Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

Aleph

119 [a] Blessed are those whose (A)way is blameless,
    who (B)walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who (C)keep his (D)testimonies,
    who (E)seek him with their whole heart,
who also (F)do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your (G)precepts
    to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may (H)be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes!
(I)Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
    when I learn (J)your righteous rules.[b]
I will keep your statutes;
    (K)do not utterly forsake me!

Beth

How can (L)a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
10 (M)With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not (N)wander from your commandments!
11 I have (O)stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
    (P)teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I (Q)declare
    all the rules[c] of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I (R)delight
    as much as in all (S)riches.
15 I will (T)meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your (U)ways.
16 I will (V)delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.

Gimel

17 (W)Deal bountifully with your servant,
    (X)that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
    wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am (Y)a sojourner on the earth;
    (Z)hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with (AA)longing
    for your rules[d] at all times.
21 You rebuke (AB)the insolent, (AC)accursed ones,
    who (AD)wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me (AE)scorn and contempt,
    (AF)for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though (AG)princes sit plotting against me,
    your servant will (AH)meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my (AI)delight;
    they are my (AJ)counselors.

Daleth

25 (AK)My soul clings to the dust;
    (AL)give me life (AM)according to your word!
26 When (AN)I told of my ways, you answered me;
    (AO)teach me your statutes!
27 (AP)Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will (AQ)meditate on your wondrous works.
28 (AR)My soul melts away for sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
    and graciously (AS)teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I (AT)set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
    (AU)let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
    when you (AV)enlarge my heart![e]

He

33 (AW)Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it (AX)to the end.[f]
34 (AY)Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
35 (AZ)Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I (BA)delight in it.
36 (BB)Incline my heart to your testimonies,
    and not to (BC)selfish gain!
37 (BD)Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and (BE)give me life in your ways.
38 (BF)Confirm to your servant your promise,
    (BG)that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the (BH)reproach that I dread,
    for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I (BI)long for your precepts;
    (BJ)in your righteousness give me life!

Waw

41 Let your (BK)steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
    your salvation (BL)according to your promise;
42 then (BM)shall I have an answer for him (BN)who taunts me,
    for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
    for my (BO)hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
    forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk (BP)in a wide place,
    for I have (BQ)sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies (BR)before kings
    and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I (BS)find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
48 I will (BT)lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will (BU)meditate on your statutes.

Zayin

49 Remember (BV)your word to your servant,
    in which you have made me (BW)hope.
50 This is (BX)my comfort in my affliction,
    that your promise (BY)gives me life.
51 (BZ)The insolent utterly deride me,
    but I do not (CA)turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old,
    I take comfort, O Lord.
53 (CB)Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
    who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
    in the house of my (CC)sojourning.
55 I (CD)remember your name in the night, O Lord,
    and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
    that (CE)I have kept your precepts.

Heth

57 (CF)The Lord is my portion;
    I promise to keep your words.
58 I (CG)entreat your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me (CH)according to your promise.
59 When I (CI)think on my ways,
    I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
    to keep your commandments.
61 Though (CJ)the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
    I do not (CK)forget your law.
62 At (CL)midnight I rise to praise you,
    because of your (CM)righteous rules.
63 (CN)I am a companion of all who fear you,
    of those who keep your precepts.
64 (CO)The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
    (CP)teach me your statutes!

Teth

65 You have dealt well with your servant,
    O Lord, (CQ)according to your word.
66 Teach me (CR)good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in your commandments.
67 (CS)Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    but now I keep your word.
68 (CT)You are good and do good;
    (CU)teach me your statutes.
69 (CV)The insolent (CW)smear me with lies,
    but with my whole heart I (CX)keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling (CY)like fat,
    but I (CZ)delight in your law.
71 It is (DA)good for me that I was afflicted,
    that I might learn your statutes.
72 (DB)The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh

73 (DC)Your hands have made and fashioned me;
    (DD)give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and (DE)rejoice,
    because I have (DF)hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are (DG)righteous,
    and that in (DH)faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
    according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your (DI)mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my (DJ)delight.
78 Let (DK)the insolent be put to (DL)shame,
    because they have (DM)wronged me with falsehood;
    as for me, I will (DN)meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you (DO)turn to me,
    that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be (DP)blameless in your statutes,
    (DQ)that I may not be put to shame!

Kaph

81 My soul (DR)longs for your salvation;
    I (DS)hope in your word.
82 My (DT)eyes long for your promise;
    I ask, (DU)“When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have (DV)become like a (DW)wineskin in the smoke,
    yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 (DX)How long must your servant endure?[g]
    (DY)When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 (DZ)The insolent have (EA)dug pitfalls for me;
    they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are (EB)sure;
    they persecute me (EC)with falsehood; (ED)help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
    but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love (EE)give me life,
    that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Lamedh

89 Forever, O Lord, your (EF)word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your (EG)faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have (EH)established the earth, and it (EI)stands fast.
91 By your (EJ)appointment they stand this day,
    for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my (EK)delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have (EL)given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
    (EM)for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
    but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
    but your commandment is exceedingly (EN)broad.

Mem

97 Oh how (EO)I love your law!
    It is my (EP)meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me (EQ)wiser than my enemies,
    for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
    for (ER)your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than (ES)the aged,[h]
    for I (ET)keep your precepts.
101 I (EU)hold back my feet from every evil way,
    in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
    for you have taught me.
103 How (EV)sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
    therefore (EW)I hate every false way.

Nun

105 (EX)Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.
106 I have (EY)sworn an oath and confirmed it,
    to keep your (EZ)righteous rules.
107 I am severely (FA)afflicted;
    (FB)give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108 Accept (FC)my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
    and (FD)teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life (FE)in my hand continually,
    but I do not (FF)forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid (FG)a snare for me,
    but (FH)I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are (FI)my heritage forever,
    for they are (FJ)the joy of my heart.
112 I (FK)incline my heart to perform your statutes
    forever, (FL)to the end.[i]

Samekh

113 I hate (FM)the double-minded,
    but I love (FN)your law.
114 You are my (FO)hiding place and my (FP)shield;
    I (FQ)hope in your word.
115 (FR)Depart from me, you evildoers,
    that I may (FS)keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me (FT)according to your promise, that I may live,
    and let me not be (FU)put to shame in my (FV)hope!
117 (FW)Hold me up, that I may be safe
    and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You (FX)spurn all who (FY)go astray from your statutes,
    for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like (FZ)dross,
    therefore (GA)I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh (GB)trembles for fear of you,
    and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin

121 I have done what is just and right;
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant (GC)a pledge of good;
    let not (GD)the insolent oppress me.
123 My (GE)eyes long for your salvation
    and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
    and (GF)teach me your statutes.
125 I am your (GG)servant; (GH)give me understanding,
    that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
    for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I (GI)love your commandments
    above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
    I hate every (GJ)false way.

Pe

129 Your testimonies are (GK)wonderful;
    therefore my soul (GL)keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts (GM)understanding to the simple.
131 I (GN)open my mouth and (GO)pant,
    because I (GP)long for your commandments.
132 (GQ)Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is your way with those who love your name.
133 (GR)Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
    and let no iniquity (GS)get dominion over me.
134 (GT)Redeem me from man's oppression,
    that I may keep your precepts.
135 (GU)Make your face shine upon your servant,
    and (GV)teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes (GW)shed streams of tears,
    because people (GX)do not keep your law.

Tsadhe

137 (GY)Righteous are you, O Lord,
    and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in (GZ)righteousness
    and in all (HA)faithfulness.
139 My (HB)zeal consumes me,
    because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well (HC)tried,
    and your servant (HD)loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
    yet I do not (HE)forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
    and your law is (HF)true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
    but your commandments are my (HG)delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    (HH)give me understanding that I may (HI)live.

Qoph

145 With my (HJ)whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
    I will (HK)keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
    that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before (HL)dawn and cry for help;
    I (HM)hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before (HN)the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
    O Lord, (HO)according to your justice (HP)give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
    they are far from your law.
151 But (HQ)you are near, O Lord,
    and all your commandments are (HR)true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
    that you have (HS)founded them forever.

Resh

153 Look on my (HT)affliction and deliver me,
    for (HU)I do not forget your law.
154 (HV)Plead my cause and redeem me;
    (HW)give me life according to your promise!
155 (HX)Salvation is far from the wicked,
    (HY)for they do not seek your statutes.
156 (HZ)Great is your mercy, O Lord;
    (IA)give me life according to your rules.
157 (IB)Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
    but I do not (IC)swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at (ID)the faithless with (IE)disgust,
    because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I (IF)love your precepts!
    (IG)Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 (IH)The sum of your word is (II)truth,
    and every one of your (IJ)righteous rules endures forever.

Sin and Shin

161 (IK)Princes persecute me (IL)without cause,
    but my heart (IM)stands in awe of your words.
162 I (IN)rejoice at your word
    like one who (IO)finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
    but I love (IP)your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
    for your (IQ)righteous rules.
165 Great (IR)peace have those who love your law;
    (IS)nothing can make them stumble.
166 I (IT)hope for your salvation, O Lord,
    and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
    I (IU)love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
    (IV)for all my ways are before you.

Taw

169 Let my (IW)cry come before you, O Lord;
    (IX)give me understanding (IY)according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
    (IZ)deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will (JA)pour forth praise,
    for you (JB)teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
    for (JC)all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
    for I have (JD)chosen your precepts.
174 I (JE)long for your salvation, O Lord,
    and your law is my (JF)delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
    and let your rules help me.
176 I have (JG)gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
    for I do not (JH)forget your commandments.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem of twenty-two stanzas, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet; within a stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter
  2. Psalm 119:7 Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164
  3. Psalm 119:13 Or all the just decrees
  4. Psalm 119:20 Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175
  5. Psalm 119:32 Or for you set my heart free
  6. Psalm 119:33 Or keep it as my reward
  7. Psalm 119:84 Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?
  8. Psalm 119:100 Or the elders
  9. Psalm 119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal

The Glories of God’s Law

119 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
Thou hast commanded thy precepts
    to be kept diligently.
O that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping thy statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all thy commandments.
I will praise thee with an upright heart,
    when I learn thy righteous ordinances.
I will observe thy statutes;
    O forsake me not utterly!

How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart I seek thee;
    let me not wander from thy commandments!
11 I have laid up thy word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed be thou, O Lord;
    teach me thy statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
    all the ordinances of thy mouth.
14 In the way of thy testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on thy precepts,
    and fix my eyes on thy ways.
16 I will delight in thy statutes;
    I will not forget thy word.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant,
    that I may live and observe thy word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
    wondrous things out of thy law.
19 I am a sojourner on earth;
    hide not thy commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
    for thy ordinances at all times.
21 Thou dost rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
    who wander from thy commandments;
22 take away from me their scorn and contempt,
    for I have kept thy testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
    thy servant will meditate on thy statutes.
24 Thy testimonies are my delight,
    they are my counselors.

25 My soul cleaves to the dust;
    revive me according to thy word!
26 When I told of my ways, thou didst answer me;
    teach me thy statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of thy precepts,
    and I will meditate on thy wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
    strengthen me according to thy word!
29 Put false ways far from me;
    and graciously teach me thy law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness,
    I set thy ordinances before me.
31 I cleave to thy testimonies, O Lord;
    let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of thy commandments
    when thou enlargest my understanding!

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of thy commandments,
    for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to thy testimonies,
    and not to gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
    and give me life in thy ways.
38 Confirm to thy servant thy promise,
    which is for those who fear thee.
39 Turn away the reproach which I dread;
    for thy ordinances are good.
40 Behold, I long for thy precepts;
    in thy righteousness give me life!

41 Let thy steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
    thy salvation according to thy promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for those who taunt me,
    for I trust in thy word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
    for my hope is in thy ordinances.
44 I will keep thy law continually,
    for ever and ever;
45 and I shall walk at liberty,
    for I have sought thy precepts.
46 I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings,
    and shall not be put to shame;
47 for I find my delight in thy commandments,
    which I love.
48 I revere thy commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on thy statutes.

49 Remember thy word to thy servant,
    in which thou hast made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction
    that thy promise gives me life.
51 Godless men utterly deride me,
    but I do not turn away from thy law.
52 When I think of thy ordinances from of old,
    I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
    who forsake thy law.
54 Thy statutes have been my songs
    in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I remember thy name in the night, O Lord,
    and keep thy law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
    that I have kept thy precepts.

57 The Lord is my portion;
    I promise to keep thy words.
58 I entreat thy favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to thy promise.
59 When I think of thy ways,
    I turn my feet to thy testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
    to keep thy commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
    I do not forget thy law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise thee,
    because of thy righteous ordinances.
63 I am a companion of all who fear thee,
    of those who keep thy precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy steadfast love;
    teach me thy statutes!

65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant,
    O Lord, according to thy word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in thy commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray;
    but now I keep thy word.
68 Thou art good and doest good;
    teach me thy statutes.
69 The godless besmear me with lies,
    but with my whole heart I keep thy precepts;
70 their heart is gross like fat,
    but I delight in thy law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
    that I might learn thy statutes.
72 The law of thy mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

73 Thy hands have made and fashioned me;
    give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments.
74 Those who fear thee shall see me and rejoice,
    because I have hoped in thy word.
75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right,
    and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.
76 Let thy steadfast love be ready to comfort me
    according to thy promise to thy servant.
77 Let thy mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for thy law is my delight.
78 Let the godless be put to shame,
    because they have subverted me with guile;
    as for me, I will meditate on thy precepts.
79 Let those who fear thee turn to me,
    that they may know thy testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in thy statutes,
    that I may not be put to shame!

81 My soul languishes for thy salvation;
    I hope in thy word.
82 My eyes fail with watching for thy promise;
    I ask, “When wilt thou comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
    yet I have not forgotten thy statutes.
84 How long must thy servant endure?
    When wilt thou judge those who persecute me?
85 Godless men have dug pitfalls for me,
    men who do not conform to thy law.
86 All thy commandments are sure;
    they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth;
    but I have not forsaken thy precepts.
88 In thy steadfast love spare my life,
    that I may keep the testimonies of thy mouth.

89 For ever, O Lord, thy word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Thy faithfulness endures to all generations;
    thou hast established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By thy appointment they stand this day;
    for all things are thy servants.
92 If thy law had not been my delight,
    I should have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget thy precepts;
    for by them thou hast given me life.
94 I am thine, save me;
    for I have sought thy precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me;
    but I consider thy testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
    but thy commandment is exceedingly broad.

97 Oh, how I love thy law!
    It is my meditation all the day.
98 Thy commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
    for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
    for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
    for I keep thy precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
    in order to keep thy word.
102 I do not turn aside from thy ordinances,
    for thou hast taught me.
103 How sweet are thy words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through thy precepts I get understanding;
    therefore I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
    to observe thy righteous ordinances.
107 I am sorely afflicted;
    give me life, O Lord, according to thy word!
108 Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
    and teach me thy ordinances.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
    but I do not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
    but I do not stray from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies are my heritage for ever;
    yea, they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform thy statutes
    for ever, to the end.

113 I hate double-minded men,
    but I love thy law.
114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in thy word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to thy promise, that I may live,
    and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
    and have regard for thy statutes continually!
118 Thou dost spurn all who go astray from thy statutes;
    yea, their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth thou dost count as dross;
    therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of thee,
    and I am afraid of thy judgments.

121 I have done what is just and right;
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for thy servant for good;
    let not the godless oppress me.
123 My eyes fail with watching for thy salvation,
    and for the fulfilment of thy righteous promise.
124 Deal with thy servant according to thy steadfast love,
    and teach me thy statutes.
125 I am thy servant; give me understanding,
    that I may know thy testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
    for thy law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love thy commandments
    above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I direct my steps by all thy precepts;[a]
    I hate every false way.

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of thy words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 With open mouth I pant,
    because I long for thy commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is thy wont toward those who love thy name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to thy promise,
    and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man’s oppression,
    that I may keep thy precepts.
135 Make thy face shine upon thy servant,
    and teach me thy statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
    because men do not keep thy law.

137 Righteous art thou, O Lord,
    and right are thy judgments.
138 Thou hast appointed thy testimonies in righteousness
    and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
    because my foes forget thy words.
140 Thy promise is well tried,
    and thy servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
    yet I do not forget thy precepts.
142 Thy righteousness is righteous for ever,
    and thy law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
    but thy commandments are my delight.
144 Thy testimonies are righteous for ever;
    give me understanding that I may live.

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
    I will keep thy statutes.
146 I cry to thee; save me,
    that I may observe thy testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I hope in thy words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate upon thy promise.
149 Hear my voice in thy steadfast love;
    O Lord, in thy justice preserve my life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
    they are far from thy law.
151 But thou art near, O Lord,
    and all thy commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from thy testimonies
    that thou hast founded them for ever.

153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
    for I do not forget thy law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
    give me life according to thy promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek thy statutes.
156 Great is thy mercy, O Lord;
    give me life according to thy justice.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
    but I do not swerve from thy testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
    because they do not keep thy commands.
159 Consider how I love thy precepts!
    Preserve my life according to thy steadfast love.
160 The sum of thy word is truth;
    and every one of thy righteous ordinances endures for ever.

161 Princes persecute me without cause,
    but my heart stands in awe of thy words.
162 I rejoice at thy word
    like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
    but I love thy law.
164 Seven times a day I praise thee
    for thy righteous ordinances.
165 Great peace have those who love thy law;
    nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for thy salvation, O Lord,
    and I do thy commandments.
167 My soul keeps thy testimonies;
    I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep thy precepts and testimonies,
    for all my ways are before thee.

169 Let my cry come before thee, O Lord;
    give me understanding according to thy word!
170 Let my supplication come before thee;
    deliver me according to thy word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise
    that thou dost teach me thy statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of thy word,
    for all thy commandments are right.
173 Let thy hand be ready to help me,
    for I have chosen thy precepts.
174 I long for thy salvation, O Lord,
    and thy law is my delight.
175 Let me live, that I may praise thee,
    and let thy ordinances help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant,
    for I do not forget thy commandments.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:128 Gk Jerome: Heb uncertain