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Psalm 119[a]

Blessed are those whose lives have integrity,
    those who follow the teachings of Yahweh.
Blessed are those who obey his written instructions.
    They wholeheartedly search for him.
They do nothing wrong.
    They follow his directions.
You have commanded
    that your guiding principles be carefully followed.
I pray that my ways may become firmly established
    so that I can obey your laws.
        Then I will never feel ashamed
            when I study all your commandments.
I will give thanks to you
    as I learn your regulations, which are based on your righteousness.
I will obey your laws.
    Never abandon me.

How can a young person keep his life pure?
    He can do it by holding on to your word.
10 I wholeheartedly searched for you.
    Do not let me wander away from your commandments.
11 I have treasured your promise in my heart
    so that I may not sin against you.
12 Thanks be to you, O Yahweh.
    Teach me your laws.
13 With my lips I have repeated
    every regulation that comes from your mouth.
14 I find joy in the way shown by your written instructions
    more than I find joy in all kinds of riches.
15 I want to reflect on your guiding principles
    and study your ways.
16 Your laws make me happy.
    I never forget your word.

17 Be kind to me so that I may live
    and hold on to your word.
18 Uncover my eyes
    so that I may see the miraculous things in your teachings.
19 I am a foreigner in this world.
    Do not hide your commandments from me.
20 My soul is overwhelmed with endless longing for your regulations.
21 You threaten arrogant people, who are condemned
    and wander away from your commandments.
22 Remove the insults and contempt that have fallen on me
    because I have obeyed your written instructions.
23 Even though influential people plot against me,
    I reflect on your laws.
24 Indeed, your written instructions make me happy.
    They are my best friends.

25 I am close to death.
    Give me a new life as you promised.
26 I told you what I have done, and you answered me.
    Teach me your laws.
27 Help me understand your guiding principles
    so that I may reflect on your miracles.
28 I am drowning in tears.
    Strengthen me as you promised.
29 Turn me away from a life of lies.
    Graciously provide me with your teachings.
30 I have chosen a life of faithfulness.
    I have set your regulations in front of me.
31 I have clung tightly to your written instructions.
    O Yahweh, do not let me be put to shame.
32 I will eagerly pursue your commandments
    because you continue to increase my understanding.

33 Teach me, O Yahweh, how to live by your laws,
    and I will obey them to the end.
34 Help me understand so that I can follow your teachings.
    I will guard them with all my heart.
35 Lead me on the path of your commandments,
    because I am happy with them.
36 Direct my heart toward your written instructions
    rather than getting rich in underhanded ways.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things.
    Give me a new life in your ways.
38 Keep your promise to me
    so that I can fear you.
39 Take away insults, which I dread,
    because your regulations are good.
40 I long for your guiding principles.
    Give me a new life in your righteousness.

41 Let your blessings reach me, O Yahweh.
    Save me as you promised.
42 Then I will have an answer for the one who insults me
    since I trust your word.
43 Do not take so much as a single word of truth from my mouth.
    My hope is based on your regulations.
44 I will follow your teachings forever and ever.
45 I will walk around freely
    because I sought out your guiding principles.
46 I will speak about your written instructions in the presence of kings
    and not feel ashamed.
47 Your commandments, which I love, make me happy.
48 I lift my hands in prayer because of your commandments,
    which I love.
    I will reflect on your laws.

49 Remember the word you gave me.
    Through it you gave me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my misery:
    Your promise gave me a new life.
51 Arrogant people have mocked me with cruelty,
    yet I have not turned away from your teachings.
52 I remembered your regulations from long ago, O Yahweh,
    and I found comfort in them.
53 I am burning with anger because of wicked people,
    who abandon your teachings.
54 Your laws have become like psalms to me
    in this place where I am only a foreigner.
55 At night I remember your name, O Yahweh,
    and I follow your teachings.
56 This has happened to me
    because I have obeyed your guiding principles.

57 You are my inheritance, O Yahweh.
    I promised to hold on to your words.
58 With all my heart I want to win your favor.
    Be kind to me as you promised.
59 I have thought about my life,
    and I have directed my feet back to your written instructions.
60 Without any hesitation I hurry to obey your commandments.
61 Though the ropes of wicked people are tied around me,
    I never forget your teachings.
62 At midnight I wake up to give thanks to you
    for the regulations, which are based on your righteousness.
63 I am a friend to everyone who fears you
    and to everyone who follows your guiding principles.
64 Your mercy, O Yahweh, fills the earth.
    Teach me your laws.

65 You have treated me well, O Yahweh,
    as you promised.
66 Teach me to use good judgment and knowledge,
    because I believe in your commandments.
67 Before you made me suffer, I used to wander off,
    but now I hold on to your word.
68 You are good, and you do good things.
    Teach me your laws.
69 Arrogant people have smeared me with lies,
    yet I obey your guiding principles with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are cold and insensitive,
    yet I am happy with your teachings.
71 It was good that I had to suffer
    in order to learn your laws.
72 The teachings that come from your mouth are worth more to me
    than thousands in gold or silver.

73 Your hands created me and made me what I am.
    Help me understand so that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you will see me and rejoice,
    because my hope is based on your word.
75 I know that your regulations are fair, O Yahweh,
    and that you were right to make me suffer.
76 Let your mercy comfort me
    as you promised.
77 Let your compassion reach me so that I may live,
    because your teachings make me happy.
78 Let arrogant people be put to shame
    because they lied about me,
        yet I reflect on your guiding principles.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me
    so that they can come to know your written instructions.
80 Let my heart be filled with integrity in regard to your laws
    so that I will not be put to shame.

81 My soul is weak from waiting for you to save me.
    My hope is based on your word.
82 My eyes have become strained from looking for your promise.
    I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Although I have become like a shriveled and dried out wineskin,
    I have not forgotten your laws.
84 What is left of my life?
    When will you bring those who persecute me to justice?
85 Arrogant people have dug pits to trap me
    in defiance of your teachings.
86 (All your commandments are reliable.)
    Those people persecute me with lies. Help me!
87 They almost wiped me off the face of the earth.
    But I did not abandon your guiding principles.
88 Give me a new life through your mercy
    so that I may obey the written instructions,
        which came from your mouth.

89 O Yahweh, your word is established in heaven forever.
90 Your faithfulness endures throughout every generation.
    You set the earth in place, and it continues to stand.
91 All things continue to stand today because of your regulations,
    since they are all your servants.
92 If your teachings had not made me happy,
    then I would have died in my misery.
93 I will never forget your guiding principles,
    because you gave me a new life through them.
94 I am yours.
    Save me, because I have searched for your guiding principles.
95 The wicked people have waited for me in order to destroy me,
    yet I want to understand your written instructions.
96 I have seen a limit to everything else,
    but your commandments have no limit.

97 Oh, how I love your teachings!
    They are in my thoughts all day long.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
    because your commandments are always with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
    because your written instructions are in my thoughts.
100 I have more wisdom than those with many years of experience,
    because I have obeyed your guiding principles.
101 I have kept my feet from walking on any evil path
    in order to obey your word.
102 I have not neglected your regulations,
    because you have taught me.
103 How sweet the taste of your promise is!
    It tastes sweeter than honey.
104 From your guiding principles I gain understanding.
    That is why I hate every path that leads to lying.

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet
    and a light for my path.
106 I took an oath, and I will keep it.
    I took an oath to follow your regulations,
        which are based on your righteousness.
107 I have suffered so much.
    Give me a new life, O Yahweh, as you promised.
108 Please accept the praise I gladly give you, O Yahweh,
    and teach me your regulations.
109 I always take my life into my own hands,
    but I never forget your teachings.
110 Wicked people have set a trap for me,
    but I have never wandered away from your guiding principles.
111 Your written instructions are mine forever.
    They are the joy of my heart.
112 I have decided to obey your laws.
    They offer a reward that never ends.

113 I hate two-faced people,
    but I love your teachings.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
    My hope is based on your word.
115 Get away from me, you evildoers,
    so that I can obey the commandments of my Elohim.
116 Help me Elohim, as you promised, so that I may live.
    Do not turn my hope into disappointment.
117 Hold me, and I will be safe,
    and I will always respect your laws.
118 You reject all who wander away from your laws,
    because their lies mislead them.[b]
119 You get rid of all wicked people on earth as if they were rubbish.
    That is why I love your written instructions.
120 My body shudders in fear of you,
    and I am afraid of your regulations.

121 I have done what is fair and right.
    Do not leave me at the mercy of those who oppress me.
122 Guarantee my well-being.
    Do not let arrogant people oppress me.
123 My eyes are strained from looking for you to save me
    and from looking for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Treat me with kindness,
    and teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant.
    Help me understand
        so that I may come to know your written instructions.
126 It is time for you to act, O Yahweh.[c]
    Even though people have abolished your teachings,
127 I love your commandments more than gold, more than pure gold.
128 I follow the straight paths of your guiding principles.
    I hate every pathway that leads to lying.

129 Your written instructions are miraculous.
    That is why I obey them.
130 Your word is a doorway that lets in light,
    and it helps gullible people understand.
131 I open my mouth and pant
    because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn toward me, and have pity on me
    as you have pledged to do for those who love your name.
133 Make my steps secure through your promise,
    and do not let any sin control me.
134 Save me from human oppression
    so that I may obey your guiding principles.
135 Smile on me,
    and teach me your laws.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes
    because others do not follow your teachings.

137 You are righteous, O Yahweh,
    and your regulations are fair.
138 You have issued your written instructions.
    They are fair and completely dependable.
139 My devotion for your words consumes me,
    because my enemies have forgotten your words.
140 Your promise has been thoroughly tested,
    and I love it.
141 I am unimportant and despised,
    yet I never forget your guiding principles.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
    and your teachings are reliable.
143 Trouble and hardship have found me,
    but your commandments still make me happy.
144 Your written instructions are always right.
    Help me understand them so that I will live.

145 I have called out with all my heart. Answer me, O Yahweh.
    I want to obey your laws.
146 I have called out.
    Save me, so that I can obey your written instructions.
147 I got up before dawn, and I cried out for help.
    My hope is based on your word.
148 My eyes are wide-open throughout the nighttime hours
    to reflect on your word.
149 In keeping with your mercy, hear my voice.
    O Yahweh, give me a new life guided by your regulations.
150 Those who carry out plots against me are near,
    yet they are far away from your teachings.
151 You are near, O Yahweh,
    and all your commandments are reliable.
152 Long ago I learned from your written instructions
    that you made them to last forever.

153 Look at my misery, and rescue me,
    because I have never forgotten your teachings.
154 Plead my case for me, and save me.
    Give me a new life as you promised.
155 Wicked people are far from being saved,
    because they have not searched for your laws.
156 Your acts of compassion are many in number, O Yahweh.
    Give me a new life guided by your regulations.
157 I have many persecutors and opponents,
    yet I have not turned away from your written instructions.
158 I have seen traitors,
    and I am filled with disgust.
        They have not accepted your promise.
159 See how I have loved your guiding principles!
    O Yahweh, in keeping with your mercy, give me a new life.
160 There is nothing but truth in your word,
    and all of your righteous regulations endure forever.

161 Influential people have persecuted me for no reason,
    but it is only your words that fill my heart with terror.
162 I find joy in your promise
    like someone who finds a priceless treasure.
163 I hate lying; I am disgusted with it.
    I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous regulations.
165 There is lasting peace for those who love your teachings.
    Nothing can make those people stumble.
166 I have waited with hope for you to save me, O Yahweh.
    I have carried out your commandments.
167 I have obeyed your written instructions.
    I have loved them very much.
168 I have followed your guiding principles and your written instructions,
    because my whole life is in front of you.

169 Let my cry for help come into your presence, O Yahweh.
    Help me understand as you promised.
170 Let my plea for mercy come into your presence.
    Rescue me as you promised.
171 Let my lips pour out praise
    because you teach me your laws.
172 Let my tongue sing about your promise
    because all your commandments are fair.
173 Let your hand help me
    because I have chosen to follow your guiding principles.
174 I have longed for you to save me, O Yahweh,
    and your teachings make me happy.
175 Let my soul have new life so that it can praise you.
    Let your regulations help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost lamb.
    Search for me,
        because I have never forgotten your commandments.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:1 Psalm 119 is a poem in Hebrew alphabetical order.
  2. Psalm 119:118 Hebrew meaning of this line uncertain.
  3. Psalm 119:126 One Hebrew manuscript, Latin; other Hebrew manuscripts “It is time to act for Yahweh.”

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