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Aleph[a]

119 Great blessings belong to those who live pure lives!
    They follow the Lord’s teachings.
Great blessings belong to those who follow his rules!
    They seek him with all their heart.
They don’t do wrong.
    They follow his ways.
Lord, you gave us your instructions
    and told us to always obey them.
How I wish I could be more faithful
    in obeying your laws!
Then I would never feel ashamed
    when I look closely at your commands.
The more I understand how fair your laws are,
    the more sincerely I will praise you.
I will obey your laws,
    so please don’t leave me!

Beth

How can a young person live a pure life?
    By obeying your word.
10 I try with all my heart to serve you.
    Help me obey your commands.
11 I study your teachings very carefully
    so that I will not sin against you.
12 Lord, you are worthy of praise!
    Teach me your laws.
13 I will repeat the laws we have heard from you.
14 I enjoy following your rules
    as much as others enjoy great riches.
15 I will study your instructions.
    I will give thought to your way of life.
16 I enjoy your laws.
    I will not forget your word.

Gimel

17 Be good to me, your servant,
    so that I may live to obey your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I can see
    all the wonderful things in your teachings.
19 I feel like a stranger visiting here on earth.
    I need to know your commands.
    Don’t keep them hidden from me.
20 I constantly feel a hunger
    to understand your laws.
21 You tell the proud how angry you are with them.
    All those who refuse to obey your word are cursed.
22 Don’t let me be ashamed and embarrassed.
    I have obeyed your rules.
23 Even if rulers say bad things about me,
    I am your servant,
    and I continue to study your laws.
24 Your rules make me happy.
    They give me good advice.

Daleth

25 I lie here like a dying man.
    Say the word, and I will live again.[b]
26 I told you about my life, and you answered me.
    Now, teach me your laws.
27 Help me understand your instructions,
    and I will think about your wonderful teachings.[c]
28 I am sad and tired.
    Say the word, and make me strong again.
29 Don’t let me live a lie.
    Guide me with your teachings.
30 I have chosen to be loyal to you.
    I respect your laws.
31 I follow your rules closely, Lord.
    Don’t let me be put to shame.
32 I do my best to follow your commands,
    because you are the one who gives me the desire.

He

33 Lord, teach me your laws,
    and I will always follow them.
34 Help me understand your teachings,
    and I will follow them.
    Obeying them will be my greatest desire.
35 Help me follow your commands,
    because that makes me happy.
36 Give me the desire to follow your rules,
    not the desire to get rich.
37 Don’t let me look at worthless things.
    Help me live your way.
38 Do what you promised me, your servant,
    so that people will respect you.
39 Take away the shame I fear.
    Your laws are good.
40 See how much I want to obey your instructions!
    Be good to me, and let me live.

Waw

41 Lord, show me your faithful love.
    Save me, as you promised.
42 Then I will have an answer for those who make fun of me
    for trusting what you say.
43 Let me always say what is true.
    I depend on your judgment to be fair.
44 I will follow your teachings forever and ever.
45 So I will live in freedom,
    because I do my best to know your instructions.
46 I will discuss your rules with kings,
    and no one will embarrass me.
47 What joy your commands give me!
    How I love them!
48 Not only do I love your commands, but I also honor them.
    I will study your laws.

Zain

49 Remember your promise to me, your servant.
    It gives me hope.
50 You comfort me in my suffering,
    because your promise gives me new life.
51 People full of pride are always making fun of me,
    but I have not stopped following your teachings.
52 I remember the laws you gave us long ago, Lord,
    and they bring me comfort.
53 I am overcome with anger when I see wicked people,
    who have stopped following your teachings.
54 Your laws are the songs I sing
    wherever I am living.
55 Lord, in the night I remembered your name,
    and I obeyed your teachings.
56 This happened because I carefully obey your instructions.

Heth

57 Lord, I decided that my duty is to obey your commandments.
58 I beg you with all my heart,
    be kind to me, as you promised.
59 I thought very carefully about my life,
    and I decided to follow your rules.
60 Without wasting any time,
    I hurried back to obey your commands.
61 The wicked tried to trap me,
    but I have not forgotten your teachings.
62 In the middle of the night, I get up to thank you
    because your laws are so fair.
63 I am a friend to everyone who worships you.
    I am a friend to everyone who obeys your instructions.
64 Lord, your faithful love fills the earth.
    Teach me your laws.

Teth

65 Lord, you did good things for me, your servant.
    You did what you promised to do.
66 Give me the knowledge to make wise decisions.
    I trust your commands.
67 Before I suffered, I did many wrong things.
    But now I carefully obey everything you say.
68 You are good, and you do good things.
    Teach me your laws.
69 People full of pride made up lies about me.
    But I keep obeying your instructions with all my heart.
70 Those people are so stupid that they care for nothing,
    but I enjoy studying your teachings.
71 Suffering was good for me;
    I learned your laws.
72 Your teachings are worth more to me
    than a thousand pieces of silver and gold.

Yod

73 With your hands you made me and helped me become what I am.
    Now help me learn and understand your commands.
74 Your followers will see me and be happy,
    because I trust in your word.
75 Lord, I know that your decisions are fair,
    and you were right to punish me.
76 Now comfort me with your faithful love,
    as you promised.
77 Comfort me and let me live.
    I enjoy your teachings.
78 Bring shame on those proud people who lied about me.
    All I want to do is study your instructions.
79 Let your followers come back to me
    so that they may learn your rules.
80 Let me obey your laws perfectly
    so that I will not be ashamed.

Kaph

81 I feel weaker and weaker as I wait for you to save me.
    But I put my trust in your word.
82 I keep looking for what you promised, but my eyes are feeling tired.
    When will you comfort me?
83 Even when I am like a dried wineskin on the trash pile,
    I will not forget your laws.
84 How long must I wait for you
    to punish those who persecute me?
85 Proud people have tried to trap me
    and make me disobey your teachings.
86 All your commands can be trusted.
    Those people are wrong to persecute me.
    Help me!
87 They have almost destroyed me,
    but I have not stopped obeying your instructions.
88 Show me your faithful love and let me live.
    I will do whatever you say.

Lamedh

89 Lord, your word continues forever in heaven.
90 You are loyal forever and ever.
    You made the earth, and it still stands.
91 All things continue today because of your laws.
    Like slaves, they all obey you.
92 If I had not found joy in your teachings,
    my suffering would have destroyed me.
93 I will never forget your commands,
    because through them you gave me new life.
94 I am yours, so save me!
    I have done my best to know your instructions.
95 The wicked tried to destroy me,
    but your rules made me wise.
96 Everything has its limits,
    except your commands.

Mem

97 Oh, how I love your teachings!
    I talk about them all the time.
98 Your commands are always with me,
    and they make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I am wiser than all my teachers,
    because I study your rules.
100 I understand more than those who are older,
    because I obey your instructions.
101 I have avoided every path that leads to evil
    so that I could obey your word.
102 You are my teacher,
    so I will always do whatever you decide.
103 Your words are so sweet to me,
    like the taste of honey!
104 I gain understanding from your instructions,
    so I hate anything that leads people the wrong way.

Nun

105 Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps,
    a light that shows the path I should take.
106 Your laws are good and fair.
    I have promised to obey them, and I will keep my promise.
107 Lord, I have suffered for a long time.
    Say the word, and I will live again![d]
108 Lord, accept the praise I want to give you,
    and teach me your laws.
109 My life is always in danger,
    but I have not forgotten your teachings.
110 The wicked try to trap me,
    but I have not disobeyed your instructions.
111 The rules you have given me to follow will be mine forever.
    They give me great joy.
112 More than anything I want to obey your laws always,
    until the end of my life.

Samekh

113 Lord, I hate those who are not completely loyal to you,
    but I love your teachings.
114 Hide me and protect me.
    I trust what you say.
115 Don’t come near me, you who are evil,
    so that I can obey my God’s commands.
116 Support me, Lord, as you promised, and I will live.
    I trust in you, so don’t disappoint me.
117 Help me and I will be saved.
    And I will always give attention to your laws.
118 You reject all who don’t obey your laws,
    because they are liars and did not do what they said.
119 You throw away the wicked of this world like trash.
    So I love your rules.
120 I am shaking with fear before you.
    I fear and respect your judgments.

Ain

121 I have done what is right and good.
    Don’t let me fall into the hands of those who want to hurt me.
122 Promise to be good to me, your servant.
    Don’t let those proud people do harm to me.
123 I have worn out my eyes looking for your help,
    waiting for you to save me, as you promised.
124 Show your faithful love to me, your servant.
    Teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant.
    Give me wisdom to understand your rules.
126 Lord, it is time for you to do something.
    The people do what is against your teachings.
127 I love your commands more than gold,
    more than the purest gold.
128 I carefully obey all your commands.
    So I hate anything that leads people the wrong way.

Pe

129 Lord, your rules are wonderful.
    That is why I follow them.
130 As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives.
    Your word makes even simple people wise.
131 My desire to hear your commands is so strong
    that I wait with open mouth, gasping for breath.
132 Look at me, and be kind to me,
    just as you always are to those who love your name.
133 Guide me, as you promised.
    Don’t let evil rule over me.
134 Save me from those who want to hurt me,
    and I will obey your instructions.
135 Accept your servant,
    and teach me your laws.
136 I have cried a river of tears
    because people don’t obey your teachings.

Tsadhe

137 Lord, you do what is right,
    and your decisions are fair.
138 The rules you have given us are right.
    We can trust them completely.
139 Something that really upsets me is the thought
    that my enemies ignore your commands.
140 I love your word.
    Time and again it has been proven true.
141 I am young, and people don’t respect me.
    But I have not forgotten your instructions.
142 Your goodness is forever,
    and your teachings can be trusted.
143 Even though I have troubles and hard times,
    your commands give me joy.
144 Your rules are always right.
    Help me understand them so that I can live.

Qoph

145 Lord, I call to you with all my heart.
    Answer me, and I will obey your laws.
146 I call to you.
    Save me, and I will obey your rules.
147 I get up early in the morning to pray to you.
    I trust what you say.
148 Late into the night I stay awake
    to think about your word.
149 I know your love is true, so listen to me.
    Lord, you always do what is right, so let me live.
150 Here come those who have evil plans to hurt me.
    They live far away from your teachings.
151 But you are near me, Lord,
    and all your commands can be trusted.
152 Long ago, I learned from your rules
    that you made them to last forever.

Resh

153 Look at my suffering and rescue me.
    I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Argue my case, and set me free.
    Let me live, as you promised.
155 The wicked have no hope of being saved,
    because they don’t follow your laws.
156 Lord, you are very kind.
    You always do what is right, so let me live.
157 I have many enemies trying to hurt me,
    but I have not stopped following your rules.
158 I look at those traitors and hate what I see,
    because they refuse to do what you say.
159 See how much I love your instructions!
    Lord, I know your love is true, so let me live.
160 Every word you say can be trusted.
    Your laws are fair and will last forever.

Shin

161 Powerful leaders attack me for no reason,
    but the only thing I fear is your command.
162 Your word makes me happy,
    like someone who has found a great treasure.
163 I hate lies; they make me sick!
    But I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
    because your laws are fair.
165 Those who love your teachings will find true peace.
    Nothing can make them fall.
166 Lord, I am waiting for you to save me.
    I obey your commands.
167 I follow your rules.
    I love them very much.
168 I obey all your instructions and rules,
    because you know everything I do.

Taw

169 Lord, listen to my cry for help.
    Make me wise, as you promised.
170 Listen to my prayer.
    Save me, as you promised.
171 I will burst into songs of praise,
    because you have taught me your laws.
172 Let my voice sing about your word,
    because all your commands are good.
173 I have chosen to follow your instructions,
    so reach out and help me!
174 Lord, I want you to save me.
    Your teachings make me happy.
175 Let me live to praise you.
    Let me find the help I need in your laws.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep.
    Come and find me.
I am your servant,
    and I have not forgotten your commands.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:1 Psalm 119 Aleph The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This psalm has a section for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and each of the eight verses in each section begins with the Hebrew letter for its section.
  2. Psalm 119:25 Say … again Or “Give me life as you promised.”
  3. Psalm 119:27 teachings Or “deeds.”
  4. Psalm 119:107 Say … again Or “Give me life as you promised.”

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