Psalm 119

Delight in God’s Word

א Alef

How[a] happy are those whose way is blameless,(A)
who live 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 follow 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 a sincere heart(I)
when I learn Your righteous judgments.
I will keep Your statutes;
never abandon me.(J)

ב Bet

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 praised;
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
wonderful things from Your instruction.
19 I am a stranger 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 proud,
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 Dalet

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 listened to 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 material gain.(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 Vav

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 seek 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 Rage 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 Yahweh, 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 Khet

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 Tet

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 Kaf

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 They stand today in accordance with Your judgments,(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 sought 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 commands make me wiser than my enemies,(DL)
for they are 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 through Your word.(DW)
108 Lord, please accept my willing 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;(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[n] all Your precepts(FA)
and hate every false way.(FB)

פ Pe

129 Your decrees are wonderful;(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 Show favor to 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 Qof

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[o](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 Defend my cause and redeem me;(GJ)
give me life as You promised.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not seek 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,
and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.(GR)

Sin/ Shin

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 Tav

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. Psalm 119:1 The stanzas of this poem form an acrostic.
  2. Psalm 119:9 Or keeping it according to Your
  3. Psalm 119:28 Or I weep
  4. Psalm 119:32 Lit You enlarge my heart
  5. Psalm 119:33 Lit way
  6. Psalm 119:33 Or will keep it as my reward
  7. Psalm 119:37 Some Hb mss, Tg read word
  8. Psalm 119:54 Lit song in the house of my sojourning
  9. Psalm 119:57 Lit You are my portion, Lord
  10. Psalm 119:109 Lit in my hand
  11. Psalm 119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal
  12. Psalm 119:119 Some Hb mss, DSS, LXX, Aq, Sym, Jer read All the wicked of the earth You count as
  13. Psalm 119:120 Lit My flesh shudders
  14. Psalm 119:128 Lit I therefore follow carefully
  15. Psalm 119:150 Some Hb mss, LXX, Sym, Jer read who maliciously persecute me

Psalm 119[a]

א Aleph

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

ב Beth

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

ג Gimel

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

ד Daleth

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

ה He

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

ו Waw

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

ז Zayin

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

ח Heth

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

ט Teth

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

י Yodh

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

כ Kaph

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

ל Lamedh

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

מ Mem

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

נ Nun

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

ס Samekh

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

ע Ayin

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

פ Pe

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

צ Tsadhe

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

ק Qoph

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

ר Resh

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

ש Sin and Shin

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

ת Taw

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

Footnotes

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