Psalms 119
119
Psalm 119#sn Psalm 119. The psalmist celebrates God’s law and the guidance it provides his people. He expresses his desire to know God’s law thoroughly so that he might experience the blessings that come to those who obey it. This lengthy psalm exhibits an elaborate acrostic pattern. The psalm is divided into twenty-two sections (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet), each of which is comprised of eight verses. Each of the verses in the first section (vv. 1-8) begins with the letter alef (א), the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This pattern continues throughout the psalm as each new section highlights a successive letter of the alphabet. Each verse in section two (vv. 9-16) begins with the second letter of the alphabet, each verse in section three (vv. 17-24) with the third letter, etc. This rigid pattern creates a sense of order and completeness and may have facilitated memorization.
א (Alef)
1 How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,#tn Heb “[Oh] the happiness of those who are blameless of way.”
who obey#tn Heb “walk in.” the law of the Lord.
2 How blessed are those who observe his rules,
and seek him with all their heart,
3 who, moreover, do no wrong,
but follow in his footsteps.#tn Heb “walk in his ways.”
4 You demand that your precepts
be carefully kept.#tn Heb “you, you commanded your precepts, to keep, very much.”
5 If only I were predisposed#tn Heb “if only my ways were established.”
to keep your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
if#tn Or “when.” I were focused on#tn Heb “I gaze at.” all your commands.
7 I will give you sincere thanks,#tn Heb “I will give you thanks with an upright heart.”
when I learn your just regulations.
8 I will keep your statutes.
Do not completely abandon me!#tn Heb “do not abandon me to excess.” For other uses of the phrase עַד מְאֹד (’ad mÿ’od, “to excess”), see Ps 38:6, 8.
ב (Bet)
9 How can a young person#tn Heb “young man.” Hebrew wisdom literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age. To facilitate modern application, the gender specific “young man” has been translated with the more neutral “young person.” maintain a pure life?#tn Heb “purify his path.”
By guarding it according to your instructions!#tn Heb “by keeping according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural, “your words.”
10 With all my heart I seek you.
Do not allow me to stray from your commands!
11 In my heart I store up#tn Or “hide.” your words,#tn Heb “your word.” Some medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural, “your words.”
so I might not sin against you.
12 You deserve praise,#tn Heb “[are] blessed.” O Lord!
Teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I proclaim
all the regulations you have revealed.#tn Heb “of your mouth.”
14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules#tn Heb “in the way of your rules.”
as if#tn Heb “as upon,” meaning “as if” (see 2 Chr 32:19). they were riches of all kinds.#tn Heb “all wealth.” The phrase refers to all kinds of wealth and riches. See Prov 1:13; 6:31; 24:4; Ezek 27:12, 18.
15 I will meditate on#tn The cohortative verbal forms in this verse express the psalmist’s resolve. your precepts
and focus#tn Heb “gaze [at].” on your behavior.#tn Heb “ways” (referring figuratively to God’s behavior here).
16 I find delight#tn The imperfects in this verse emphasize the attitude the psalmist maintains toward God’s law. Another option is to translate with the future tense, “I will find delight…I will not forget.” in your statutes;
I do not forget your instructions.#tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural here.
ג (Gimel)
17 Be kind to your servant!
Then I will live#tn The prefixed verbal form is probably a cohortative indicating purpose/result after the preceding imperative. and keep#tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the imperative that begins the verse. your instructions.#tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as several ancient versions read the plural here.
18 Open#tn Heb “uncover.” The verb form גַּל (gal) is an apocopated Piel imperative from גָּלָה (galah, see GKC 214 §75.cc). my eyes so I can truly see#tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
the marvelous things in your law!
19 I am like a foreigner in this land.#tn Heb “I am a resident alien in the land.” Resident aliens were especially vulnerable and in need of help. They needed to know the social and legal customs of the land to avoid getting into trouble. The translation (note the addition of “like”) assumes the psalmist is speaking metaphorically, not literally.
Do not hide your commands from me!
20 I desperately long to know#tn Heb “my soul languishes for longing for.”
your regulations at all times.
21 You reprimand arrogant people.
Those who stray from your commands are doomed.#tn Heb “accursed.” The traditional punctuation of the Hebrew text takes “accursed” with the previous line (“arrogant, accursed ones”), but it is preferable to take it with the second line as the predicate of the statement.
22 Spare me#tn Heb “roll away from upon me.” Some derive the imperatival form גַּל (gal) from גָּלָה (galah, “uncover,” as in v. 18), but here the form is from גָּלַל (galal, “roll”; see Josh 5:9, where חֶרְפָּה [kherpah, “shame; reproach”] also appears as object of the verb). Some, following the lead of a Dead Sea scroll (11QPsa), emend the form to גֹּל (gol). shame and humiliation,
for I observe your rules.
23 Though rulers plot and slander me,#tn Heb “though rulers sit, about me they talk together.” (For another example of the Niphal of דָּבַר (davar) used with a suffixed form of the preposition ב, see Ezek 33:30.)
your servant meditates on your statutes.
24 Yes, I find delight in your rules;
they give me guidance.#tn Heb “men of my counsel.” That is, God’s rules are like advisers to the psalmist, for they teach him how to live in a godly manner that refutes the accusations of his enemies.
ד (Dalet)
25 I collapse in the dirt.#tn Heb “my soul clings to the dirt.” The Hebrew term נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh, “being; soul”) with a pronominal suffix is often equivalent to a pronoun, especially in poetry (see BDB 660 s.v. נֶפֶשׁ 4.a).
Revive me with your word!#tn Heb “according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural “your words.”
26 I told you about my ways#tn Heb “my ways I proclaimed.” and you answered me.
Teach me your statutes!
27 Help me to understand what your precepts mean!#tn Heb “the way of your precepts make me understand.”
Then I can meditate#tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. on your marvelous teachings.#tn Heb “your amazing things,” which refers here to the teachings of the law (see v. 18).
28 I collapse#tn Some translate “my soul weeps,” taking the verb דָלַף (dalaf) from a root meaning “to drip; to drop” (BDB 196 s.v. דֶּלַף). On the basis of cognate evidence from Arabic and Akkadian, HALOT 223 s.v. II דלף proposes a homonymic root here, meaning “be sleepless.” Following L. C. Allen (Psalms 101-150 [WBC], 127, 135) the translation assumes that the verb is cognate with Ugaritic dlp, “to collapse; to crumple” in CTA 2 iv. 17, 26. See G. R. Driver, Canaanite Myths and Legends, 44, 144. from grief.
Sustain me by your word!#tn Heb “according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural “your words.”
29 Remove me from the path of deceit!#tn The “path of deceit” refers to a lifestyle characterized by deceit and disloyalty to God. It stands in contrast to the “way of faithfulness” in v. 30.
Graciously give me#tn Heb “be gracious to me.” The verb is used metonymically here for “graciously giving” the law. (See Gen 33:5, where Jacob uses this verb in describing how God had graciously given him children.) your law!
30 I choose the path of faithfulness;
I am committed to#tn BDB 1000-1001 s.v. I שָׁוָה derives the verb from the first homonym listed, meaning “to agree with; to be like; to resemble.” It here means (in the Piel stem) “to be accounted suitable,” which in turn would mean by metonymy “to accept; to be committed to.” Some prefer to derive the verb from a homonym meaning “to place; to set,” but in this case an elliptical prepositional phrase must be understood, “I place your regulations [before me]” (see Ps 16:8). your regulations.
31 I hold fast#tn Or “cling to.” to your rules.
O Lord, do not let me be ashamed!
32 I run along the path of your commands,
for you enable me to do so.#tn Heb “for you make wide my heart.” The “heart” is viewed here as the seat of the psalmist’s volition and understanding. The Lord gives the psalmist the desire and moral understanding that are foundational to the willing obedience depicted metaphorically in the preceding line. In Isa 60:5 the expression “your heart will be wide” means “your heart will swell with pride,” but here the nuance appears to be different.
ה (He)
33 Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,#tn Heb “the way of your statutes.”
so that I might observe it continually.#tn Heb “and I will keep it to the end.” The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. The Hebrew term עֵקֶב (’eqev) is understood to mean “end” here. Another option is to take עֵקֶב (’eqev) as meaning “reward” here (see Ps 19:11) and to translate, “so that I might observe it and be rewarded.”
34 Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,
and keep it with all my heart.#tn The two prefixed verbal forms with vav (ו) conjunctive indicate purpose/result after the introductory imperative.
35 Guide me#tn Or “make me walk.” in the path of your commands,
for I delight to walk in it.#tn Heb “for in it I delight.”
36 Give me a desire for your rules,#tn Heb “turn my heart to your rules.”
rather than for wealth gained unjustly.#tn Heb “and not unjust gain.”
37 Turn my eyes away from what is worthless!#tn Heb “Make my eyes pass by from looking at what is worthless.”
Revive me with your word!#tn Heb “by your word.”
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,#tn Heb “word.”
which you made to the one who honors you.#tn Heb “which [is] for your fear,” that is, the promise made to those who exhibit fear of God.
39 Take away the insults that I dread!#tn Heb “my reproach that I fear.”
Indeed,#tn Or “for.” your regulations are good.
40 Look, I long for your precepts.
Revive me with your deliverance!#tn Or “righteousness.”
ו (Vav)
41 May I experience your loyal love,#tn Heb “and may your loyal love come to me.” O Lord,
and your deliverance,#tn Or “salvation” (so many English versions). as you promised.#tn Heb “according to your word.”
42 Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me,#tn Heb “and I will answer [the] one who insults me a word.” The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the jussive (see v. 41).
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony,#tn Heb “do not snatch from my mouth a word of truth to excess.” The psalmist wants to be able to give a reliable testimony about the Lord’s loyal love (vv. 41-42), but if God does not intervene, the psalmist will be deprived of doing so, for the evidence of such love (i.e., deliverance) will be lacking.
for I await your justice.
44 Then I will keep#tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the negated jussive (see v. 43). your law continually
now and for all time.#tn Or “forever and ever.”
45 I will be secure,#tn Heb “and I will walk about in a wide place.” The cohortative with prefixed vav (ו) conjunctive gives a further consequence of the anticipated positive divine response (see vv. 43-44). Another option is to take the cohortative as expressing the psalmist’s request. In this case one could translate, “and please give me security.”
for I seek your precepts.
46 I will speak#tn The series of four cohortatives with prefixed vav (ו) conjunctive in vv. 46-48 list further consequences of the anticipated positive divine response to the request made in v. 43. about your regulations before kings
and not be ashamed.
47 I will find delight in your commands,
which I love.
48 I will lift my hands to#tn Lifting the hands is often associated with prayer (Pss 28:2; 63:4; Lam 2:19). (1) Because praying to God’s law borders on the extreme, some prefer to emend the text to “I lift up my hands to you,” eliminating “your commands, which I love” as dittographic. In this view these words were accidentally repeated from the previous verse. (2) However, it is possible that the psalmist closely associates the law with God himself because he views the law as the expression of the divine will. (3) Another option is that “lifting the hands” does not refer to prayer here, but to the psalmist’s desire to receive and appropriate the law. (4) Still others understand this to be an action praising God’s commands (so NCV; cf. TEV, CEV, NLT). your commands,
which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
ז (Zayin)
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 This#tn The demonstrative “this” refers back to the hope just mentioned or forward to the statement in the second line concerning the promise’s power to revive. See the note on the word “me” at the end of the verse for further discussion. is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.#tn The hope generated by the promise (see v. 49b) brings comfort because (note “for” at the beginning of the line) the promise revives the psalmist’s spirits. Another option is to take כִּי (ki) at the beginning of the second line in the sense of “that,” in which case “this” refers to the promise’s power to revive.
51 Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.#tn Heb “scoff at me to excess.”
Yet I do not turn aside from your law.
52 I remember your ancient regulations,#tn Heb “I remember your regulations from of old.” The prepositional phrase “from of old” apparently modifies “your regulations,” alluding to the fact that God revealed them to Israel in the distant past. Another option is to understand the prepositional phrase as modifying the verb, in which case one might translate, “I have long remembered your regulations.”
O Lord, and console myself.#tn Or “find comfort.”
53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
those who reject your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs#tn Heb “songs were your statutes to me.”
in the house where I live.#tn Heb “in the house of my dwelling place.” Some take the Hebrew noun מָגוֹר (magor) in the sense of “temporary abode,” and see this as a reference to the psalmist’s status as a resident alien (see v. 19). But the noun can refer to a dwelling place in general (see Ps 55:15).
55 I remember your name during the night, O Lord,
and I will keep#tn The cohortative verbal form expresses the psalmist’s resolve to obey the law. your law.
56 This#tn Heb “this has been to me.” The demonstrative “this” (1) refers back to the practices mentioned in vv. 54-55, or (2) looks forward to the statement in the second line, in which case the כִּי (ki) at the beginning of the second line should be translated “that.” has been my practice,
for I observe your precepts.
ח (Khet)
57 The Lord is my source of security.#tn Heb “my portion [is] the Lord.” The psalmist compares the Lord to landed property, which was foundational to economic stability in ancient Israel (see Ps 16:5).
I have determined#tn Heb “I said.” to follow your instructions.#tn Heb “to keep your words” (see v. 9).
58 I seek your favor#tn Heb “I appease your face.” with all my heart.
Have mercy on me as you promised!#tn Heb “according to your word.”
59 I consider my actions#tn Heb “my ways.”
and follow#tn Heb “and I turn my feet toward.” your rules.
60 I keep your commands
eagerly and without delay.#tn Heb “I hurry and I do not delay to keep your commands.”
61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around#tn Heb “surround.” me,
but I do not forget your law.
62 In the middle of the night I arise#tn The psalmist uses an imperfect verbal form to emphasize that this is his continuing practice. to thank you
for your just regulations.
63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers,#tn Heb “to all who fear you.”
and to those who keep your precepts.
64 O Lord, your loyal love fills the earth.
Teach me your statutes!
ט (Tet)
65 You are good#tn Heb “do good.” to your servant,
O Lord, just as you promised.#tn Heb “according to your word.”
66 Teach me proper discernment#tn Heb “goodness of taste.” Here “taste” refers to moral and ethical discernment. and understanding!
For I consider your commands to be reliable.#tn Heb “for I believe in your commands.”
67 Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,#tn Heb “before I suffered, I was straying off.”
but now I keep your instructions.#tn Heb “your word.”
68 You are good and you do good.
Teach me your statutes!
69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies,#tn Heb “smear over me a lie.”
but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are calloused,#tn Heb “their heart is insensitive like fat.”
but I find delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to suffer,
so that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law you have revealed is more important to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.#tn Heb “better to me [is] the law of your mouth than thousands of gold and silver.”
י (Yod)
73 Your hands made me and formed me.#tn Heb “made me and established me.” The two verbs also appear together in Deut 32:6, where God, compared to a father, is said to have “made and established” Israel.
Give me understanding so that I might learn#tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. your commands.
74 Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me,#tn Heb “those who fear you will see me and rejoice.”
for I find hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your regulations#tn In this context (note the second line) the Hebrew term מִשְׁפָּטִים (mishpatim), which so often refers to the regulations of God’s law elsewhere in this psalm, may refer instead to his decisions or disciplinary judgment. are just.
You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me.#tn Heb “and [in] faithfulness you afflicted me.”
76 May your loyal love console me,
as you promised your servant.#tn Heb “according to your word to your servant.”
77 May I experience your compassion,#tn Heb “and may your compassion come to me.” so I might live!
For I find delight in your law.
78 May the arrogant be humiliated, for they have slandered me!#tn Heb “for [with] falsehood they have denied me justice.”
But I meditate on your precepts.
79 May your loyal followers#tn Heb “those who fear you.” turn to me,
those who know your rules.
80 May I be fully committed to your statutes,#tn Heb “may my heart be complete in your statutes.”
so that I might not be ashamed.
כ (Kaf)
81 I desperately long for#tn Heb “my soul pines for.” See Ps 84:2. your deliverance.
I find hope in your word.
82 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled.#tn Heb “my eyes fail for your word.” The psalmist has intently kept his eyes open, looking for God to intervene, but now his eyes are watery and bloodshot, impairing his vision. See Ps 69:3.
I say,#tn Heb “saying.” “When will you comfort me?”
83 For#tn Or “even though.” I am like a wineskin#tn The Hebrew word נֹאד (no’d, “leather container”) refers to a container made from animal skin which is used to hold wine or milk (see Josh 9:4, 13; Judg 4:19; 1 Sam 16:20). dried up in smoke.#tn Heb “in the smoke.”
I do not forget your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure this?#tn Heb “How long are the days of your servant?”
When will you judge those who pursue me?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,#tn Heb “for me.”
which violates your law.#tn Heb “which [is] not according to your law.”
86 All your commands are reliable.
I am pursued without reason.#sn God’s commands are a reliable guide to right and wrong. By keeping them the psalmist is doing what is right, yet he is still persecuted. Help me!
87 They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,
but I do not reject your precepts.
88 Revive me with#tn Heb “according to.” your loyal love,
that I might keep#tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. the rules you have revealed.#tn Heb “of your mouth.”
ל (Lamed)
89 O Lord, your instructions endure;
they stand secure in heaven.#tn Heb “Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in heaven,” or “Forever, O Lord, [is] your word; it stands firm in heaven.” The translation assumes that “your word” refers here to the body of divine instructions contained in the law (note the frequent references to the law in vv. 92-96). See vv. 9, 16-17, 57, 101, 105, 130, 139 and 160-61. The reference in v. 86 to God’s law being faithful favors this interpretation. Another option is that “your word” refers to God’s assuring word of promise, mentioned in vv. 25, 28, 42, 65, 74, 81, 107, 114, 147 and 169. In this case one might translate, “O Lord, your promise is reliable, it stands firm in heaven.”
90 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations.#tn Heb “to a generation and a generation [is] your faithfulness.”
You established the earth and it stood firm.
91 Today they stand firm by your decrees,
for all things are your servants.
92 If I had not found encouragement in your law,#tn Heb “if your law had not been my delight.”
I would have died in my sorrow.#tn Or “my suffering.”
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have revived me.
94 I belong to you. Deliver me!
For I seek your precepts.
95 The wicked prepare to kill me,#tn Heb “the wicked wait for me to kill me.”
yet I concentrate on your rules.
96 I realize that everything has its limits,
but your commands are beyond full comprehension.#tn Heb “to every perfection I have seen an end, your command is very wide.” God’s law is beyond full comprehension, which is why the psalmist continually studies it (vv. 95, 97).
מ (Mem)
97 O how I love your law!
All day long I meditate on it.
98 Your commandments#tn The plural form needs to be revocalized as a singular in order to agree with the preceding singular verb and the singular pronoun in the next line. The Lord’s “command” refers here to the law (see Ps 19:8). make me wiser than my enemies,
for I am always aware of them.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your rules.
100 I am more discerning than those older than I,
for I observe your precepts.
101 I stay away#tn Heb “I hold back my feet.” from the evil path,
so that I might keep your instructions.#tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural.
102 I do not turn aside from your regulations,
for you teach me.
103 Your words are sweeter
in my mouth than honey!#tn Heb “How smooth they are to my palate, your word, more than honey to my mouth.” A few medieval Hebrew mss, as well as several other ancient witnesses, read the plural “your words,” which can then be understood as the subject of the plural verb “they are smooth.”
104 Your precepts give me discernment.
Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.#tn Heb “every false path.”
נ (Nun)
105 Your word#tn Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural (“words”). is a lamp to walk by,
and a light to illumine my path.#tn Heb “[is] a lamp for my foot and a light for my path.”
106 I have vowed and solemnly sworn
to keep your just regulations.
107 I am suffering terribly.
O Lord, revive me with your word!#tn Heb “according to your word.”
108 O Lord, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise!#tn Heb “of my mouth.”
Teach me your regulations!
109 My life is in continual danger,#tn Heb “my life [is] in my hands continually.”
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked lay a trap for me,
but I do not wander from your precepts.
111 I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy.#tn Heb “for the joy of my heart [are] they.”
112 I am determined to obey#tn Heb “I turn my heart to do.” your statutes
at all times, to the very end.
ס (Samek)
ֹ119:113 I hate people with divided loyalties,#tn Heb “divided ones.” The word occurs only here; it appears to be derived from a verbal root, attested in Arabic, meaning “to split” (see HALOT 762 s.v. *סֵעֵף). Since the psalmist is emphasizing his unswerving allegiance to God and his law, the term probably refers to those who lack such loyalty. The translation is similar to that suggested by L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 131.
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
I find hope in your word.
115 Turn away from me, you evil men,
so that I can observe#tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. the commands of my God.#tn The psalmist has already declared that he observes God’s commands despite persecution, so here the idea must be “so that I might observe the commands of my God unhindered by threats.”
116 Sustain me as you promised,#tn Heb “according to your word.” so that I will live.#tn The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
Do not disappoint me!#tn Heb “do not make me ashamed of my hope.” After the Hebrew verb בּוֹשׁ (bosh, “to be ashamed”) the preposition מִן (min, “from”) often introduces the reason for shame.
117 Support me, so that I will be delivered.
Then I will focus#tn Or “and that I might focus.” The two cohortatives with vav (ו) conjunctive indicate purpose/result after the imperative at the beginning of the verse. on your statutes continually.
118 You despise#tn The Hebrew verb סָלָה (salah, “to disdain”) occurs only here and in Lam 1:15. Cognate usage in Aramaic and Akkadian, as well as Lam 1:15, suggest it may have a concrete nuance of “to throw away.” all who stray from your statutes,
for they are deceptive and unreliable.#tn Heb “for their deceit [is] falsehood.”
119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag.#sn Traditionally “dross” (so KJV, ASV, NIV). The metaphor comes from metallurgy; “slag” is the substance left over after the metallic ore has been refined.
Therefore I love your rules.#sn As he explains in the next verse, the psalmist’s fear of judgment motivates him to obey God’s rules.
120 My body#tn Heb “my flesh.” trembles#tn The Hebrew verb סָמַר (samar, “to tremble”) occurs only here and in Job 4:15. because I fear you;#tn Heb “from fear of you.” The pronominal suffix on the noun is an objective genitive.
I am afraid of your judgments.
ע (Ayin)
121 I do what is fair and right.#tn Heb “do justice and righteousness.”
Do not abandon me to my oppressors!
122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant!#tn Heb “be surety for your servant for good.”
Do not let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance,#tn Heb “my eyes fail for your deliverance.” The psalmist has intently kept his eyes open, looking for God to intervene, but now his eyes are watery and bloodshot, impairing his vision. See the similar phrase in v. 82.
for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.#tn Heb “and for the word of your faithfulness.”
124 Show your servant your loyal love!#tn Heb “do with your servant according to your loyal love.”
Teach me your statutes!
125 I am your servant. Give me insight,
so that I can understand#tn or “know.” The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. your rules.
126 It is time for the Lord to act –
they break your law!
127 For this reason#tn “For this reason” connects logically with the statement made in v. 126. Because the judgment the psalmist fears (see vv. 119-120) is imminent, he remains loyal to God’s law. I love your commands
more than gold, even purest gold.
128 For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts.#tn Heb “for this reason all the precepts of everything I regard as right.” The phrase “precepts of everything” is odd. It is preferable to take the kaf (כ) on כֹּל (kol, “everything) with the preceding form as a pronominal suffix, “your precepts,” and the lamed (ל) with the following verb as an emphatic particle. See L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 138.
I hate all deceitful actions.#tn Heb “every false path.”
פ (Pe)
129 Your rules are marvelous.
Therefore I observe them.
130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.#tn Heb “the doorway of your words gives light.” God’s “words” refer here to the instructions in his law (see vv. 9, 57).
They give#tn Heb “it [i.e., the doorway] gives.” insight to the untrained.#tn Or “the [morally] naive,” that is, the one who is young and still in the process of learning right from wrong and distinguishing wisdom from folly. See Pss 19:7; 116:6.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long#tn The verb occurs only here in the OT. for your commands.
132 Turn toward me and extend mercy to me,
as you typically do to your loyal followers.#tn Heb “according to custom toward the lovers of your name.” The “lovers of” God’s “name” are the Lord’s loyal followers. See Pss 5:11; 69:36; Isa 56:6.
133 Direct my steps by your word!#tn God’s “word” refers here to his law (see v. 11).
Do not let any sin dominate me!
134 Deliver me#tn Or “redeem me.” from oppressive men,
so that I can keep#tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. your precepts.
135 Smile#tn Heb “cause your face to shine.” on your servant!
Teach me your statutes!
136 Tears stream down from my eyes,#tn Heb “[with] flowing streams my eyes go down.”
because people#tn Heb “they”; even though somewhat generic, the referent (people) has been specified in the translation for clarity. do not keep your law.
צ (Tsade)
137 You are just, O Lord,
and your judgments are fair.
138 The rules you impose are just,#tn Heb “you commanded [in] justice your rules.”
and absolutely reliable.
139 My zeal#tn or “zeal.” consumes#tn Heb “destroys,” in a hyperbolic sense. me,
for my enemies forget your instructions.#tn Heb “your words.”
140 Your word is absolutely pure,
and your servant loves it!
141 I am insignificant and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your justice endures,#tn Heb “your justice [is] justice forever.”
and your law is reliable.#tn Or “truth.”
143 Distress and hardship confront#tn Heb “find.” me,
yet I find delight in your commands.
144 Your rules remain just.#tn Heb “just are your rules forever.”
Give me insight so that I can live.#tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.
ק (Qof)
145 I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, O Lord!
I will observe your statutes.”
146 I cried out to you, “Deliver me,
so that I can keep#tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. your rules.”
147 I am up before dawn crying for help.
I find hope in your word.
148 My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours,
so that I can meditate on your word.
149 Listen to me#tn Heb “my voice.” because of#tn Heb “according to.” your loyal love!
O Lord, revive me, as you typically do!#tn Heb “according to your custom.”
150 Those who are eager to do#tn Heb “those who pursue.” wrong draw near;
they are far from your law.
151 You are near, O Lord,
and all your commands are reliable.#tn Or “truth.”
152 I learned long ago that
you ordained your rules to last.#tn Heb “long ago I knew concerning your rules, that forever you established them.” See v. 89 for the same idea. The translation assumes that the preposition מִן (min) prefixed to “your rules” introduces the object of the verb יָדַע (yada’), as in 1 Sam 23:23. Another option is that the preposition indicates source, in which case one might translate, “Long ago I realized from your rules that forever you established them” (cf. NIV, NRSV).
ר (Resh)
153 See my pain and rescue me!
For I do not forget your law.
154 Fight for me#tn Or “argue my case.” and defend me!#tn Heb “and redeem me.” The verb “redeem” casts the Lord in the role of a leader who protects members of his extended family in times of need and crisis (see Ps 19:14).
Revive me with your word!
155 The wicked have no chance for deliverance,#tn Heb “far from the wicked [is] deliverance.”
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Your compassion is great, O Lord.
Revive me, as you typically do!#tn Heb “according to your customs.”
157 The enemies who chase me are numerous.#tn Heb “many [are] those who chase me and my enemies.”
Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.
158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them,
because they do not keep your instructions.#tn Heb “your word.”
159 See how I love your precepts!
O Lord, revive me with your loyal love!
160 Your instructions are totally reliable;
all your just regulations endure.#tn Heb “the head of your word is truth, and forever [is] all your just regulation.” The term “head” is used here of the “sum total” of God’s instructions.
שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)
161 Rulers pursue me for no reason,
yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.#tn Heb “and because of your instructions my heart trembles.” The psalmist’s healthy “fear” of the consequences of violating God’s instructions motivates him to obey them. See v. 120.
162 I rejoice in your instructions,
like one who finds much plunder.#tn Heb “like one who finds great plunder.” See Judg 5:30. The image is that of a victorious warrior who finds a large amount of plunder on the field of battle.
163 I hate and despise deceit;
I love your law.
164 Seven#tn The number “seven” is use rhetorically to suggest thoroughness. times a day I praise you
because of your just regulations.
165 Those who love your law are completely secure;#tn Heb “great peace [is] to the lovers of your law.”
nothing causes them to stumble.#tn Heb “and there is no stumbling to them.”
166 I hope for your deliverance, O Lord,
and I obey#tn Heb “do.” your commands.
167 I keep your rules;
I love them greatly.
168 I keep your precepts and rules,
for you are aware of everything I do.#tn Heb “for all my ways [are] before you.”
ת (Tav)
169 Listen to my cry for help,#tn Heb “may my cry approach before you.” O Lord!
Give me insight by your word!
170 Listen to my appeal for mercy!#tn Heb “may my appeal for mercy come before you.”
Deliver me, as you promised.#tn Heb “according to your speech.”
171 May praise flow freely from my lips,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 May my tongue sing about your instructions,#tn Heb “your word.”
for all your commands are just.
173 May your hand help me,
for I choose to obey#tn The words “to obey” are not in the Hebrew text, but have been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons and for clarity. your precepts.
174 I long for your deliverance, O Lord;
I find delight in your law.
175 May I#tn Heb “my life.” live and praise you!
May your regulations help me!#tn God’s regulations will “help” the psalmist by giving him moral and ethical guidance.
176 I have wandered off like a lost sheep.#tn Heb “I stray like a lost sheep.” It is possible that the point of the metaphor is vulnerability: The psalmist, who is threatened by his enemies, feels as vulnerable as a straying, lost sheep. This would not suggest, however, that he has wandered from God’s path (see the second half of the verse, as well as v. 110).
Come looking for your servant,
for I do not forget your commands.
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Psalms 119: NET
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1996 - 2007 by Biblical Studies Press, LLC
Psalms 119
119
Aleph#119:0. This Psalm is an acrostic, that is each group of stanzas begin with one letter of the Hebrew alphabet, from Aleph to Taw.
1Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
2Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
3They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
4You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
5May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
6Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
7I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
8I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me!
Beth
9How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
10I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
11I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
12Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
13I repeat out loud your instructions.
14I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
15I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
16I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say.
Gimel
17Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
18Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
19I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.#119:19. “I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say”: literally, “I am an alien in the land; you must not hide your commandments from me.”
20I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
21You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
22Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
23Even leaders#119:23. Literally, “princes.” sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
24Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
Daleth
25I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
26I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
27Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
28I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
29Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
30I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
31I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
32I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind!#119:32. “Expanded my mind”: literally, “made wide my heart.” In Hebrew thinking of the time the heart was where thoughts occurred, not emotions.
He
33Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
34Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
35Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
36Help me to concentrate on what you say#119:36. Literally, “your testimonies.” rather than on making a profit.
37Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
38Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
39Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
40I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right.
Waw
41Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
42Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
43Don't ever prevent me from being able to speak your words of truth, for I place my complete confidence in your just judgments.
44I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
45I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
46I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
47I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
48I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say.
Zayin
49Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
50This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
51Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
52I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
53I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
54Your instructions have been music to my ears#119:54. “Music to my ears”: literally, “songs.” wherever I have lived.
55At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
56For this is how I live my life—by following your principles.
Heth
57Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
58My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
59As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
60I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
61Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
62I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
63I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
64Lord, you love everyone on earth;#119:64. Literally, “your love, Lord, fills the earth.” please teach me what to do.
Teth
65Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
66Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
67Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
68Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
69Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
70They are cold and unfeeling,#119:70. Literally, “their hearts are thick like fat.” but I love your law.
71The suffering#119:71. Referring back to verse 67. I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
72What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver.
Yodh
73You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
74May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
75Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.
76May your trustworthy love comfort me as you promised me, your servant.
77Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
78Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
79Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
80May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed.
Kaph
81I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
82I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
83I've become like a wineskin that's been shriveled up by smoke, but I have not forgotten to do as you say.
84How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
85These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
86All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
87They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
88Since you love me with your trustworthy love, don't let me die, so I can go on following the instructions you have given.
Lamedh
89Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
91Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
92If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering#119:92. Referring back to verses 71 and 67. would have killed me.
93I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
94I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
95Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
96I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless.
Mem
97I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
99In fact I have a better insight than all of my teachers because I spend time concentrating on what you say.
100I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
101I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
102I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
103Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104I gain understanding from what you say, so I hate any way of life that's just a lie.
Nun
105Your word is a lamp that shows me where to walk, it's a light for my path.
106I've made a promise, and I will keep it: I will keep your rules that are always right!
107Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
108Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
109My life is always at risk,#119:109. Literally, “My life is continually in my hand.” but I will not forget your law.
110Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
111I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
112I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end.
Samekh
113I hate people who are two-faced,#119:113. Or “duplicitous.” but I love your law.
114You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
115Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
116Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
117Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
118You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
119You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless#119:119 “Something worthless”: literally, “dross.” to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
120I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments!
Ayin
121I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
122Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
123I strain my eyes looking for your salvation, watching for you to fulfill your promise to make everything good.#119:123 “Your promise to make everything good”: literally, “the word of your righteousness.”
124Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
125I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
126Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
127This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
128All of your rules are right in every way, and so I hate any way of life that's just a lie.
Pe
129Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
130Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated#119:130. Literally, “simple.” can understand.
131With keen desire#119:131. Literally, “I open my mouth and pant.” I long for what you have to say.
132Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
133Tell me by your word the way I should go, and don't let any kind of evil control me.
134Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
135Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
136My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law.
Tsadhe
137Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
138You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
139My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
140Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
141I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
142Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
143When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
144Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live.
Qoph
145My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
146I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
147I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
148During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
149Listen to what I have to say, Lord, because of your trustworthy love. Keep me alive, Lord, because you always do what's right.
150Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
151But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
152Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever.
Resh
153Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
154Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
155Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
156Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
157Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
158Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
159See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
160Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever.
Shin
161Leaders#119:161. Literally, “princes.” persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
162Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
163I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
164I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
165Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
166Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
167I obey your laws and love them very much.
168I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do.
Taw
169Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
170Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
171Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
172I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
173Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
174I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
175May I live my life in praise to you, and may your instructions help me.
176I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
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Dr. Jonathan Gallagher. Released under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Unported License. Version 4.3. For corrections send email to jonathangallagherfbv@gmail.com