Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.

Aleph

119 Blessed are those whose way is [a](A)blameless,
Who (B)walk in the Law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who (C)comply with His [b]testimonies,
And (D)seek Him (E)with all their heart.
They also (F)do no injustice;
They walk in His ways.
You have [c](G)ordained Your precepts,
[d]That we are to keep them diligently.
Oh that my (H)ways may be established
To (I)keep Your statutes!
Then I (J)will not be ashamed
When I look at all Your commandments.
I will (K)give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
I will keep Your statutes;
Do not utterly (L)abandon me!

Beth

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By (M)keeping it according to Your word.
10 With (N)all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me (O)wander from Your commandments.
11 I have (P)treasured Your word in my heart,
So that I may not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, Lord;
(Q)Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have (R)told of
All the (S)ordinances of Your mouth.
14 I have (T)rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
[e]As much as in all riches.
15 I will (U)meditate on Your precepts
And [f]regard (V)Your ways.
16 I shall [g](W)delight in Your statutes;
I will (X)not forget Your word.

Gimel

17 (Y)Deal generously with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
Wonderful things from Your Law.
19 I am a (Z)stranger on the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20 My soul is crushed [h](AA)with longing
For Your ordinances at all times.
21 You (AB)rebuke the arrogant, [i]the (AC)cursed,
Who (AD)wander from Your commandments.
22 (AE)Take disgrace and contempt away from me,
For I (AF)comply with Your testimonies.
23 Even though (AG)rulers sit and speak against me,
Your servant (AH)meditates on Your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my (AI)delight;
They are [j]my advisers.

Daleth

25 My (AJ)soul clings to the dust;
(AK)Revive me (AL)according to Your word.
26 I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;
(AM)Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
And I will (AN)meditate on Your wonders.
28 My (AO)soul [k]weeps because of grief;
(AP)Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove the false way from me,
And graciously grant me Your Law.
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
I have [l]placed Your judgments before me.
31 I (AQ)cling to Your testimonies;
Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I shall run the way of Your commandments,
For You will (AR)enlarge my heart.

He

33 (AS)Teach me, the way of Your statutes, Lord,
And I shall comply with it to the end.
34 (AT)Give me understanding, so that I may (AU)comply with Your Law
And keep it (AV)with all my heart.
35 Make me walk in the (AW)path of Your commandments,
For I (AX)delight in it.
36 (AY)Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to (AZ)dishonest gain.
37 Turn my (BA)eyes away from looking at what is worthless,
And (BB)revive me in Your ways.
38 (BC)Establish Your [m]word to Your servant
[n]As that which produces reverence for You.
39 (BD)Take away my disgrace which I dread,
For Your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I (BE)long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness.

Vav

41 May Your (BF)favor also come to me, Lord,
Your salvation (BG)according to Your [o]word;
42 So that I will have an (BH)answer for one who (BI)taunts me,
For I trust in Your word.
43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I [p](BJ)wait for Your judgments.
44 So I will (BK)keep Your Law continually,
Forever and ever.
45 And I will (BL)walk [q]at liberty,
For I (BM)seek Your precepts.
46 I will also speak of Your testimonies (BN)before kings
And shall not be ashamed.
47 I will (BO)delight in Your commandments,
Which I (BP)love.
48 And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments,
Which I (BQ)love;
And I will (BR)meditate on Your statutes.

Zayin

49 Remember the word to Your servant,
[r]In which You have made me hope.
50 This is my (BS)comfort in my misery,
That Your word has [s]revived me.
51 The arrogant (BT)utterly deride me,
Yet I do not (BU)turn aside from Your Law.
52 I have (BV)remembered Your judgments from [t]of old, Lord,
And comfort myself.
53 Burning (BW)indignation has seized me because of the wicked,
Who (BX)abandon Your Law.
54 Your statutes are my songs
In the house of my (BY)pilgrimage.
55 Lord, I (BZ)remember Your name (CA)in the night,
And keep Your Law.
56 This has become mine,
[u]That I (CB)comply with Your precepts.

Heth

57 The Lord is my (CC)portion;
I have [v]promised to (CD)keep Your words.
58 I (CE)sought Your favor (CF)with all my heart;
(CG)Be gracious to me (CH)according to Your [w]word.
59 I (CI)considered my ways
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I hurried and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
61 The (CJ)snares of the wicked have surrounded me,
But I have (CK)not forgotten Your Law.
62 At (CL)midnight I will rise to give thanks to You
Because of Your (CM)righteous judgments.
63 I am a (CN)companion to all those who [x]fear You,
And to those who keep Your precepts.
64 (CO)The earth is full of Your goodness, Lord;
(CP)Teach me Your statutes.

Teth

65 You have treated Your servant well,
Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good [y](CQ)discernment and knowledge,
For I believe in Your commandments.
67 (CR)Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
68 You are (CS)good and You (CT)do good;
(CU)Teach me Your statutes.
69 The arrogant [z]have (CV)forged a lie against me;
With all my heart I will (CW)comply with Your precepts.
70 Their heart is (CX)insensitive, like fat,
But I (CY)delight in Your Law.
71 It is (CZ)good for me that I was afflicted,
So that I may learn Your statutes.
72 The (DA)Law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh

73 (DB)Your hands made me and [aa]fashioned me;
(DC)Give me understanding, so that I may learn Your commandments.
74 May those who [ab]fear You (DD)see me and be glad,
Because I [ac](DE)wait for Your word.
75 I know, Lord, that Your judgments are (DF)righteous,
And that You have afflicted me (DG)in faithfulness.
76 May Your favor [ad]comfort me,
According to Your [ae]word to Your servant.
77 May (DH)Your compassion come to me so that I may live,
For Your Law is my (DI)delight.
78 May (DJ)the arrogant be put to shame, because they lead me astray (DK)with a lie;
But I shall (DL)meditate on Your precepts.
79 May those who [af]fear You turn to me,
And those who know Your testimonies.
80 May my heart be [ag](DM)blameless in Your statutes,
So that I will not (DN)be ashamed.

Kaph

81 My (DO)soul languishes for Your salvation;
I [ah](DP)wait for Your word.
82 My (DQ)eyes fail with longing for Your [ai]word,
[aj]While I say, “When will You comfort me?”
83 Though I have (DR)become like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do (DS)not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the (DT)days of Your servant?
When will You (DU)execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have (DV)dug pits for me,
People who are not in accord with Your Law.
86 All Your commandments are (DW)faithful;
They have (DX)persecuted me with a lie; (DY)help me!
87 They almost destroyed me on earth,
But as for me, I (DZ)did not abandon Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your faithfulness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

Lamedh

89 (EA)Forever, Lord,
Your word stands in heaven.
90 Your (EB)faithfulness continues [ak]throughout generations;
You (EC)established the earth, and it (ED)stands.
91 They stand this day by Your (EE)ordinances,
For (EF)all things are Your servants.
92 If Your Law had not been my (EG)delight,
Then I would have perished (EH)in my misery.
93 I will (EI)never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have [al](EJ)revived me.
94 I am Yours, (EK)save me;
For I have (EL)sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked (EM)wait for me to destroy me;
I will diligently consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen [am]a limit to all perfection;
Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Mem

97 How I (EN)love Your Law!
It is my (EO)meditation all the day.
98 Your (EP)commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever [an]mine.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my (EQ)meditation.
100 I understand (ER)more than those who are old,
Because I have (ES)complied with Your precepts.
101 I have (ET)restrained my feet from every evil way,
So that I may keep Your word.
102 I have not (EU)turned aside from Your judgments,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How (EV)sweet are Your [ao]words to my [ap]taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 From Your precepts I (EW)get understanding;
Therefore I (EX)hate every false way.

Nun

105 Your word is a (EY)lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
106 I have (EZ)sworn and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am exceedingly (FA)afflicted;
[aq](FB)Revive me, Lord, according to Your word.
108 Be pleased to accept the (FC)[ar]voluntary offerings of my mouth, Lord,
And (FD)teach me Your judgments.
109 My [as](FE)life is continually [at]in my hand,
Yet I do not (FF)forget Your Law.
110 The wicked have (FG)set a [au]trap for me,
Yet I have not (FH)wandered from Your precepts.
111 I have (FI)inherited Your testimonies forever,
For they are the (FJ)joy of my heart.
112 I have (FK)inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even (FL)to the end.

Samekh

113 I hate those who are (FM)double-minded,
But I love Your (FN)Law.
114 You are my (FO)hiding place and my (FP)shield;
I [av](FQ)wait for Your word.
115 (FR)Leave me, you evildoers,
So that I may (FS)comply with the commandments of my God.
116 (FT)Sustain me according to Your [aw]word, that I may live;
And (FU)do not let me be [ax]ashamed of my hope.
117 Sustain me so that I may be (FV)safe,
That I may (FW)have regard for Your statutes continually.
118 You have [ay]rejected all those (FX)who stray from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is [az]useless.
119 You have [ba]removed all the wicked of the earth like [bb](FY)impurities;
Therefore I (FZ)love Your testimonies.
120 My flesh [bc](GA)trembles from the fear of You,
And I am (GB)afraid of Your judgments.

Ayin

121 I have (GC)done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be (GD)a guarantor for Your servant for good;
Do not let the arrogant (GE)oppress me.
123 My (GF)eyes fail with longing for Your salvation,
And for Your righteous [bd]word.
124 Deal with Your servant (GG)according to Your graciousness,
And (GH)teach me Your statutes.
125 (GI)I am Your servant; (GJ)give me understanding,
So that I may know Your testimonies.
126 It is time for the Lord to (GK)act,
For they have broken Your Law.
127 Therefore I (GL)love Your commandments
Above gold, yes, above pure gold.
128 Therefore I carefully follow all Your (GM)precepts concerning everything,
I (GN)hate every false way.

Pe

129 Your testimonies are (GO)wonderful;
Therefore my soul (GP)complies with them.
130 The (GQ)unfolding of Your words gives light;
It gives (GR)understanding to the simple.
131 I (GS)opened my mouth wide and (GT)panted,
For I (GU)longed for Your commandments.
132 (GV)Turn to me and be gracious to me,
As is right for those who love Your name.
133 Establish my (GW)footsteps in Your [be]word,
And do not let any [bf]wrongdoing (GX)have power over me.
134 (GY)Redeem me from oppression by man,
So that I may keep Your precepts.
135 (GZ)Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And (HA)teach me Your statutes.
136 My eyes [bg]shed (HB)streams of water,
Because they (HC)do not keep Your Law.

Tsadhe

137 (HD)You are righteous, Lord,
And Your judgments are right.
138 You have commanded Your testimonies in (HE)righteousness
And great (HF)faithfulness.
139 My (HG)zeal has [bh]consumed me,
Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your (HH)word is very [bi]pure,
Therefore Your servant (HI)loves it.
141 I am small and (HJ)despised,
Yet I do not (HK)forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And (HL)Your Law is truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have [bj]come upon me,
Yet Your commandments are my (HM)delight.
144 Your (HN)testimonies are righteous forever;
(HO)Give me understanding that I may live.

Qoph

145 I cried out (HP)with all my heart; answer me, Lord!
I will (HQ)comply with Your statutes.
146 I cried to You; (HR)save me
And I shall keep Your testimonies.
147 I [bk](HS)rise before dawn and cry for help;
I [bl]wait for Your words.
148 My eyes anticipate the (HT)night watches,
So that I may (HU)meditate on Your [bm]word.
149 Hear my voice (HV)according to Your faithfulness;
(HW)Revive me, Lord, according to Your judgments.
150 Those who follow after wickedness approach;
They are far from Your Law.
151 You are (HX)near, Lord,
And all Your commandments are (HY)truth.
152 From long ago I have (HZ)known from Your testimonies
That You have founded them (IA)forever.

Resh

153 (IB)Look at my (IC)affliction and rescue me,
For I have not (ID)forgotten Your Law.
154 (IE)Plead my cause and (IF)redeem me;
Revive me according to Your [bn]word.
155 Salvation is (IG)far from the wicked,
For they (IH)do not seek Your statutes.
156 [bo](II)Great are Your mercies, Lord;
Revive me according to Your judgments.
157 Many are my (IJ)persecutors and my enemies,
Yet I do not (IK)turn aside from Your testimonies.
158 I see the (IL)treacherous and (IM)loathe them,
Because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I (IN)love Your precepts;
(IO)Revive me, Lord, according to Your faithfulness.
160 The (IP)sum of Your word is (IQ)truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments (IR)is everlasting.

Shin

161 (IS)Rulers persecute me without cause,
But my heart (IT)stands in awe of Your words.
162 I (IU)rejoice at Your [bp]word,
Like one who (IV)finds great plunder.
163 I (IW)hate and loathe falsehood,
But I (IX)love Your Law.
164 Seven times a day I praise You
Because of Your (IY)righteous judgments.
165 Those who love Your Law have (IZ)great peace,
And [bq](JA)nothing causes them to stumble.
166 I (JB)hope for Your salvation, Lord,
And do Your commandments.
167 My (JC)soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I (JD)love them exceedingly.
168 I (JE)keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my (JF)ways are before You.

Tav

169 Let my (JG)cry [br]come before You, Lord;
(JH)Give me understanding (JI)according to Your word.
170 Let my (JJ)pleading come before You;
(JK)Save me according to Your [bs]word.
171 Let my (JL)lips pour out praise,
For You (JM)teach me Your statutes.
172 Let my (JN)tongue sing about Your [bt]word,
For all Your (JO)commandments are righteousness.
173 Let Your (JP)hand be [bu]ready to help me,
For I have (JQ)chosen Your precepts.
174 I (JR)long for Your salvation, Lord,
And Your Law is my (JS)delight.
175 Let my (JT)soul live that it may praise You,
And let Your ordinances help me.
176 I have (JU)wandered about like a lost sheep; search for Your servant,
For I do (JV)not forget Your commandments.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:1 Lit complete; or having integrity
  2. Psalm 119:2 Or provisions, and so throughout the Psalm
  3. Psalm 119:4 Lit commanded
  4. Psalm 119:4 Lit To keep
  5. Psalm 119:14 Lit As over all
  6. Psalm 119:15 Or look at
  7. Psalm 119:16 Lit delight myself
  8. Psalm 119:20 Lit for
  9. Psalm 119:21 Or Cursed are those who wander...
  10. Psalm 119:24 Lit the men of my counsel
  11. Psalm 119:28 Lit drops
  12. Psalm 119:30 Or accounted Your ordinances worthy
  13. Psalm 119:38 Or promise
  14. Psalm 119:38 Lit Which is for the fear of You
  15. Psalm 119:41 Or promise
  16. Psalm 119:43 Or hope in
  17. Psalm 119:45 Lit in a wide place
  18. Psalm 119:49 Lit On
  19. Psalm 119:50 Or preserved me alive
  20. Psalm 119:52 Or everlasting
  21. Psalm 119:56 Or Because
  22. Psalm 119:57 Lit said that I would keep
  23. Psalm 119:58 Or promise
  24. Psalm 119:63 Or revere
  25. Psalm 119:66 Or judgment
  26. Psalm 119:69 Lit besmear me with lies
  27. Psalm 119:73 Lit established
  28. Psalm 119:74 Or revere
  29. Psalm 119:74 Or hope in
  30. Psalm 119:76 Lit be for my comfort
  31. Psalm 119:76 Or promise
  32. Psalm 119:79 Or revere
  33. Psalm 119:80 Lit complete; or having integrity
  34. Psalm 119:81 Or hope in
  35. Psalm 119:82 Or promise
  36. Psalm 119:82 Lit Saying
  37. Psalm 119:90 Lit to
  38. Psalm 119:93 Or kept me alive
  39. Psalm 119:96 Lit an end of
  40. Psalm 119:98 Or with me
  41. Psalm 119:103 Or promises
  42. Psalm 119:103 Lit palate
  43. Psalm 119:107 Or Keep me alive
  44. Psalm 119:108 Or freewill offerings
  45. Psalm 119:109 Lit soul
  46. Psalm 119:109 I.e., in danger
  47. Psalm 119:110 Lit trapping net
  48. Psalm 119:114 Or hope in
  49. Psalm 119:116 Or promise
  50. Psalm 119:116 Lit put to shame because of
  51. Psalm 119:118 Lit made light of
  52. Psalm 119:118 Lit falsehood
  53. Psalm 119:119 Lit caused to cease
  54. Psalm 119:119 Lit dross
  55. Psalm 119:120 Lit bristles up from
  56. Psalm 119:123 Or promise
  57. Psalm 119:133 Or promise
  58. Psalm 119:133 Or injustice
  59. Psalm 119:136 Lit run down
  60. Psalm 119:139 Lit put an end to
  61. Psalm 119:140 Lit refined
  62. Psalm 119:143 Lit found me
  63. Psalm 119:147 Lit anticipate the dawn
  64. Psalm 119:147 Or hope in
  65. Psalm 119:148 Or promise
  66. Psalm 119:154 Or promise
  67. Psalm 119:156 Or Many
  68. Psalm 119:162 Or promise
  69. Psalm 119:165 Lit they have no stumbling block.
  70. Psalm 119:169 Lit come near before
  71. Psalm 119:170 Or promise
  72. Psalm 119:172 Or promise
  73. Psalm 119:173 Lit to help me

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!
How blessed are those who observe his decrees,
    who seek him with all of their heart,
who practice no evil
    while they walk in his ways.
You have commanded concerning your precepts,
    that they be guarded with diligence.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast,
    so I may keep your statutes.
Then I will not be ashamed,
    since my eyes will be fixed on all of your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
    as I learn your righteous decrees.
I will keep your statutes;
    do not ever abandon me.

Bet

The Benefits of the Word

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

  1. 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.
  2. Psalm 119:1 Lit. way
  3. Psalm 119:11 So MT DSS 4QPsh; LXX Syr read stored your oracles
  4. Psalm 119:13 Lit. decrees of your mouth
  5. Psalm 119:16 So MT; LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa read words
  6. Psalm 119:17 So MT; LXX DSS 11QPsa read words
  7. Psalm 119:18 Or Law
  8. Psalm 119:27 Lit. understand the ways of your precepts
  9. Psalm 119:29 Or Law
  10. Psalm 119:30 The Heb. lacks before me
  11. Psalm 119:32 Lit. will enlarge my heart
  12. Psalm 119:33 Or them to the end
  13. Psalm 119:34 Or Law
  14. Psalm 119:43 Or place my hope in
  15. Psalm 119:49 Lit. Remember the word
  16. Psalm 119:51 Or Law
  17. Psalm 119:53 Or Law
  18. Psalm 119:54 Lit. songs in the house of my sojourn
  19. Psalm 119:55 Or Law
  20. Psalm 119:61 Or Law
  21. Psalm 119:68 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks Lord
  22. Psalm 119:68 So MT; LXX reads kind
  23. Psalm 119:70 Or Law
  24. Psalm 119:71 So MT; LXX reads that you humbled me; DSS 11QPsa reads that you afflicted me
  25. Psalm 119:72 Or Law
  26. Psalm 119:72 Lit. from your mouth
  27. Psalm 119:72 Lit. pieces
  28. Psalm 119:77 Or Law
  29. Psalm 119:83 The Heb. lacks dried by
  30. Psalm 119:84 The Heb. lacks this
  31. Psalm 119:85 Or Law
  32. Psalm 119:87 Lit. they
  33. Psalm 119:92 Or Law
  34. Psalm 119:97 Or Law
  35. Psalm 119:101 Lit. way
  36. Psalm 119:101 So MT DSS 5QPs; LXX reads words
  37. Psalm 119:105 So MT and LXX; the DSS 11QPsa reads words are
  38. Psalm 119:108 Lit. of my mouth
  39. Psalm 119:109 Or Law
  40. Psalm 119:113 Or Law
  41. Psalm 119:116 The Heb. lacks God
  42. Psalm 119:119 So MT; Hieronymus Aquila Symmachus read You consider; LXX reads I considered; DSS 11QPsa reads I consider
  43. Psalm 119:119 The Heb. lacks like
  44. Psalm 119:120 Or I fear
  45. Psalm 119:123 The Heb. lacks as I look
  46. Psalm 119:126 Or Law
  47. Psalm 119:135 Lit. Make your face shine on
  48. Psalm 119:136 Or Law
  49. Psalm 119:142 Or Law
  50. Psalm 119:150 Or Law
  51. Psalm 119:153 Or Law
  52. Psalm 119:160 So MT; LXX reads beginning
  53. Psalm 119:160 So MT; LXX Hieronymous DSS 11QPsa read words
  54. Psalm 119:163 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks but
  55. Psalm 119:163 Or Law
  56. Psalm 119:165 Or Law
  57. Psalm 119:167 Lit. guards
  58. Psalm 119:174 Or Law
  59. Psalm 119:175 So LXX Targ DSS 11QPsa (original); MT reads ordinance