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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Psalms 119: FBV
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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
Psalms 119
119
In praise of the Law of the LORD
1Our LORD, you bless everyone
who lives right
and obeys your Law.
2You bless all those
who follow your commands
from deep in their hearts
3and who never do wrong
or turn from you.
4You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings;
5I don't ever want to stray
from your laws.
6Thinking about your commands
will keep me from doing
some foolish thing.
7I will do right and praise you
by learning to respect
your perfect laws.
8I will obey all of them!
Don't turn your back on me.
9Young people can live
a clean life
by obeying your word.
10I worship you
with all my heart.
Don't let me walk away
from your commands.
11I treasure your word
above all else;
it keeps me from sinning
against you.
12I praise you, LORD!
Teach me your laws.
13With my own mouth,
I tell others the laws
that you have spoken.
14Obeying your instructions
brings as much happiness
as being rich.
15I will study your teachings
and follow your footsteps.
16I will take pleasure
in your laws
and remember your words.
17Treat me with kindness, LORD,
so that I may live
and do what you say.
18Open my mind
and let me discover
the wonders of your Law.
19I live here as a stranger.
Don't keep me from knowing
your commands.
20What I want most of all
and at all times
is to honour your laws.
21You punish those boastful,
worthless nobodies who turn
from your commands.
22Don't let them sneer
and insult me
for following you.
23I keep thinking about
your teachings, LORD,
even if rulers plot
against me.
24Your laws are my greatest joy!
I follow their advice.
25I am at the point of death.
Let your teachings
breathe new life into me.
26When I told you my troubles,
you answered my prayers.
Now teach me your laws.
27Help me to understand
your teachings,
and I will think about
your marvellous deeds.
28I am overcome with sorrow.
Encourage me,
as you have promised to do.
29Keep me from being deceitful,
and be kind enough
to teach me your Law.
30I am determined to be faithful
and to respect your laws.
31I follow your rules, LORD.
Don't let me be ashamed.
32I am eager to learn all
that you want me to do;
help me to understand
more and more.
33Point out your rules to me,
and I won't disobey
even one of them.
34Help me to understand your Law;
I promise to obey it
with all my heart.
35Direct me by your commands!
I love to do what you say.
36Make me want to obey you,
rather than to be rich.
37Take away my foolish desires,
and let me find life
by walking with you.
38I am your servant!
Do for me what you promised
to those who worship you.
39Your wonderful teachings
protect me from the insults
that I hate so much.
40I long for your teachings.
Be true to yourself
and let me live.
41Show me your love
and save me, LORD,
as you have promised.
42Then I will have an answer
for everyone who insults me
for trusting your word.
43I rely on your laws!
Don't take away my chance
to speak your truth.
44I will keep obeying your Law
for ever and ever.
45I have gained perfect freedom
by following your teachings,
46and I trust them so much
that I tell them to kings.
47I love your commands!
They bring me happiness.
48I love and respect them
and will keep them in mind.
49Don't forget your promise
to me, your servant.
I depend on it.
50When I am suffering,
I find comfort in your promise
that leads to life.
51Conceited people sneer at me,
but I obey your Law.
52I find true comfort, LORD,
because your laws have stood
the test of time.
53I get furious when evil people
turn against your Law.
54No matter where I am,
your teachings
fill me with songs.
55Even in the night
I think about you, LORD,
and I obey your Law.
56You have blessed me
because I have always followed
your teachings.
57You, LORD, are my choice,
and I will obey you.
58With all my heart
I beg you to be kind to me,
just as you have promised.
59I pay careful attention
as you lead me,
and I follow closely.
60As soon as you command,
I do what you say.
61Evil people may set a trap,
but I obey your Law.
62Your laws are so fair
that I wake up and praise you
in the middle of the night.
63I choose as my friends
everyone who worships you
and follows your teachings.
64Our LORD, your love is seen
all over the world.
Teach me your laws.
65I am your servant, LORD,
and you have kept your promise
to treat me with kindness.
66Give me wisdom and good sense.
I trust your commands.
67Once you corrected me
for not obeying you,
but now I obey.
68You are kindhearted,
and you do good things,
so teach me your laws.
69My reputation is being ruined
by conceited liars,
but with all my heart
I follow your teachings.
70Those liars have no sense,
but I find happiness
in your Law.
71When you corrected me,
it did me good
because it taught me
to study your laws.
72I would rather obey you
than have a thousand pieces
of silver and gold.
73You created me
and put me together.
Make me wise enough to learn
what you have commanded.
74Your worshippers will see me,
and they will be glad
that I trust your word.
75Your decisions are correct,
and you were right
to punish me.
76I serve you, LORD.
Comfort me with your love,
just as you have promised.
77I love to obey your Law!
Have mercy and let me live.
78Put down those proud people
who hurt me with their lies,
because I have chosen
to study your teachings.
79Let your worshippers come to me,
so they will learn
to obey your rules.
80Let me truly respect your laws,
so I won't be ashamed.
81I long for you to rescue me!
Your word is my only hope.
82I am worn out from waiting
for you to keep your word.
When will you have mercy?
83My life is wasting away
like a dried up wineskin,#119.83 a dried up wineskin: The Hebrew text has “a wineskin in the smoke”. In ancient times bags were made from animal skins to hold wine, but when the bags dried up they cracked and could no longer be used.
but I have not forgotten
your teachings.
84I am your servant!
How long must I suffer?
When will you punish
those troublemakers?
85Those proud people reject
your teachings,
and they dig pits
for me to fall in.
86Your laws can be trusted!
Protect me from cruel liars.
87They have almost killed me,
but I have been faithful
to your teachings.
88Show that you love me
and let me live,
so that I may obey all
of your commands.
89Our LORD, you are eternal!
Your word will last as long
as the heavens.#119.89 Our…heavens: Or “Our LORD, your word is eternal. It will last as long as the heavens.”
90You remain faithful
in every generation,
and the earth you created
will keep standing firm.
91All things are your servants,
and the laws you made
are still in effect today.
92If I had not found happiness
in obeying your Law,
I would have died in misery.
93I won't ever forget
your teachings,
because you give me new life
by following them.
94I belong to you,
and I have respected your laws,
so keep me safe.
95Brutal enemies are waiting
to ambush and destroy me,
but I obey your rules.
96Nothing is completely perfect,
except your teachings.
97I deeply love your Law!
I think about it all day.
98Your laws never leave my mind,
and they make me much wiser
than my enemies.
99Thinking about your teachings
gives me better understanding
than my teachers,
100and obeying your laws
makes me wiser than those
who have lived a long time.
101I obey your word
instead of following a way
that leads to trouble.
102You have been my teacher,
and I won't reject
your instructions.
103Your teachings are sweeter
than honey.
104They give me understanding
and make me hate all lies.
105Your word is a lamp
that gives light
wherever I walk.
106Your laws are fair,
and I have given my word
to respect them all.
107I am in terrible pain!
Save me, LORD,
as you said you would.
108Accept my offerings of praise
and teach me your laws.
109I never forget your teachings,
although my life is always
in danger.
110Some merciless people
are trying to trap me,
but I never turn my back
on your teachings.
111They will always be
my most prized possession
and my source of joy.
112I have made up my mind
to obey your laws for ever,
no matter what.
113I hate anyone
whose loyalty is divided,
but I love your Law.
114You are my place of safety
and my shield.
Your word is my only hope.
115All you worthless people,
get away from me!
I am determined to obey
the commands of my God.
116Be true to your word, LORD.
Keep me alive and strong;
don't let me be ashamed
because of my hope.
117Keep me safe and secure,
so that I will always
respect your laws.
118You reject all deceitful liars
because they refuse
your teachings.
119As far as you are concerned,
all evil people are#119.119 As far as…are: A few Hebrew manuscripts and ancient translations. Most Hebrew manuscripts have “You get rid of evil people as if they were”. rubbish,
and so I follow your rules.
120I tremble all over
when I think of you
and the way you judge.
121I did what was fair and right!
Don't hand me over to those
who want to ill-treat me.
122Take good care of me,
your servant,
and don't let me be harmed
by those conceited people.
123My eyes are weary from waiting
to see you keep your promise
to come and save me.
124Show your love for me,
your servant,
and teach me your laws.
125I serve you,
so let me understand
your teachings.
126Do something, LORD!
They have broken your Law.
127Your laws mean more to me
than the finest gold.
128I follow all your commands,#119.128 I…commands: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
but I hate anyone
who leads me astray.
129Your teachings are wonderful,
and I respect them all.
130Understanding your word
brings light to the minds
of ordinary people.
131I honestly want to know
everything you teach.
132Think about me and be kind,
just as you are to everyone
who loves your name.
133Keep your promise
and don't let me stumble
or let sin control my life.
134Protect me from abuse,
so I can obey your laws.
135Smile on me, your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136When anyone disobeys you,
my eyes overflow with tears.
137Our LORD, you always do right,
and your decisions are fair.
138All your teachings are true
and trustworthy.
139It upsets me greatly
when my enemies neglect
your teachings.
140Your word to me, your servant,
is like pure gold;
I treasure what you say.
141Everyone calls me a nobody,
but I remember your laws.
142You will always do right,
and your teachings are true.
143I am in deep distress,
but I love your teachings.
144Your rules are always fair.
Help me to understand them
and live.
145I pray to you, LORD!
Please answer me.
I promise to obey your laws.
146I beg you to save me,
so I can follow your rules.
147Even before sunrise,
I pray for your help,
and I put my hope
in what you have said.
148I lie awake at night,
thinking of your promises.
149Show that you love me, LORD,
and answer my prayer.
Please do the right thing
and save my life.
150People who disobey your Law
have made evil plans
and want to hurt me,
151but you are with me,
and all your commands
can be trusted.
152From studying your laws,
I found out long ago
that you made them
to last for ever.
153I have not forgotten your Law!
Look at the trouble I am in,
and rescue me.
154Be my defender and protector!
Keep your promise
and save my life.
155Evil people won't obey you,
and so they have no hope
of being saved.
156You are merciful, LORD!
Please do the right thing
and save my life.
157I have a lot of brutal enemies,
but still I never turn
from your laws.
158All those unfaithful people
who refuse to obey you
are disgusting to me.
159Remember how I love your laws,
and show your love for me
by keeping me safe.
160All you say can be trusted;
your teachings are true
and will last for ever.
161Rulers are cruel to me
for no reason.
But with all my heart
I respect your words,
162because they bring happiness
like treasures taken in war.
163I can't stand liars,
but I love your Law.
164I praise you seven times a day
because your laws are fair.
165You give peace of mind
to all who love your Law.
Nothing can make them fall.
166You are my only hope
for being saved, LORD,
and I do all you command.
167I love and obey your laws
with all my heart.
168You know everything I do.
You know I respect every law
you have given.
169Please, LORD, hear my prayer
and give me the understanding
that comes from your word.
170Listen to my concerns
and keep me safe,
just as you have promised.
171If you will teach me your laws,
I will praise you 172and sing
about your promise,
because all your teachings
are what they ought to be.
173Be ready to protect me
because I have chosen
to obey your laws.
174I am waiting for you
to save me, LORD.
Your Law makes me happy.
175Keep me alive,
so I can praise you,
and let me find help
in your teachings.
176I am your servant,
but I have wandered away
like a lost sheep.
Please come after me,
because I have not forgotten
your teachings.
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© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012