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The Law of the Lord

119 Happy are those whose lives are faultless,
    who live according to the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who follow his commands,
    who obey him with all their heart.
They never do wrong;
    they walk in the Lord's ways.
Lord, you have given us your laws
    and told us to obey them faithfully.
How I hope that I shall be faithful
    in keeping your instructions!
If I pay attention to all your commands,
    then I will not be put to shame.
As I learn your righteous judgments,
    I will praise you with a pure heart.
I will obey your laws;
    never abandon me!

Obedience to the Law of the Lord

How can young people keep their lives pure?
    By obeying your commands.
10 With all my heart I try to serve you;
    keep me from disobeying your commandments.
11 I keep your law in my heart,
    so that I will not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
    teach me your ways.
13 I will repeat aloud
    all the laws you have given.
14 I delight in following your commands
    more than in having great wealth.
15 I study your instructions;
    I examine your teachings.
16 I take pleasure in your laws;
    your commands I will not forget.

Happiness in the Law of the Lord

17 Be good to me, your servant,
    so that I may live and obey your teachings.
18 Open my eyes, so that I may see
    the wonderful truths in your law.
19 I am here on earth for just a little while;
    do not hide your commands from me.
20 My heart aches with longing;
    I want to know your judgments at all times.
21 You reprimand the proud;
    cursed are those who disobey your commands.
22 Free me from their insults and scorn,
    because I have kept your laws.
23 The rulers meet and plot against me,
    but I will study your teachings.
24 Your instructions give me pleasure;
    they are my advisers.

Determination to Obey the Law of the Lord

25 I lie defeated in the dust;
    revive me, as you have promised.
26 I confessed all I have done, and you answered me;
    teach me your ways.
27 Help me to understand your laws,
    and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings.[a]
28 I am overcome by sorrow;
    strengthen me, as you have promised.
29 Keep me from going the wrong way,
    and in your goodness teach me your law.
30 I have chosen to be obedient;
    I have paid attention to your judgments.
31 I have followed your instructions, Lord;
    don't let me be put to shame.
32 I will eagerly obey your commands,
    because you will give me more understanding.

A Prayer for Understanding

33 Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your laws,
    and I will obey them at all times.
34 Explain your law to me, and I will obey it;
    I will keep it with all my heart.
35 Keep me obedient to your commandments,
    because in them I find happiness.
36 Give me the desire to obey your laws
    rather than to get rich.
37 Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless;
    be good to me, as you have promised.
38 Keep your promise to me, your servant—
    the promise you make to those who obey you.
39 Save me from the insults I fear;
    how wonderful are your judgments!
40 I want to obey your commands;
    give me new life, for you are righteous.

Trusting the Law of the Lord

41 Show me how much you love me, Lord,
    and save me according to your promise.
42 Then I can answer those who insult me
    because I trust in your word.
43 Enable me to speak the truth at all times,
    because my hope is in your judgments.
44 I will always obey your law,
    forever and ever.
45 I will live in perfect freedom,
    because I try to obey your teachings.
46 I will announce your commands to kings
    and I will not be ashamed.
47 I find pleasure in obeying your commands,
    because I love them.
48 I respect and love your commandments;
    I will meditate on your instructions.

Confidence in the Law of the Lord

49 Remember your promise to me, your servant;
    it has given me hope.
50 Even in my suffering I was comforted
    because your promise gave me life.
51 The proud are always scornful of me,
    but I have not departed from your law.
52 I remember your judgments of long ago,
    and they bring me comfort, O Lord.
53 When I see the wicked breaking your law,
    I am filled with anger.
54 During my brief earthly life
    I compose songs about your commands.
55 In the night I remember you, Lord,
    and I think about your law.
56 I find my happiness
    in obeying your commands.

Devotion to the Law of the Lord

57 You are all I want, O Lord;
    I promise to obey your laws.
58 I ask you with all my heart
    to have mercy on me, as you have promised!
59 I have considered my conduct,
    and I promise to follow your instructions.
60 Without delay I hurry
    to obey your commands.
61 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
    but I do not forget your law.
62 In the middle of the night I wake up
    to praise you for your righteous judgments.
63 I am a friend of all who serve you,
    of all who obey your laws.
64 Lord, the earth is full of your constant love;
    teach me your commandments.

The Value of the Law of the Lord

65 You have kept your promise, Lord,
    and you are good to me, your servant.
66 Give me wisdom and knowledge,
    because I trust in your commands.
67 Before you punished me, I used to go wrong,
    but now I obey your word.
68 How good you are—how kind!
    Teach me your commands.
69 The proud have told lies about me,
    but with all my heart I obey your instructions.
70 They have no understanding,
    but I find pleasure in your law.
71 My punishment was good for me,
    because it made me learn your commands.
72 The law that you gave means more to me
    than all the money in the world.

The Justice of the Law of the Lord

73 You created me, and you keep me safe;
    give me understanding, so that I may learn your laws.
74 Those who honor you will be glad when they see me,
    because I trust in your promise.
75 I know that your judgments are righteous, Lord,
    and that you punished me because you are faithful.
76 Let your constant love comfort me,
    as you have promised me, your servant.
77 Have mercy on me, and I will live
    because I take pleasure in your law.
78 May the proud be ashamed for falsely accusing me;
    as for me, I will meditate on your instructions.
79 May those who honor you come to me—
    all those who know your commands.
80 May I perfectly obey your commandments
    and be spared the shame of defeat.

A Prayer for Deliverance

81 I am worn out, Lord, waiting for you to save me;
    I place my trust in your word.
82 My eyes are tired from watching for what you promised,
    while I ask, “When will you help me?”
83 I am as useless as a discarded wineskin;
    yet I have not forgotten your commands.
84 How much longer must I wait?
    When will you punish those who persecute me?
85 The proud, who do not obey your law,
    have dug pits to trap me.
86 Your commandments are all trustworthy;
    people persecute me with lies—help me!
87 They have almost succeeded in killing me,
    but I have not neglected your commands.
88 Because of your constant love be good to me,
    so that I may obey your laws.

Faith in the Law of the Lord

89 Your word, O Lord, will last forever;
    it is eternal in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures through all the ages;
    you have set the earth in place, and it remains.
91 All things remain to this day because of your command,
    because they are all your servants.
92 If your law had not been the source of my joy,
    I would have died from my sufferings.
93 I will never neglect your instructions,
    because by them you have kept me alive.
94 I am yours—save me!
    I have tried to obey your commands.
95 The wicked are waiting to kill me,
    but I will meditate on your laws.
96 I have learned that everything has limits;
    but your commandment is perfect.

Love for the Law of the Lord

97 How I love your law!
    I think about it all day long.
98 Your commandment is with me all the time
    and makes me wiser than my enemies.
99 I understand more than all my teachers,
    because I meditate on your instructions.
100 I have greater wisdom than those who are old,
    because I obey your commands.
101 I have avoided all evil conduct,
    because I want to obey your word.
102 I have not neglected your instructions,
    because you yourself are my teacher.
103 How sweet is the taste of your instructions—
    sweeter even than honey!
104 I gain wisdom from your laws,
    and so I hate all bad conduct.

Light from the Law of the Lord

105 Your word is a lamp to guide me
    and a light for my path.
106 I will keep my solemn promise
    to obey your just instructions.
107 My sufferings, Lord, are terrible indeed;
    keep me alive, as you have promised.
108 Accept my prayer of thanks, O Lord,
    and teach me your commands.
109 I am always ready to risk my life;
    I[b] have not forgotten your law.
110 The wicked lay a trap for me,
    but I have not disobeyed your commands.
111 Your commandments are my eternal possession;
    they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have decided to obey your laws
    until the day I die.

Safety in the Law of the Lord

113 I hate those who are not completely loyal to you,
    but I love your law.
114 You are my defender and protector;
    I put my hope in your promise.
115 Go away from me, you sinful people.
    I will obey the commands of my God.
116 Give me strength, as you promised, and I shall live;
    don't let me be disappointed in my hope!
117 Hold me, and I will be safe,
    and I will always pay attention to your commands.
118 You reject everyone who disobeys your laws;
    their deceitful schemes are useless.
119 You treat all the wicked like rubbish,
    and so I love your instructions.
120 Because of you I am afraid;
    I am filled with fear because of your judgments.

Obedience to the Law of the Lord

121 I have done what is right and good;
    don't abandon me to my enemies!
122 Promise that you will help your servant;
    don't let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes are tired from watching for your saving help,
    for the deliverance you promised.
124 Treat me according to your constant love,
    and teach me your commands.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
    so that I may know your teachings.
126 Lord, it is time for you to act,
    because people are disobeying your law.
127 I love your commands more than gold,
    more than the finest gold.
128 And so I follow all your instructions;[c]
    I hate all wrong ways.

Desire to Obey the Law of the Lord

129 Your teachings are wonderful;
    I obey them with all my heart.
130 The explanation of your teachings gives light
    and brings wisdom to the ignorant.
131 In my desire for your commands
    I pant with open mouth.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me
    as you do on all those who love you.
133 As you have promised, keep me from falling;
    don't let me be overcome by evil.
134 Save me from those who oppress me,
    so that I may obey your commands.
135 Bless me with your presence
    and teach me your laws.
136 My tears pour down like a river,
    because people do not obey your law.

The Justice of the Law of the Lord

137 You are righteous, Lord,
    and your laws are just.
138 The rules that you have given
    are completely fair and right.
139 My anger burns in me like a fire,
    because my enemies disregard your commands.
140 How certain your promise is!
    How I love it!
141 I am unimportant and despised,
    but I do not neglect your teachings.
142 Your righteousness will last forever,
    and your law is always true.
143 I am filled with trouble and anxiety,
    but your commandments bring me joy.
144 Your instructions are always just;
    give me understanding, and I shall live.

A Prayer for Deliverance

145 With all my heart I call to you;
    answer me, Lord, and I will obey your commands!
146 I call to you;
    save me, and I will keep your laws.
147 Before sunrise I call to you for help;
    I place my hope in your promise.
148 All night long I lie awake,
    to meditate on your instructions.
149 Because your love is constant, hear me, O Lord;
    show your mercy, and preserve my life!
150 My cruel persecutors are coming closer,
    people who never keep your law.
151 But you are near to me, Lord,
    and all your commands are permanent.
152 Long ago I learned about your instructions;
    you made them to last forever.

A Plea for Help

153 Look at my suffering, and save me,
    because I have not neglected your law.
154 Defend my cause, and set me free;
    save me, as you have promised.
155 The wicked will not be saved,
    for they do not obey your laws.
156 But your compassion, Lord, is great;
    show your mercy and save me!
157 I have many enemies and oppressors,
    but I do not fail to obey your laws.
158 When I look at those traitors, I am filled with disgust,
    because they do not keep your commands.
159 See how I love your instructions, Lord.
    Your love never changes, so save me!
160 The heart of your law is truth,
    and all your righteous judgments are eternal.

Dedication to the Law of the Lord

161 Powerful people attack me unjustly,
    but I respect your law.
162 How happy I am because of your promises—
    as happy as someone who finds rich treasure.
163 I hate and detest all lies,
    but I love your law.
164 Seven times each day I thank you
    for your righteous judgments.
165 Those who love your law have perfect security,
    and there is nothing that can make them fall.
166 I wait for you to save me, Lord,
    and I do what you command.
167 I obey your teachings;
    I love them with all my heart.
168 I obey your commands and your instructions;
    you see everything I do.

A Prayer for Help

169 Let my cry for help reach you, Lord!
    Give me understanding, as you have promised.
170 Listen to my prayer,
    and save me according to your promise!
171 I will always praise you,
    because you teach me your laws.
172 I will sing about your law,
    because your commands are just.
173 Always be ready to help me,
    because I follow your commands.
174 How I long for your saving help, O Lord!
    I find happiness in your law.
175 Give me life, so that I may praise you;
    may your instructions help me.
176 I wander about like a lost sheep;
    so come and look for me, your servant,
    because I have not neglected your laws.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:27 teachings; or deeds.
  2. Psalm 119:109 I am always ready to risk my life; I; or My life is in constant danger, but I.
  3. Psalm 119:128 Some ancient translations all your instructions; Hebrew unclear.

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