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ALEPH

119 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
    who walk according to Yahweh’s law.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes,
    who seek him with their whole heart.
Yes, they do nothing wrong.
    They walk in his ways.
You have commanded your precepts,
    that we should fully obey them.
Oh that my ways were steadfast
    to obey your statutes!
Then I wouldn’t be disappointed,
    when I consider all of your commandments.
I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart,
    when I learn your righteous judgments.
I will observe your statutes.
    Don’t utterly forsake me.

BET

How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By living according to your word.
10 With my whole heart, I have sought you.
    Don’t let me wander from your commandments.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, Yahweh.
    Teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips,
    I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies,
    as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts,
    and consider your ways.
16 I will delight myself in your statutes.
    I will not forget your word.

GIMEL

17 Do good to your servant.
    I will live and I will obey your word.
18 Open my eyes,
    that I may see wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a stranger on the earth.
    Don’t hide your commandments from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
21 You have rebuked the proud who are cursed,
    who wander from your commandments.
22 Take reproach and contempt away from me,
    for I have kept your statutes.
23 Though princes sit and slander me,
    your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Indeed your statutes are my delight,
    and my counselors.

DALED

25 My soul is laid low in the dust.
    Revive me according to your word!
26 I declared my ways, and you answered me.
    Teach me your statutes.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts!
    Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow:
    strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit.
    Grant me your law graciously!
30 I have chosen the way of truth.
    I have set your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to your statutes, Yahweh.
    Don’t let me be disappointed.
32 I run in the path of your commandments,
    for you have set my heart free.

HEY

33 Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes.
    I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law.
    Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in them.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes,
    not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things.
    Revive me in your ways.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    that you may be feared.
39 Take away my disgrace that I dread,
    for your ordinances are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts!
    Revive me in your righteousness.

WAW

41 Let your loving kindness also come to me, Yahweh,
    your salvation, according to your word.
42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me,
    for I trust in your word.
43 Don’t snatch the word of truth out of my mouth,
    for I put my hope in your ordinances.
44 So I will obey your law continually,
    forever and ever.
45 I will walk in liberty,
    for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your statutes before kings,
    and will not be disappointed.
47 I will delight myself in your commandments,
    because I love them.
48 I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love.
    I will meditate on your statutes.

ZAYIN

49 Remember your word to your servant,
    because you gave me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
    for your word has revived me.
51 The arrogant mock me excessively,
    but I don’t swerve from your law.
52 I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh,
    and have comforted myself.
53 Indignation has taken hold on me,
    because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
    in the house where I live.
55 I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night,
    and I obey your law.
56 This is my way,
    that I keep your precepts.

CHET

57 Yahweh is my portion.
    I promised to obey your words.
58 I sought your favor with my whole heart.
    Be merciful to me according to your word.
59 I considered my ways,
    and turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hurry, and not delay,
    to obey your commandments.
61 The ropes of the wicked bind me,
    but I won’t forget your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you,
    because of your righteous ordinances.
63 I am a friend of all those who fear you,
    of those who observe your precepts.
64 The earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh.
    Teach me your statutes.

TET

65 You have treated your servant well,
    according to your word, Yahweh.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray;
    but now I observe your word.
68 You are good, and do good.
    Teach me your statutes.
69 The proud have smeared a lie upon me.
    With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
70 Their heart is as callous as the fat,
    but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
    that I may learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

YUD

73 Your hands have made me and formed me.
    Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will see me and be glad,
    because I have put my hope in your word.
75 Yahweh, I know that your judgments are righteous,
    that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort,
    according to your word to your servant.
77 Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully.
    I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me.
    They will know your statutes.
80 Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees,
    that I may not be disappointed.

KAF

81 My soul faints for your salvation.
    I hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail for your word.
    I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke.
    I don’t forget your statutes.
84 How many are the days of your servant?
    When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me,
    contrary to your law.
86 All of your commandments are faithful.
    They persecute me wrongfully.
    Help me!
87 They had almost wiped me from the earth,
    but I didn’t forsake your precepts.
88 Preserve my life according to your loving kindness,
    so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

LAMED

89 Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever.
90 Your faithfulness is to all generations.
    You have established the earth, and it remains.
91 Your laws remain to this day,
    for all things serve you.
92 Unless your law had been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
    for with them, you have revived me.
94 I am yours.
    Save me, for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me.
    I will consider your statutes.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
    but your commands are boundless.

MEM

97 How I love your law!
    It is my meditation all day.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
    for your commandments are always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
    for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
    because I have kept your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil way,
    that I might observe your word.
102 I have not turned away from your ordinances,
    for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your promises to my taste,
    more than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts, I get understanding;
    therefore I hate every false way.

NUN

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet,
    and a light for my path.
106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it,
    that I will obey your righteous ordinances.
107 I am afflicted very much.
    Revive me, Yahweh, according to your word.
108 Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth.
    Yahweh, teach me your ordinances.
109 My soul is continually in my hand,
    yet I won’t forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
    yet I haven’t gone astray from your precepts.
111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever,
    for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever,
    even to the end.

SAMEKH

113 I hate double-minded men,
    but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
    I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your word, that I may live.
    Let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold me up, and I will be safe,
    and will have respect for your statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who stray from your statutes,
    for their deceit is in vain.
119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross.
    Therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you.
    I am afraid of your judgments.

AYIN

121 I have done what is just and righteous.
    Don’t leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being.
    Don’t let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail looking for your salvation,
    for your righteous word.
124 Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness.
    Teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant. Give me understanding,
    that I may know your testimonies.
126 It is time to act, Yahweh,
    for they break your law.
127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold,
    yes, more than pure gold.
128 Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right.
    I hate every false way.

PEY

129 Your testimonies are wonderful,
    therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The entrance of your words gives light.
    It gives understanding to the simple.
131 I opened my mouth wide and panted,
    for I longed for your commandments.
132 Turn to me, and have mercy on me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Establish my footsteps in your word.
    Don’t let any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man,
    so I will observe your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant.
    Teach me your statutes.
136 Streams of tears run down my eyes,
    because they don’t observe your law.

TZADI

137 You are righteous, Yahweh.
    Your judgments are upright.
138 You have commanded your statutes in righteousness.
    They are fully trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out,
    because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
    and your servant loves them.
141 I am small and despised.
    I don’t forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness.
    Your law is truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me.
    Your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever.
    Give me understanding, that I may live.

KUF

145 I have called with my whole heart.
    Answer me, Yahweh!
    I will keep your statutes.
146 I have called to you. Save me!
    I will obey your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help.
    I put my hope in your words.
148 My eyes stay open through the night watches,
    that I might meditate on your word.
149 Hear my voice according to your loving kindness.
    Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances.
150 They draw near who follow after wickedness.
    They are far from your law.
151 You are near, Yahweh.
    All your commandments are truth.
152 Of old I have known from your testimonies,
    that you have founded them forever.

RESH

153 Consider my affliction, and deliver me,
    for I don’t forget your law.
154 Plead my cause, and redeem me!
    Revive me according to your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they don’t seek your statutes.
156 Great are your tender mercies, Yahweh.
    Revive me according to your ordinances.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries.
    I haven’t swerved from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with loathing,
    because they don’t observe your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts.
    Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness.
160 All of your words are truth.
    Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.

SIN AND SHIN

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause,
    but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word,
    as one who finds great plunder.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood.
    I love your law.
164 Seven times a day, I praise you,
    because of your righteous ordinances.
165 Those who love your law have great peace.
    Nothing causes them to stumble.
166 I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh.
    I have done your commandments.
167 My soul has observed your testimonies.
    I love them exceedingly.
168 I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies,
    for all my ways are before you.

TAV

169 Let my cry come before you, Yahweh.
    Give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my supplication come before you.
    Deliver me according to your word.
171 Let my lips utter praise,
    for you teach me your statutes.
172 Let my tongue sing of your word,
    for all your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh.
    Your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, that I may praise you.
    Let your ordinances help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep.
    Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments.

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.