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Psalm 119[a]

Aleph

Joyful are people of integrity,
    who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Joyful are those who obey his laws
    and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
    and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
    to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
    reflect your decrees!
Then I will not be ashamed
    when I compare my life with your commands.
As I learn your righteous regulations,
    I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your decrees.
    Please don’t give up on me!

Beth

How can a young person stay pure?
    By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
    don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
    teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
    all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
    as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
    and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
    and not forget your word.

Gimel

17 Be good to your servant,
    that I may live and obey your word.
18 Open my eyes to see
    the wonderful truths in your instructions.
19 I am only a foreigner in the land.
    Don’t hide your commands from me!
20 I am always overwhelmed
    with a desire for your regulations.
21 You rebuke the arrogant;
    those who wander from your commands are cursed.
22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
    for I have obeyed your laws.
23 Even princes sit and speak against me,
    but I will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your laws please me;
    they give me wise advice.

Daleth

25 I lie in the dust;
    revive me by your word.
26 I told you my plans, and you answered.
    Now teach me your decrees.
27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
    and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 I weep with sorrow;
    encourage me by your word.
29 Keep me from lying to myself;
    give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
30 I have chosen to be faithful;
    I have determined to live by your regulations.
31 I cling to your laws.
    Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
32 I will pursue your commands,
    for you expand my understanding.

He

33 Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
    I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
    I will put them into practice with all my heart.
35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,
    for that is where my happiness is found.
36 Give me an eagerness for your laws
    rather than a love for money!
37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,
    and give me life through your word.[b]
38 Reassure me of your promise,
    made to those who fear you.
39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;
    for your regulations are good.
40 I long to obey your commandments!
    Renew my life with your goodness.

Waw

41 Lord, give me your unfailing love,
    the salvation that you promised me.
42 Then I can answer those who taunt me,
    for I trust in your word.
43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
    for your regulations are my only hope.
44 I will keep on obeying your instructions
    forever and ever.
45 I will walk in freedom,
    for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
46 I will speak to kings about your laws,
    and I will not be ashamed.
47 How I delight in your commands!
    How I love them!
48 I honor and love your commands.
    I meditate on your decrees.

Zayin

49 Remember your promise to me;
    it is my only hope.
50 Your promise revives me;
    it comforts me in all my troubles.
51 The proud hold me in utter contempt,
    but I do not turn away from your instructions.
52 I meditate on your age-old regulations;
    O Lord, they comfort me.
53 I become furious with the wicked,
    because they reject your instructions.
54 Your decrees have been the theme of my songs
    wherever I have lived.
55 I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord;
    therefore, I obey your instructions.
56 This is how I spend my life:
    obeying your commandments.

Heth

57 Lord, you are mine!
    I promise to obey your words!
58 With all my heart I want your blessings.
    Be merciful as you promised.
59 I pondered the direction of my life,
    and I turned to follow your laws.
60 I will hurry, without delay,
    to obey your commands.
61 Evil people try to drag me into sin,
    but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
62 I rise at midnight to thank you
    for your just regulations.
63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you—
    anyone who obeys your commandments.
64 O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth;
    teach me your decrees.

Teth

65 You have done many good things for me, Lord,
    just as you promised.
66 I believe in your commands;
    now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
    but now I closely follow your word.
68 You are good and do only good;
    teach me your decrees.
69 Arrogant people smear me with lies,
    but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are dull and stupid,
    but I delight in your instructions.
71 My suffering was good for me,
    for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
72 Your instructions are more valuable to me
    than millions in gold and silver.

Yodh

73 You made me; you created me.
    Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
    for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
    you disciplined me because I needed it.
76 Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
    just as you promised me, your servant.
77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
    for your instructions are my delight.
78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
    meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
79 Let me be united with all who fear you,
    with those who know your laws.
80 May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
    then I will never be ashamed.

Kaph

81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
    but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
    When will you comfort me?
83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
    but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.
84 How long must I wait?
    When will you punish those who persecute me?
85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions
    have dug deep pits to trap me.
86 All your commands are trustworthy.
    Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
87 They almost finished me off,
    but I refused to abandon your commandments.
88 In your unfailing love, spare my life;
    then I can continue to obey your laws.

Lamedh

89 Your eternal word, O Lord,
    stands firm in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
    as enduring as the earth you created.
91 Your regulations remain true to this day,
    for everything serves your plans.
92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
    I would have died in my misery.
93 I will never forget your commandments,
    for by them you give me life.
94 I am yours; rescue me!
    For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.
95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
    I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.
96 Even perfection has its limits,
    but your commands have no limit.

Mem

97 Oh, how I love your instructions!
    I think about them all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
    for they are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
    for I am always thinking of your laws.
100 I am even wiser than my elders,
    for I have kept your commandments.
101 I have refused to walk on any evil path,
    so that I may remain obedient to your word.
102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
    for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet your words taste to me;
    they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding;
    no wonder I hate every false way of life.

Nun

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
    and a light for my path.
106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
    I will obey your righteous regulations.
107 I have suffered much, O Lord;
    restore my life again as you promised.
108 Lord, accept my offering of praise,
    and teach me your regulations.
109 My life constantly hangs in the balance,
    but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
110 The wicked have set their traps for me,
    but I will not turn from your commandments.
111 Your laws are my treasure;
    they are my heart’s delight.
112 I am determined to keep your decrees
    to the very end.

Samekh

113 I hate those with divided loyalties,
    but I love your instructions.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
    your word is my source of hope.
115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
    for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116 Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
    Do not let my hope be crushed.
117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
    then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
    They are only fooling themselves.
119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
    no wonder I love to obey your laws!
120 I tremble in fear of you;
    I stand in awe of your regulations.

Ayin

121 Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
    for I have done what is just and right.
122 Please guarantee a blessing for me.
    Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes strain to see your rescue,
    to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
    and teach me your decrees.
125 Give discernment to me, your servant;
    then I will understand your laws.
126 Lord, it is time for you to act,
    for these evil people have violated your instructions.
127 Truly, I love your commands
    more than gold, even the finest gold.
128 Each of your commandments is right.
    That is why I hate every false way.

Pe

129 Your laws are wonderful.
    No wonder I obey them!
130 The teaching of your word gives light,
    so even the simple can understand.
131 I pant with expectation,
    longing for your commands.
132 Come and show me your mercy,
    as you do for all who love your name.
133 Guide my steps by your word,
    so I will not be overcome by evil.
134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
    then I can obey your commandments.
135 Look upon me with love;
    teach me your decrees.
136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
    because people disobey your instructions.

Tsadhe

137 O Lord, you are righteous,
    and your regulations are fair.
138 Your laws are perfect
    and completely trustworthy.
139 I am overwhelmed with indignation,
    for my enemies have disregarded your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
    that is why I love them so much.
141 I am insignificant and despised,
    but I don’t forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is eternal,
    and your instructions are perfectly true.
143 As pressure and stress bear down on me,
    I find joy in your commands.
144 Your laws are always right;
    help me to understand them so I may live.

Qoph

145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord!
    I will obey your decrees.
146 I cry out to you; rescue me,
    that I may obey your laws.
147 I rise early, before the sun is up;
    I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148 I stay awake through the night,
    thinking about your promise.
149 In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry;
    let me be revived by following your regulations.
150 Lawless people are coming to attack me;
    they live far from your instructions.
151 But you are near, O Lord,
    and all your commands are true.
152 I have known from my earliest days
    that your laws will last forever.

Resh

153 Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
    for I have not forgotten your instructions.
154 Argue my case; take my side!
    Protect my life as you promised.
155 The wicked are far from rescue,
    for they do not bother with your decrees.
156 Lord, how great is your mercy;
    let me be revived by following your regulations.
157 Many persecute and trouble me,
    yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
    because they care nothing for your word.
159 See how I love your commandments, Lord.
    Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160 The very essence of your words is truth;
    all your just regulations will stand forever.

Shin

161 Powerful people harass me without cause,
    but my heart trembles only at your word.
162 I rejoice in your word
    like one who discovers a great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor all falsehood,
    but I love your instructions.
164 I will praise you seven times a day
    because all your regulations are just.
165 Those who love your instructions have great peace
    and do not stumble.
166 I long for your rescue, Lord,
    so I have obeyed your commands.
167 I have obeyed your laws,
    for I love them very much.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws
    because you know everything I do.

Taw

169 O Lord, listen to my cry;
    give me the discerning mind you promised.
170 Listen to my prayer;
    rescue me as you promised.
171 Let praise flow from my lips,
    for you have taught me your decrees.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word,
    for all your commands are right.
173 Give me a helping hand,
    for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174 O Lord, I have longed for your rescue,
    and your instructions are my delight.
175 Let me live so I can praise you,
    and may your regulations help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
    come and find me,
    for I have not forgotten your commands.

Footnotes

  1. 119 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; there are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within each stanza begins with the Hebrew letter named in its heading.
  2. 119:37 Some manuscripts read in your ways.

Psalm 119

Delight in God’s Word

א Aleph

How[a] happy are those whose way is blameless,(A)
who walk according to the Lord’s instruction!(B)
Happy are those who keep his decrees(C)
and seek him with all their heart.(D)
They do nothing wrong;(E)
they walk in his ways.
You have commanded that your precepts(F)
be diligently kept.
If only my ways were committed
to keeping your statutes!(G)
Then I would not be ashamed(H)
when I think about all your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart(I)
when I learn your righteous judgments.
I will keep your statutes;
never abandon me.(J)

ב Beth

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping your[b] word.(K)
10 I have sought you with all my heart;(L)
don’t let me wander from your commands.(M)
11 I have treasured your word in my heart(N)
so that I may not sin against you.
12 Lord, may you be blessed;
teach me your statutes.(O)
13 With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments from your mouth.(P)
14 I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees(Q)
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts(R)
and think about your ways.(S)
16 I will delight in your statutes;(T)
I will not forget your word.

ג Gimel

17 Deal generously with your servant(U)
so that I might live;
then I will keep your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wondrous things from your instruction.
19 I am a resident alien on earth;(V)
do not hide your commands from me.
20 I am continually overcome
with longing for your judgments.(W)
21 You rebuke the arrogant,
the ones under a curse,(X)
who wander from your commands.(Y)
22 Take insult and contempt away from me,(Z)
for I have kept your decrees.
23 Though princes sit together speaking against me,(AA)
your servant will think about your statutes;(AB)
24 your decrees are my delight
and my counselors.(AC)

ד Daleth

25 My life is down in the dust;(AD)
give me life(AE) through your word.
26 I told you about my life,
and you answered me;
teach me your statutes.(AF)
27 Help me understand
the meaning of your precepts
so that I can meditate on your wonders.(AG)
28 I am weary[c] from grief;
strengthen me through your word.(AH)
29 Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set your ordinances before me.(AI)
31 I cling to your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.(AJ)
32 I pursue the way of your commands,
for you broaden my understanding.[d](AK)

ה He

33 Teach me, Lord, the meaning[e] of your statutes,
and I will always keep them.[f](AL)
34 Help me understand your instruction,(AM)
and I will obey it
and follow it with all my heart.(AN)
35 Help me stay on the path of your commands,(AO)
for I take pleasure in it.(AP)
36 Turn my heart to your decrees(AQ)
and not to dishonest profit.(AR)
37 Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless;(AS)
give me life in your ways.[g](AT)
38 Confirm what you said to your servant,(AU)
for it produces reverence for you.
39 Turn away the disgrace I dread;(AV)
indeed, your judgments are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!(AW)
Give me life through your righteousness.

ו Waw

41 Let your faithful love come to me, Lord,(AX)
your salvation, as you promised.(AY)
42 Then I can answer the one who taunts me,(AZ)
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take the word of truth from my mouth,
for I hope in your judgments.(BA)
44 I will always obey your instruction,
forever and ever.(BB)
45 I will walk freely in an open place(BC)
because I study your precepts.(BD)
46 I will speak of your decrees before kings
and not be ashamed.(BE)
47 I delight in your commands,
which I love.(BF)
48 I will lift up my hands(BG) to your commands,
which I love,
and will meditate on your statutes.(BH)

ז Zayin

49 Remember your word to your servant;
you have given me hope through it.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction:(BI)
Your promise has given me life.
51 The arrogant constantly ridicule me,
but I do not turn away from your instruction.(BJ)
52 Lord, I remember your judgments from long ago
and find comfort.
53 Fury seizes me(BK) because of the wicked
who reject your instruction.(BL)
54 Your statutes are the theme of my song
during my earthly life.[h]
55 Lord, I remember your name(BM) in the night,(BN)
and I obey your instruction.
56 This is my practice:
I obey your precepts.(BO)

ח Cheth

57 The Lord is my portion;[i](BP)
I have promised to keep your words.
58 I have sought your favor(BQ) with all my heart;
be gracious to me(BR) according to your promise.
59 I thought about my ways(BS)
and turned my steps back to your decrees.
60 I hurried, not hesitating
to keep your commands.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked(BT)
were wrapped around me,
I did not forget your instruction.(BU)
62 I rise at midnight to thank you(BV)
for your righteous judgments.(BW)
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,(BX)
to those who keep your precepts.
64 Lord, the earth is filled with your faithful love;(BY)
teach me your statutes.(BZ)

ט Teth

65 Lord, you have treated your servant well,
just as you promised.
66 Teach me good judgment and discernment,(CA)
for I rely on your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,(CB)
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good,(CC) and you do what is good;(CD)
teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant have smeared me with lies,(CE)
but I obey your precepts with all my heart.(CF)
70 Their hearts are hard and insensitive,(CG)
but I delight in your instruction.(CH)
71 It was good for me to be afflicted(CI)
so that I could learn your statutes.
72 Instruction from your lips(CJ) is better for me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

י Yod

73 Your hands made me and formed me;(CK)
give me understanding
so that I can learn your commands.(CL)
74 Those who fear you will see me and rejoice,(CM)
for I put my hope in your word.(CN)
75 I know, Lord, that your judgments are just
and that you have afflicted me fairly.(CO)
76 May your faithful love comfort me
as you promised your servant.
77 May your compassion come to me(CP)
so that I may live,
for your instruction is my delight.(CQ)
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame(CR)
for slandering me with lies;
I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you,
those who know your decrees, turn to me.
80 May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes(CS)
so that I will not be put to shame.

כ Kaph

81 I long for your salvation;(CT)
I put my hope in your word.(CU)
82 My eyes grow weary
looking for what you have promised;(CV)
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke,
I do not forget your statutes.
84 How many days must your servant wait?
When will you execute judgment on my persecutors?(CW)
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me;(CX)
they violate your instruction.
86 All your commands are true;
people persecute me with lies—help me!(CY)
87 They almost ended my life on earth,
but I did not abandon your precepts.
88 Give me life in accordance with your faithful love,
and I will obey the decree you have spoken.

ל Lamed

89 Lord, your word is forever;(CZ)
it is firmly fixed in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness is for all generations;(DA)
you established the earth, and it stands firm.(DB)
91 Your judgments stand firm today,(DC)
for all things are your servants.(DD)
92 If your instruction had not been my delight,
I would have died in my affliction.(DE)
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for you have given me life through them.(DF)
94 I am yours; save me,(DG)
for I have studied your precepts.(DH)
95 The wicked hope to destroy me,(DI)
but I contemplate your decrees.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your command is without limit.

מ Mem

97 How I love your instruction!(DJ)
It is my meditation all day long.(DK)
98 Your command makes me wiser than my enemies,(DL)
for it is always with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers
because your decrees are my meditation.(DM)
100 I understand more than the elders(DN)
because I obey your precepts.(DO)
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path(DP)
to follow your word.
102 I have not turned from your judgments,(DQ)
for you yourself have instructed me.
103 How sweet your word is(DR) to my taste—
sweeter than honey in my mouth.
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;(DS)
therefore I hate every false way.(DT)

נ Nun

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet(DU)
and a light on my path.
106 I have solemnly sworn(DV)
to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am severely afflicted;
Lord, give me life according to your word.(DW)
108 Lord, please accept my freewill offerings of praise,(DX)
and teach me your judgments.(DY)
109 My life is constantly in danger,[j]
yet I do not forget your instruction.(DZ)
110 The wicked have set a trap for me,(EA)
but I have not wandered from your precepts.(EB)
111 I have your decrees as a heritage forever;
indeed, they are the joy of my heart.(EC)
112 I am resolved to obey your statutes
to the very end.[k](ED)

ס Samek

113 I hate those who are double-minded,(EE)
but I love your instruction.(EF)
114 You are my shelter and my shield;(EG)
I put my hope in your word.(EH)
115 Depart from me,(EI) you evil ones,
so that I may obey my God’s commands.(EJ)
116 Sustain me as you promised,(EK) and I will live;
do not let me be ashamed of my hope.(EL)
117 Sustain me so that I can be safe(EM)
and always be concerned about your statutes.(EN)
118 You reject all who stray from your statutes,(EO)
for their deceit is a lie.
119 You remove all the wicked on earth
as if they were[l] dross from metal;(EP)
therefore, I love your decrees.(EQ)
120 I tremble[m] in awe of you;(ER)
I fear your judgments.

ע Ayin

121 I have done what is just and right;(ES)
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being;(ET)
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes grow weary(EU) looking for your salvation
and for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant based on your faithful love;(EV)
teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant;(EW) give me understanding(EX)
so that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,(EY)
for they have violated your instruction.
127 Since I love your commands(EZ)
more than gold, even the purest gold,
128 I carefully follow all your precepts(FA)
and hate every false way.(FB)

פ Pe

129 Your decrees are wondrous;(FC)
therefore I obey them.(FD)
130 The revelation of your words(FE) brings light
and gives understanding to the inexperienced.(FF)
131 I open my mouth and pant(FG)
because I long for your commands.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,(FH)
as is your practice toward those who love your name.
133 Make my steps steady through your promise;(FI)
don’t let any sin dominate me.(FJ)
134 Redeem me from human oppression,(FK)
and I will keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant,(FL)
and teach me your statutes.(FM)
136 My eyes pour out streams of tears(FN)
because people do not follow your instruction.

צ Tsade

137 You are righteous, Lord,(FO)
and your judgments are just.
138 The decrees you issue are righteous
and altogether trustworthy.(FP)
139 My anger overwhelms me
because my foes forget your words.(FQ)
140 Your word is completely pure,(FR)
and your servant loves it.(FS)
141 I am insignificant and despised,(FT)
but I do not forget your precepts.(FU)
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your instruction is true.(FV)
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your commands are my delight.(FW)
144 Your decrees are righteous forever.(FX)
Give me understanding, and I will live.

ק Qoph

145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord.
I will obey your statutes.(FY)
146 I call to you; save me,
and I will keep your decrees.(FZ)
147 I rise before dawn and cry out for help;(GA)
I put my hope in your word.
148 I am awake through each watch of the night
to meditate on your promise.(GB)
149 In keeping with your faithful love, hear my voice.
Lord, give me life in keeping with your justice.(GC)
150 Those who pursue evil plans[n](GD) come near;
they are far from your instruction.
151 You are near, Lord,(GE)
and all your commands are true.(GF)
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them forever.(GG)

ר Resh

153 Consider my affliction and rescue me,(GH)
for I have not forgotten your instruction.(GI)
154 Champion my cause and redeem me;(GJ)
give me life as you promised.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not study your statutes.(GK)
156 Your compassions are many, Lord;(GL)
give me life according to your judgments.
157 My persecutors and foes are many.(GM)
I have not turned from your decrees.(GN)
158 I have seen the disloyal(GO) and feel disgust(GP)
because they do not keep your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts;
Lord, give me life according to your faithful love.(GQ)
160 The entirety of your word is truth,
each of your righteous judgments endures forever.(GR)

שׂ Sin

161 Princes have persecuted me without cause,
but my heart fears only your word.(GS)
162 I rejoice over your promise(GT)
like one who finds vast treasure.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,(GU)
but I love your instruction.(GV)
164 I praise you seven times a day
for your righteous judgments.(GW)
165 Abundant peace belongs to those(GX)
who love your instruction;
nothing makes them stumble.(GY)
166 Lord, I hope for your salvation(GZ)
and carry out your commands.
167 I obey your decrees
and love them greatly.(HA)
168 I obey your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before you.(HB)

ת Taw

169 Let my cry reach you, Lord;(HC)
give me understanding according to your word.(HD)
170 Let my plea reach you;(HE)
rescue me according to your promise.(HF)
171 My lips pour out praise,(HG)
for you teach me your statutes.(HH)
172 My tongue sings about your promise,(HI)
for all your commands are righteous.(HJ)
173 May your hand be ready to help me,(HK)
for I have chosen your precepts.(HL)
174 I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your instruction is my delight.(HM)
175 Let me live, and I will praise you;(HN)
may your judgments help me.
176 I wander like a lost sheep;(HO)
seek your servant,(HP)
for I do not forget your commands.(HQ)

Footnotes

  1. 119:1 The stanzas of this poem form an acrostic.
  2. 119:9 Or keeping it according to your
  3. 119:28 Or I weep
  4. 119:32 Lit you enlarge my heart
  5. 119:33 Lit way
  6. 119:33 Or will keep it as my reward
  7. 119:37 Some Hb mss, Tg read word
  8. 119:54 Lit song in the house of my sojourning
  9. 119:57 Lit You are my portion, Lord
  10. 119:109 Lit in my hand
  11. 119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal
  12. 119:119 Some Hb mss, DSS, LXX, Aq, Sym, Jer read All the wicked of the earth you count as
  13. 119:120 Lit My flesh shudders
  14. 119:150 Some Hb mss, LXX, Sym, Jer read who maliciously persecute me