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 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
Psalm 119
International Standard Version
Alef [a]
Living in the Law of God
119 How blessed are those whose life[b] is blameless,
who walk in the Law of the Lord!
2 How blessed are those who observe his decrees,
who seek him with all of their heart,
3 who practice no evil
while they walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded concerning your precepts,
that they be guarded with diligence.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast,
so I may keep your statutes.
6 Then I will not be ashamed,
since my eyes will be fixed on all of your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
as I learn your righteous decrees.
8 I will keep your statutes;
do not ever abandon me.
Bet
The Benefits of the Word
9 How can a young man keep his behavior pure?
By guarding it in accordance with your word.
10 I have sought you with all of my heart;
do not let me drift away from your commands.
11 I have stored what you have said[c] in my heart,
so I won’t sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, Lord!
Teach me your statutes.
13 I have spoken with my lips
about all your decrees that you have announced.[d]
14 I find joy in the path of your decrees,
as if I owned all kinds of riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts,
and I will respect your ways.
16 I am delighted with your statutes;
I will not forget your word.[e]
Gimmel
Living and Keeping God’s Word
17 Deal kindly with your servant
so I may live and keep your word.[f]
18 Open my eyes
so that I will observe amazing things from your instruction.[g]
19 Since I am a stranger on the earth,
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your decrees at all times.
21 You rebuke the accursed ones,
who wander from your commands.
22 Remove scorn and disrespect from me,
for I observe your decrees.
23 Though nobles take their seat and gossip about me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 I take joy in your decrees,
for they are my counselors.
Daleth
Strength Comes from the Word
25 My soul clings to the dust;
revive me according to your word.
26 I have talked about my ways,
and you have answered me;
Teach me your statutes.
27 Help me understand how your precepts function,[h]
and I will meditate on your wondrous acts.
28 I weep because of sorrow;
fortify me according to your word.
29 Remove false paths from me;
and graciously give me your instruction.[i]
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
I have firmly placed your ordinances before me.[j]
31 I cling to your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.
32 I eagerly race along the way of your commands,
for you enable me to do so.[k]
He
Instructed by the Word
33 Teach me, Lord, about the way of your statutes,
and I will observe them without fail.[l]
34 Give me understanding
and I will observe your instruction.[m]
I will keep it with all of my heart.
35 Help me live my life by your commands,
because my joy is in them.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees
and away from unjust gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from gazing at worthless things,
and revive me by your ways.
38 Confirm your promise to your servant,
which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the shame that I dread,
because your ordinances are good.
40 Look, I long for your precepts;
revive me through your righteousness.
Vav
A Song of Praise
41 May your gracious love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, just as you said.
42 Then I can answer the one who insults me,
for I place my trust in your word.
43 Never take your truthful words from me,
For I wait for[n] your ordinances.
44 Then I will always keep your Law,
forever and ever,
45 I will walk in liberty,
for I seek your precepts.
46 Then I will speak of your decrees before kings
and not be ashamed.
47 I will take delight in your commands,
which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commands,
which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
Zayin
Remembering What God Has Said
49 Remember what you said[o] to your servant,
by which you caused me to hope.
50 This is what comforts me in my troubles:
that what you say revives me.
51 Even though the arrogant utterly deride me,
I do not turn away from your instruction.[p]
52 I have remembered your ancient ordinances, Lord,
and I take comfort in them.
53 I burn with indignation because of the wicked
who forsake your instruction.[q]
54 Your statutes are my songs,
no matter where I make my home.[r]
55 In the night I remember your name, Lord,
and keep your instruction.[s]
56 I have made it my personal responsibility
to keep your precepts.
Cheth
Keeping God’s Word
57 The Lord is my inheritance;
I have given my promise to keep your word.
58 I have sought your favor with all of my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I examined my lifestyle
and set my feet in the direction of your decrees.
60 I hurried and did not procrastinate
to keep your commands.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked have ensnared me,
I have not forgotten your instruction.[t]
62 At midnight I will get up to thank you
for your righteous ordinances.
63 I am united with all who fear you,
and with everyone who keeps your precepts.
64 Lord, the earth overflows with your gracious love!
Teach me your statutes.
Teth
Praise for God’s Word
65 Lord, you have dealt well with your servant,
according to your word.
66 Teach me both knowledge and appropriate discretion,
because I believe in your commands.
67 Before I was humbled, I wandered away,
but now I observe your words.
68 Lord,[u] you are good[v], and do what is good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant have accused me falsely;
but I will observe your precepts wholeheartedly.
70 Their minds are clogged as with greasy fat,
but I find joy in your instruction.[w]
71 It was for my good that I was humbled;[x]
so that I would learn your statutes.
72 Instruction[y] that comes from you[z] is better for me
than thousands of gold and silver coins.[aa]
Yod
Prayer for God’s Grace
73 Your hands made and formed me;
give me understanding,
that I may learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you see me and be glad,
for I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your decrees are just,
and that you have rightfully humbled me.
76 May your gracious love comfort me
in accordance with your promise to your servant.
77 May your mercies come to me that I may live,
for your instruction[ab] is my delight.
78 May the arrogant become ashamed,
because they have subverted me with deceit;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
along with those who know your decrees.
80 May my heart be blameless with respect to your statutes
so that I may not become ashamed.
Kaf
On Obeying God’s Word
81 I long for your deliverance;
I have looked to your word,
placing my hope in it.
82 My eyes grow weary
with respect to what you have promised—
I keep asking, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I have become like a water skin dried by[ac] smoke,
I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How many days must your servant endure this?[ad]
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me,
disobeying your instruction.[ae]
86 All of your commands are reliable.
I am persecuted without cause—help me!
87 Though the arrogant[af] nearly destroyed me on earth,
I did not abandon your precepts.
88 Revive me according to your gracious love;
and I will keep the decrees that you have proclaimed.
Lamed
Pay Attention to God’s Word
89 Your word is forever, Lord;
it is firmly established in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation.
You established the earth, and it stands firm.
91 To this day they stand by means of your rulings,
for all things serve you.
92 Had your instruction[ag] not been my pleasure,
I would have died in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for you have revived me with them.
94 I am yours, so save me,
since I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lay in wait to destroy me,
while I ponder your decrees.
96 I have observed that all things have their limit,
but your commandment is very broad.
Mem
Loving God’s Word
97 How I love your instruction![ah]
Every day it is my meditation.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my adversaries,
since they are always with me.
99 I am more insightful than my teachers,
because your decrees are my meditations.
100 I have more common sense than the elders,
for I observe your precepts.
101 I keep away from every evil choice[ai]
so that I may keep your word.[aj]
102 I do not avoid your judgments,
for you pointed them out to me.
103 How pleasing is what you have to say to me—
tasting better than honey.
104 I obtain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every false way.
Nun
God’s Word a Light
105 Your word is[ak] a lamp for my feet,
a light for my pathway.
106 I have given my word and affirmed it,
to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am severely afflicted.
Revive me, Lord, according to your word.
108 Lord, please accept my voluntary offerings of praise,[al]
and teach me your judgments.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I do not forget your instruction.[am]
110 Though the wicked lay a trap for me,
I haven’t wandered away from your precepts.
111 I have inherited your decrees forever,
because they are the joy of my heart.
112 As a result, I am determined
to carry out your statutes forever.
Samek
Loving God’s Law
113 I despise the double-minded,
but I love your instruction.[an]
114 You are my fortress and shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Leave me, you who practice evil,
that I may observe the commands of my God.
116 Sustain me, God,[ao] as you have promised,
and I will live.
Do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Support me, that I may be saved,
and I will carry out your statutes consistently.
118 You reject all who wander from your statutes,
since their deceitfulness is vain.
119 You remove[ap] all the wicked of the earth like[aq] dross;
therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh trembles out of fear of you,
and I am in awe of[ar] your judgments.
Ayin
Praying for God’s Deliverance
121 I have acted with justice and righteousness;
do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Back up your servant in a positive way;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail as I look[as] for your salvation
and for your righteous promise.
124 Act toward your servant consistent with your gracious love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 Since I am your servant, give me understanding,
so I will know your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
since they have violated your instruction.[at]
127 I truly love your commands more than gold,
including fine gold.
128 I truly consider all of your precepts—all of them—to be just,
while I despise every false way.
Peyh
Living in God’s Word
129 Your decrees are wonderful—
that’s why I observe them.
130 The disclosure of your words illuminates,
providing understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant
as I long for your commands.
132 Turn in my direction and show mercy to me,
as you have decreed regarding those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps by your promise,
and do not let any kind of iniquity rule over me.
134 Deliver me from human oppression
and I will keep your precepts.
135 Show favor to[au] your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed rivers of tears,
when others do not obey your instruction.[av]
Tsade
God’s Righteous Decrees
137 Lord, you are righteous,
and your judgments are right.
138 You have ordered your decrees to us rightly,
and they are very faithful.
139 My zeal consumes me
because my enemies forget your words.
140 Your word is very pure,
and your servant loves it.
141 Though I may be small and despised,
I do not neglect your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an eternal righteousness,
and your instruction[aw] is true.
143 Though trouble and anguish overwhelm me,
your commands remain my delight.
144 Your righteous decrees are eternal;
give me understanding, and I will live.
Qof
Waiting in Hope
145 I have cried out with all of my heart.
Answer me, Lord!
I will observe your statutes.
146 I have called out to you, “Save me,
so I may keep your decrees.”
147 I get up before dawn and cry for help;
I place my hope in your word.
148 I look forward to the night watches,
when I may meditate on what you have said.
149 Hear my voice according to your gracious love.
Lord, revive me in keeping with your justice.
150 Those who pursue wickedness draw near;
they remain far from your instruction.[ax]
151 You are near, Lord,
and all of your commands are true.
152 I discovered long ago about your decrees
that you have confirmed them forever.
Resh
God’s Word is Truth
153 Look on my misery, and rescue me,
for I do not ignore your instruction.[ay]
154 Defend my case and redeem me;
revive me according to your promise.
155 Deliverance remains remote from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Your mercies are magnificent, Lord;
revive me according to your judgments.
157 Though my persecutors and adversaries are numerous,
I do not turn aside from your decrees.
158 I watch the treacherous, and despise them,
because they do not do what you have said.
159 Look how I love your precepts, Lord;
revive me according to your gracious love.
160 The sum[az] of your word[ba] is truth,
and each righteous ordinance of yours is everlasting.
Sin/Shin
Loving God’s Instruction
161 Though nobles persecute me for no reason,
my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I find joy at what you have said
like one who has discovered a great treasure.
163 I despise and hate falsehood,
but[bb] I love your instruction.[bc]
164 I praise you seven times a day
because of your righteous ordinances.
165 Great peace belongs to those who love your instruction,[bd]
and nothing makes them stumble.
166 I am looking in hope for your deliverance, Lord,
as I carry out your commands.
167 My soul treasures[be] your decrees,
and I love them deeply.
168 I keep your precepts and your decrees
because all of my ways are before you.
Tav
The Joy of God’s Word
169 May my cry arise before you, Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my request come before you;
deliver me, as you have promised.
171 May my lips utter praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 May my tongue sing about your promise,
for all of your commands are right.
173 May your hand stand ready to assist me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I am longing for your deliverance, Lord,
and your instruction[bf] is my joy.
175 Let me live, and I will praise you;
let your ordinances[bg] help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come find your servant,
for I do not forget your commands.
Footnotes
- Psalm 119:1 This Psalm is an acrostic in which all verses in each eight-verse section begin with the letter of the Heb. alphabet indicated.
- Psalm 119:1 Lit. way
- Psalm 119:11 So MT DSS 4QPsh; LXX Syr read stored your oracles
- Psalm 119:13 Lit. decrees of your mouth
- Psalm 119:16 So MT; LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa read words
- Psalm 119:17 So MT; LXX DSS 11QPsa read words
- Psalm 119:18 Or Law
- Psalm 119:27 Lit. understand the ways of your precepts
- Psalm 119:29 Or Law
- Psalm 119:30 The Heb. lacks before me
- Psalm 119:32 Lit. will enlarge my heart
- Psalm 119:33 Or them to the end
- Psalm 119:34 Or Law
- Psalm 119:43 Or place my hope in
- Psalm 119:49 Lit. Remember the word
- Psalm 119:51 Or Law
- Psalm 119:53 Or Law
- Psalm 119:54 Lit. songs in the house of my sojourn
- Psalm 119:55 Or Law
- Psalm 119:61 Or Law
- Psalm 119:68 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks Lord
- Psalm 119:68 So MT; LXX reads kind
- Psalm 119:70 Or Law
- Psalm 119:71 So MT; LXX reads that you humbled me; DSS 11QPsa reads that you afflicted me
- Psalm 119:72 Or Law
- Psalm 119:72 Lit. from your mouth
- Psalm 119:72 Lit. pieces
- Psalm 119:77 Or Law
- Psalm 119:83 The Heb. lacks dried by
- Psalm 119:84 The Heb. lacks this
- Psalm 119:85 Or Law
- Psalm 119:87 Lit. they
- Psalm 119:92 Or Law
- Psalm 119:97 Or Law
- Psalm 119:101 Lit. way
- Psalm 119:101 So MT DSS 5QPs; LXX reads words
- Psalm 119:105 So MT and LXX; the DSS 11QPsa reads words are
- Psalm 119:108 Lit. of my mouth
- Psalm 119:109 Or Law
- Psalm 119:113 Or Law
- Psalm 119:116 The Heb. lacks God
- Psalm 119:119 So MT; Hieronymus Aquila Symmachus read You consider; LXX reads I considered; DSS 11QPsa reads I consider
- Psalm 119:119 The Heb. lacks like
- Psalm 119:120 Or I fear
- Psalm 119:123 The Heb. lacks as I look
- Psalm 119:126 Or Law
- Psalm 119:135 Lit. Make your face shine on
- Psalm 119:136 Or Law
- Psalm 119:142 Or Law
- Psalm 119:150 Or Law
- Psalm 119:153 Or Law
- Psalm 119:160 So MT; LXX reads beginning
- Psalm 119:160 So MT; LXX Hieronymous DSS 11QPsa read words
- Psalm 119:163 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks but
- Psalm 119:163 Or Law
- Psalm 119:165 Or Law
- Psalm 119:167 Lit. guards
- Psalm 119:174 Or Law
- Psalm 119:175 So LXX Targ DSS 11QPsa (original); MT reads ordinance
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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