMy passion/zeal consumes; or silences me],
    because my ·enemies [foes] have forgotten your words.
¹⁴⁰Your promises are ·proven [refined],
    so I, your servant, love them.
¹⁴¹I am ·unimportant [small] and ·hated [despised],
    but I have not forgotten your ·orders [precepts].
¹⁴²Your ·goodness continues forever [righteousness is an everlasting righteousness],
    and your ·teachings [instructions; laws] are ·true [faithful].
¹⁴³·I have had troubles and misery [^LDistress and pressure have found me],
    but I ·love [delight in] your commands.
¹⁴⁴Your ·rules [decrees; testimonies] are always ·good [righteous].
    ·Help [Make] me understand so I can live.

¹⁴⁵I call to you with all my heart.
    Answer me, Lord, and I will ·keep [protect] your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
¹⁴⁶I call to you.
    ·Save me [Give me victory] so I can ·obey [keep; guard] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
¹⁴⁷I ·wake up early in the morning [get up before dawn] and cry out.
    I hope in your word.
¹⁴⁸·I stay awake all night [^LMy eyes awake in the watches of the night]
    so I can ·think about [meditate on] your promises.
¹⁴⁹·Listen to me [^LHear my voice] because of your ·love [loyalty];
    Lord, ·give me [spare my] life by your ·laws [judgments].
¹⁵⁰Those who ·love evil [^Lpursue/persecute me with an evil plan] are near,
    but they are far from your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
¹⁵¹But, Lord, you are also near,
    and all your commands are ·true [faithful].
¹⁵²Long ago I learned from your ·rules [decrees; testimonies]
    that you made them ·to continue [foundational] forever.

¹⁵³See my ·suffering [affliction] and rescue me,
    because I have not forgotten your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
¹⁵⁴Argue my case and ·save [redeem] me.
    ·Let me live [Spare my life] by your promises.
¹⁵⁵·Wicked people are far from being saved [^LSalvation/Victory is far from the wicked],
    because they do not ·want [seek] your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
¹⁵⁶Lord, ·you are very kind [^Lyour compassion/mercies are abundant];
    give me life by your ·laws [judgments].
¹⁵⁷Many ·enemies [foes] ·are after [pursue; persecute] me,
    but I have not ·rejected [swerved from] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies].
¹⁵⁸I see those traitors, and I ·hate [loathe; am disgusted by] them,
    because they do not ·obey [keep; guard] what you say.
¹⁵⁹See how I love your ·orders [precepts].
    Lord, give me life by your ·love [loyalty].
¹⁶⁰·Your words are true from the start [^LThe head of your word is true/faithful],
    and all your ·laws [judgments] will be ·fair [righteous] forever.

¹⁶¹Leaders ·attack [pursue] me for no reason,
    but ·I fear your law in my heart [^Lmy heart fears your words].
¹⁶²I ·am as happy over [delight in] your promises
    as if I had found ·a great treasure [much plunder].
¹⁶³I hate and ·despise [loathe] lies,
    but I love your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
¹⁶⁴Seven times a day I praise you
    for your ·fair laws [righteous judgments].
¹⁶⁵Those who love your ·teachings [instructions; laws] will find ·true peace [or much prosperity],
    and nothing will ·defeat them [make them stumble].
¹⁶⁶I am ·waiting [hoping] for ·you to save me [^Lyour salvation/victory], Lord.
    I will ·obey [^Ldo] your commands.
¹⁶⁷I ·obey [keep; guard] your ·rules [decrees; testimonies],
    and I love them very much.
¹⁶⁸I ·obey [keep; guard] your ·orders [precepts] and ·rules [decrees; testimonies],
    because ·you know everything I do [^Lall my ways are before you].

¹⁶⁹·Hear my cry to you [^LLet my shout of joy come near you], Lord.
    Let your word help me understand.
¹⁷⁰Listen to my ·prayer [supplication];
    ·save [protect] me as you promised.
¹⁷¹Let ·me [^Lmy lips] ·speak [bubble forth] your praise,
    because you have taught me your ·demands [statutes; ordinances; requirements].
¹⁷²Let ·me [^Lmy tongue] sing about your promises,
    because all your commands are ·fair [righteous].
¹⁷³Give me your helping hand,
    because I have chosen your ·commands [precepts].
¹⁷⁴I ·want you to save me [^Ldesire your salvation/victory], Lord.
    I ·love [delight in] your ·teachings [instructions; laws].
¹⁷⁵Let me live so I can praise you,
    and let your ·laws [judgments] help me.
¹⁷⁶I have ·wandered [gone astray] like a lost sheep.
    ·Look for [Seek] your servant, because I have not forgotten your commands.

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 119 New International Version

Psalm 119[a]