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
Tehillim 119
119
א ALEF
1Ashrei are the blameless ones in the derech, who walk in the torat Hashem.
2Ashrei are they that keep His edot (testimonies), and that seek Him with kol lev.
3They also do no iniquity; they walk in His drakhim.
4Thou hast commanded us to be diligently shomer over Thy pikkudim (precepts).
5O that my drakhim were directed to be shomer over Thy chukkim (statutes)!
6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all Thy mitzvot.
7I will praise Thee with yosher levav (uprightness of heart) when I shall have learned Thy righteous mishpatim (ordinances).
8I will keep Thy chukkim; O forsake me not utterly.
ב BEIS
9How shall a na'ar cleanse his way? By being shomer thereto according to Thy Davar (Word).
10With my kol lev have I sought Thee; O let me not wander from Thy mitzvot.
11Thy word have I hid in my lev, lema'an (so that) I might not sin against Thee.
12Baruch atah, Adonoi (Hashem); teach me Thy chukkim.
13With my sfatayim (lips) have I declared all the mishpatim of Thy mouth.
14I have rejoiced in the derech of Thy edot (testimonies), as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate in Thy pikkudim, and consider Thy orkhot (paths).
16I will delight myself in Thy chukkim; I will not forget Thy Davar.
ג GIMEL
17Deal bountifully with Thy eved, that I may live, and be shomer over Thy Davar.
18Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold nifla'ot out of Thy torah.
19I am a ger on ha'aretz; hide not Thy mitzvot from me.
20My nefesh is shattered with ta'avah for Thy mishpatim at all times.
21Thou hast rebuked the zedim (arrogant ones) that are arurim (cursed ones), which do wander from Thy mitzvot.
22Remove from me cherpah (reproach) and contempt; for I have kept Thy edot (testimonies).
23Though sarim (princes) also sit and speak slander against me, yet Thy eved meditates on Thy chukkim.
24Thy edot (testimonies) also are my delight and anshei atzati (my counsellors).
ד DALET
25My nefesh has deveykus unto the aphar; revive Thou me according to Thy Davar.
26I have recounted my drakhim, and Thou heardest me; teach me Thy chukkim.
27Make me to understand the derech of Thy pikkudim; so shall I meditate on Thy nifla'ot.
28My nefesh drops with heavy sorrow; strengthen Thou me according unto Thy Davar.
29Remove from me the derech sheker; and graciously grant me Thy torah.
30I have chosen the derech emunah; thy mishpatim have I accounted worthy.
31I have deveykus with Thy edot (testimonies); Hashem, let me not be ashamed.
32I will run the derech of Thy mitzvot, for Thou shalt set my lev free.
ה HEH
33Teach me, Hashem, the derech of Thy chukkim; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy torah; yes, I shall be shomer over it with my kol lev.
35Make me to go in the path of Thy mitzvot; for therein do I delight.
36Incline my lev unto Thy edot, and not to betza (covetousness, selfish gain).
37Turn away mine eyes from beholding shav (vanity); and revive Thou me in Thy derech.
38Establish Thy word unto Thy eved, which is for the fear of Thee.
39Turn away my cherpah (reproach) which I fear; for Thy mishpatim are tovim.
40Hinei, I have longed after Thy precepts; revive me in Thy tzedakah.
ו VAV
41Let Thy chasadim come also unto me, Hashem, even Thy Teshu'ah (salvation), according to Thy word.
42So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me; for I trust in Thy Davar.
43And take not the devar emes utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy mishpatim.
44So shall I be shomer over Thy torah tamid l'olam va'ed.
45And I will walk freely in a wide place; for I seek Thy pikkudim.
46I will speak of Thy edot (testimonies) also before melachim, and will not be ashamed.
47And I will delight myself in Thy mitzvot, which I love.
48My palms also will I lift up unto Thy mitzvot, which I love; and I will meditate on Thy chukkim.
ז ZAYIN
49Remember the davar to Thy eved, on which Thou hast made me hope.
50This is my comfort in my oni (affliction); for Thy word hath revived me.
51The zedim (arrogant ones) have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not turned aside from Thy torah.
52I remembered Thy mishpatim from of old, Hashem; and have comforted myself.
53Zalafah (indignation) hath taken hold upon me because of the resha'im that forsake Thy torah.
54Thy chukkim have been my zemirot (songs) in the bais of my pilgrimage.
55I have remembered Thy Shem, Hashem, in the lailah, and have been shomer over Thy torah.
56Zot hayetah li, because I kept Thy pikkudim.
ח CHET
57Thou art my chelek, Hashem; I have said I would be shomer over Thy words.
58I sought Thy Face with my kol lev; be gracious unto me according to Thy word.
59I thought on my drakhim, and turned my feet unto Thy edot (testimonies).
60I made haste, and delayed not to be shomer over Thy mitzvot.
61The ropes of the resha'im have bound me; but I have not forgotten Thy torah.
62At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous mishpatim.
63I am a chaver of all them that fear Thee, and of them that are shomer over Thy pikkudim.
64Ha'aretz, Hashem, is full of Thy chesed; teach me Thy chukkim.
ט TET
65Thou hast dealt well with Thy eved, Hashem, according unto Thy word.
66Teach me good judgment and da'as; for I have believed in Thy mitzvot.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I been shomer over Thy word.
68Thou art tov, and doest tov; teach me Thy chukkim.
69The zedim (arrogant ones) have forged a sheker against me; but I will keep Thy pikkudim with my kol lev.
70Their lev is callous like chelev; I delight in Thy torah.
71It is tov for me that I have been afflicted l'ma'an (in order that) I might learn Thy chukkim.
72The torah of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of zahav and kesef.
י YOD
73Thy hands have made me and established me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy mitzvot.
74They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me; for I have hoped in Thy Davar.
75I know, Hashem, Thy mishpatim are tzedek, and Thou in emunah (faithfulness) hast afflicted me.
76Let now Thy chesed be for my comfort, according to Thy word unto Thy eved.
77Let Thy rachamim come unto me, that I may live: for Thy torah is my delight.
78Let the zedim (arrogant ones) be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate on Thy pikkudim (percepts).
79Let those that fear Thee turn unto me, and those that have known Thy edot.
80Let my lev be tamim (blameless, complete) in Thy chukkim; that I be not ashamed.
כ Kaf
81My nefesh fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy davar.
82Mine eyes fail for Thy word saying, Mosai (when) wilt Thou comfort me?
83For I am become like a wineskin in the smoke; yet do I not forget Thy chukkim.
84How many are the days of Thy eved? Mosai (when) wilt Thou execute mishpat on them that persecute me?
85The zedim (arrogant ones) have dug pits for me, which are not in accordance with Thy torah.
86All Thy mitzvot are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me.
87They had almost consumed me ba'aretz; but I forsook not Thy pikkudim.
88Revive me after Thy chesed; so shall I be shomer over the edut of Thy mouth.
ל Lamed
89Forever, Hashem, Thy Davar is settled and stands firm in Shomayim.
90Thy emunah (faithfulness) is to all generations: Thou hast established eretz, and it stands enduring.
91They continue enduring to this day according to Thine mishpatim: for all things are Thy avadim.
92Unless Thy torah had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine oni.
93I will never forget Thy pikkudim: for with them Thou hast revived me.
94I am Thine, save me: for I have sought out Thy pikkudim.
95The resha'im have waited for me to destroy me: but I will think on Thy edot.
96I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy mitzvah is boundless.
מ Mem
97O how I love Thy torah! It is my meditation kol hayom.
98Thou through Thy mitzvot hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99I have more understanding than every melamed of mine: for Thy edot are my meditation.
100I understand more than the zekenim, for I keep Thy pikkudim.
101I have refrained my feet from every orakh rah, in order that I might be shomer over Thy Devar.
102I have not departed from Thy mishpatim: for Thou hast taught me.
103How sweet are Thy words unto my palate! Sweeter than devash to my mouth!
104Through Thy pikkudim I get understanding: therefore I hate every orakh sheker.
נ Nun
105Thy word is a ner unto my feet, ohr unto my path.
106I have sworn a shevuah, and I will perform it, that I will keep Thy righteous mishpatim.
107I am afflicted very much: revive me, Hashem, according unto Thy word.
108Accept the nidvot of my mouth, O Hashem, and teach me Thy mishpatim.
109My nefesh is continually in my yad: yet do I not forget Thy torah.
110The resha'im have laid a pach for me: yet I erred not from Thy pikkudim.
111Thy edot have I taken as a heritage forever: for they are the sasson lev of me.
112I have inclined mine lev to perform Thy chukkim forever, even unto the end.
ס Samech
113I hate the double-minded: but Thy torah do I love.
114Thou art my seter (hiding place) and my mogen: I hope in Thy Devar.
115Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the mitzvot of Elohai.
116Uphold me according unto Thy imrah, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed from my hope.
117Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto Thy chukkim continually.
118Thou hast rejected all them that err from Thy chukkim: for their deceitfulness is sheker (falsehood).
119Thou puttest away all resha'im of eretz like dross; therefore I love Thy edot.
120My basar trembleth for fear of Thee; and I am afraid of Thy mishpatim.
ע AYIN
121I have done mishpat and tzedek; leave me not to mine oppressors.
122Be surety for Thy eved for good; let not the zedim (arrogant ones) oppress me.
123Mine eyes fail for Thy Yeshu'ah (salvation), and for the word of Thy tzedakah.
124Deal with Thy eved according unto Thy chesed, and teach me Thy chukkim.
125I am Thy eved; give me understanding, that I may know Thy edot (testimonies).
126It is time for Thee, Hashem, to work; for they have made void Thy torah.
127Therefore I love Thy mitzvot above zahav; yes, above fine gold.
128Therefore I esteem right all Thy pikkudim concerning all things; and I hate every orakh sheker.
פ PEH
129Thy edot (testimonies) are wonderful; therefore doth my nefesh keep them.
130The petach (entrance, doorway) of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131I opened my mouth, and panted; for I longed for Thy mitzvot.
132Look Thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thy manner is unto those that love Shimcha.
133Order my footsteps in Thy imrah; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134Redeem me from the oppression of adam; so will I keep Thy pikkudim.
135Make Thy face to shine upon Thy eved; and teach me Thy chukkim.
136Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, for they are not shomer over Thy torah.
צ TZADDI
137Righteous art Thou, Hashem, and yashar are Thy mishpatim.
138Thy edot (testimonies) that Thou hast commanded are tzedek and emunah me'od (very faithful).
139My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten Thy devarim.
140Thy word is very tested; therefore Thy eved loveth it.
141I am small and despised; yet do not I forget Thy pikkudim.
142Thy tzedakah is tzedek l'olam, and Thy torah emes.
143Tzoros and anguish have taken hold on me; yet Thy mitzvot are my delight.
144The tzedek of Thy edot is l'olam; give me understanding, and I shall live.
ק KOPH
145I cried with my kol lev; hear me, Hashem; I will keep Thy chukkim.
146I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall be shomer over Thy edot (testimonies).
147I rose before the dawn, and cried out for help; I hoped in Thy Davar.
148Mine eyes are awake through the ashmurot (night watches), that I might meditate on Thy word.
149Hear my voice according unto Thy chesed; Hashem, revive me according to Thy mishpat.
150They draw near that follow after wicked schemes; they are far from Thy torah.
151Thou art karov (near), Hashem; and all Thy mitzvot are emes.
152Concerning Thy edot (testimonies), I have known of old that Thou hast founded them forever.
ר RESH
153Consider mine oni (affliction), and deliver me; for I do not forget Thy torah.
154Plead my cause; for me make go'el redemption; revive me according to Thy word.
155Yeshu'ah (salvation) is far from the resha'im, for they seek not Thy chukkim.
156Great are Thy rachamim, Hashem; revive me according to Thy mishpatim.
157Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not turn aside from Thy edot.
158I beheld the bogedim, and was grieved because they were not shomer over Thy word.
159Consider how I love Thy pikkudim; revive me, Hashem, according to Thy chesed.
160Thy word is emes from the beginning; and every one of Thy righteous mishpatim endureth forever.
ש SHIN
161Sarim (princes) have persecuted me without a cause; but my lev standeth in awe of Thy Davar.
162I rejoice at Thy imrah (word), as one that findeth great plunder.
163I hate and abhor sheker; but Thy torah do I love.
164Shevah times a day do I praise Thee because of Thy righteous mishpatim.
165Great shalom have they which love Thy torah; nothing shall cause them to stumble.
166 Hashem, I have hoped for Thy Yeshu'ah (salvation), and do Thy mitzvot.
167My nefesh is shomer over Thy edot (testimonies); and I love them exceedingly.
168I have kept Thy pikkudim and Thy edot; for all my ways are before Thee.
ת TAV
169Let my cry come near before Thee, Hashem; give me understanding according to Thy Davar.
170Let my techinnah come before Thee; deliver me according to Thy word.
171My lips shall utter tehillah, when Thou hast taught me Thy chukkot.
172My leshon shall speak of Thy word; for all Thy mitzvot are tzedek.
173Let Thine Yad help me; for I have chosen Thy pikkudim.
174I have longed for Thy Yeshu'ah (salvation), Hashem; and Thy torah is my delight.
175Let my nefesh live, and it shall praise Thee; and let Thy mishpatim sustain me.
176I have gone astray like a seh oved (lost sheep); seek Thy eved; for I do not forget Thy mitzvot.
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THE ORTHODOX JEWISH BIBLE
FOURTH EDITION © Artists For Israel Intl Inc., 2002-2011, 2021.