119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course,
    walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
    doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
    you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
    now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
    keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
    in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
    I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
    don’t ever walk off and leave me.

* * *

9-16 How can a young person live a clean life?
    By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
    don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
    so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
    train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
    all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
    than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
    I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
    I won’t forget a word of it.

* * *

17-24 Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
    not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
    what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
    give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
    insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
    ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
    I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
    I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
    I listen to them as to good neighbors!

* * *

25-32 I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!
    Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
    train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
    so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
    build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
    grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
    I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
    God, don’t let me down!
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
    if you’ll just show me how.

* * *

33-40 God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

* * *

41-48 Let your love, God, shape my life
    with salvation, exactly as you promised;
Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery
    because I trusted your Word.
Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever—
    your commandments are what I depend on.
Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me,
    guard it now, guard it ever;
And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces
    as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
Then I’ll tell the world what I find,
    speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—
    relishing every fragment of your counsel.

* * *

49-56 Remember what you said to me, your servant—
    I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
    yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
The haters hate me without mercy,
    but I don’t budge from your revelation.
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
    and know I’m on the right track.
But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
    I’m beside myself with anger.
I set your instructions to music
    and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God,
    treasuring your revelation, O God.
Still, I walk through a rain of derision
    because I live by your Word and counsel.

* * *

57-64 Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise
    to do everything you say.
I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,
    be gracious to me just as you promised.
When I took a long, careful look at your ways,
    I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet,
    was quick to follow your orders.
The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out—
    but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
    your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning!
I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you,
    of those committed to living by your rules.
Your love, God, fills the earth!
    Train me to live by your counsel.

* * *

65-72 Be good to your servant, God;
    be as good as your Word.
Train me in good common sense;
    I’m thoroughly committed to living your way.
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
    but now I’m in step with your Word.
You are good, and the source of good;
    train me in your goodness.
The godless spread lies about me,
    but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
They’re bland as a bucket of lard,
    while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
My troubles turned out all for the best—
    they forced me to learn from your textbook.
Truth from your mouth means more to me
    than striking it rich in a gold mine.

* * *

73-80 With your very own hands you formed me;
    now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
    those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;
    your testing has taught me what’s true and right.
Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!
    just the way you promised.
Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
    your revelation is the tune I dance to.
Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;
    they tried to sell me a bill of goods,
    but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
Let those who fear you turn to me
    for evidence of your wise guidance.
And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,
    so I can always walk with my head held high.

* * *

81-88 I’m homesick—longing for your salvation;
    I’m waiting for your word of hope.
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
    how long must I wait for your comfort?
There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water,
    but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
How long do I have to put up with all this?
    How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
    ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
Everything you command is a sure thing,
    but they harass me with lies. Help!
They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—
    but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.
In your great love revive me
    so I can alertly obey your every word.

* * *

89-96 What you say goes, God,
    and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
Your truth never goes out of fashion;
    it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up.
Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;
    that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going.
If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so,
    I would have given up when the hard times came.
But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me;
    you saved my life with those wise words.
Save me! I’m all yours.
    I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
    but I’m only concerned with your plans for me.
I see the limits to everything human,
    but the horizons can’t contain your commands!

* * *

97-104 Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed;
    I reverently ponder it all the day long.
Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
    they never become obsolete.
I’ve even become smarter than my teachers
    since I’ve pondered and absorbed your counsel.
I’ve become wiser than the wise old sages
    simply by doing what you tell me.
I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
    so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
I never make detours from the route you laid out;
    you gave me such good directions.
Your words are so choice, so tasty;
    I prefer them to the best home cooking.
With your instruction, I understand life;
    that’s why I hate false propaganda.

* * *

105-112 By your words I can see where I’m going;
    they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
    from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
    put me together again with your Word.
Adorn me with your finest sayings, God;
    teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
    but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
    but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
    what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
    I always have and always will.

* * *

113-120 I hate the two-faced,
    but I love your clear-cut revelation.
You’re my place of quiet retreat;
    I wait for your Word to renew me.
Get out of my life, evildoers,
    so I can keep my God’s commands.
Take my side as you promised; I’ll live then for sure.
    Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes.
Stick with me and I’ll be all right;
    I’ll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
Expose all who drift away from your sayings;
    their casual idolatry is lethal.
You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish;
    therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
I shiver in awe before you;
    your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.

* * *

121-128 I stood up for justice and the right;
    don’t leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.
Take the side of your servant, good God;
    don’t let the godless take advantage of me.
I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you
    to keep your promise to set everything right.
Let your love dictate how you deal with me;
    teach me from your textbook on life.
I’m your servant—help me understand what that means,
    the inner meaning of your instructions.
It’s time to act, God;
    they’ve made a shambles of your revelation!
Yea-Saying God, I love what you command,
    I love it better than gold and gemstones;
Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me,
    I despise every deceitful detour.

* * *

129-136 Every word you give me is a miracle word—
    how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
    let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
    I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
    as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
    so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
    so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
    teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
    because nobody’s living by your book!

* * *

137-144 You are right and you do right, God;
    your decisions are right on target.
You rightly instruct us in how to live
    ever faithful to you.
My rivals nearly did me in,
    they persistently ignored your commandments.
Your promise has been tested through and through,
    and I, your servant, love it dearly.
I’m too young to be important,
    but I don’t forget what you tell me.
Your righteousness is eternally right,
    your revelation is the only truth.
Even though troubles came down on me hard,
    your commands always gave me delight.
The way you tell me to live is always right;
    help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.

* * *

145-152 I call out at the top of my lungs,
    God! Answer! I’ll do whatever you say.”
I called to you, “Save me
    so I can carry out all your instructions.”
I was up before sunrise,
    crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
I stayed awake all night,
    prayerfully pondering your promise.
In your love, listen to me;
    in your justice, God, keep me alive.
As those out to get me come closer and closer,
    they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;
But you’re the closest of all to me, God,
    and all your judgments true.
I’ve known all along from the evidence of your words
    that you meant them to last forever.

* * *

153-160 Take a good look at my trouble, and help me—
    I haven’t forgotten your revelation.
Take my side and get me out of this;
    give me back my life, just as you promised.
“Salvation” is only gibberish to the wicked
    because they’ve never looked it up in your dictionary.
Your mercies, God, run into the billions;
    following your guidelines, revive me.
My antagonists are too many to count,
    but I don’t swerve from the directions you gave.
I took one look at the quitters and was filled with loathing;
    they walked away from your promises so casually!
Take note of how I love what you tell me;
    out of your life of love, prolong my life.
Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.
    Your righteous decisions are eternal.

* * *

161-168 I’ve been slandered unmercifully by the politicians,
    but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
I’m ecstatic over what you say,
    like one who strikes it rich.
I hate lies—can’t stand them!—
    but I love what you have revealed.
Seven times each day I stop and shout praises
    for the way you keep everything running right.
For those who love what you reveal, everything fits—
    no stumbling around in the dark for them.
I wait expectantly for your salvation;
    God, I do what you tell me.
My soul guards and keeps all your instructions—
    oh, how much I love them!
I follow your directions, abide by your counsel;
    my life’s an open book before you.

* * *

169-176 Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
    provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
    rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
    after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
    every order you’ve given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
    since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.
I’m homesick, God, for your salvation;
    I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
    use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
    I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.

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