Psalm 119
119
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
Aleph
1 # 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem of twenty-two stanzas, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet; within a stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter Blessed are those whose #Prov. 11:20; 13:6; [Ps. 101:2, 6] way is blameless,
who #Ps. 128:1; [Gen. 17:1]walk in the law of the Lord!
2Blessed are those who #[ver. 22] keep his #[Ps. 78:5] testimonies,
who #[ver. 10; 2 Chr. 15:2]seek him with their whole heart,
3who also #1 John 3:9; 5:18do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4You have commanded your #Ps. 19:8precepts
to be kept diligently.
5Oh that my ways may #Ps. 37:23; [Prov. 16:9; Jer. 10:23]be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 # ver. 80; [1 John 2:28] Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn #ver. 62, 106; Ex. 24:3your righteous rules.#119:7 Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164
8I will keep your statutes;
#
Ps. 38:21; 71:9, 18 do not utterly forsake me!
Beth
9How can #[Ps. 25:7]a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 # [2 Chr. 15:2] With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not #[ver. 21, 118]wander from your commandments!
11I have #Luke 2:19, 51; See Ps. 37:31stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12Blessed are you, O Lord;
# ver. 26, 64, 68, 108, 124, 135, 171; See Ps. 25:4 teach me your statutes!
13With my lips I #Ps. 40:9; [Deut. 6:7]declare
all the rules#119:13 Or all the just decrees of your mouth.
14In the way of your testimonies I #ver. 111, 162 delight
as much as in all #See Prov. 3:13-15; 8:10, 11, 18, 19riches.
15I will #ver. 23, 78, 97 meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your #Ps. 25:4ways.
16I will #ver. 24, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, 174delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Gimel
17 # See Ps. 13:6 Deal bountifully with your servant,
# ver. 144 that I may live and keep your word.
18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19I am #See Ps. 39:12 a sojourner on the earth;
# [Isa. 6:9, 10] hide not your commandments from me!
20My soul is consumed with #ver. 40, 131, 174; [Ps. 42:1, 2]longing
for your rules#119:20 Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175 at all times.
21You rebuke #See ver. 51 the insolent, #Deut. 27:26 accursed ones,
who #[ver. 10]wander from your commandments.
22Take away from me #See Ps. 44:13 scorn and contempt,
# [ver. 2] for I have kept your testimonies.
23Even though #ver. 161; [Dan. 6:4] princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will #ver. 15, 27, 28meditate on your statutes.
24Your testimonies are my #[Rom. 7:22]; See ver. 16 delight;
they are my #[ver. 104]counselors.
Daleth
25 #
Ps. 44:25 My soul clings to the dust;
# ver. 37, 40, 88, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159; See Ps. 71:20 give me life #ver. 65according to your word!
26When #[Ps. 37:5] I told of my ways, you answered me;
# ver. 12 teach me your statutes!
27 # ver. 18, 34, 73, 125, 144, 169; [Job 32:8] Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will #ver. 15, 23, 78meditate on your wondrous works.
28 # See Ps. 22:14 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29Put false ways far from me
and graciously #[ver. 27]teach me your law!
30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I #[Ps. 16:8]set your rules before me.
31I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
# ver. 116 let me not be put to shame!
32I will run in the way of your commandments
when you #1 Kgs. 4:29; Isa. 60:5; 2 Cor. 6:11, 13enlarge my heart!#119:32 Or for you set my heart free
He
33 # ver. 12, 26 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it #ver. 112; [Matt. 10:22; Heb. 3:6; Rev. 2:26]to the end.#119:33 Or keep it as my reward
34 # ver. 27; Prov. 2:6; James 1:5 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 # See Ps. 25:4, 5 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I #ver. 16; See Ps. 1:2delight in it.
36 # ver. 112; 1 Kgs. 8:58; [Ps. 141:4] Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to #[Luke 12:15; 1 Tim. 6:10; Heb. 13:5]selfish gain!
37 # [Prov. 23:5; Isa. 33:15] Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and #ver. 25give me life in your ways.
38 #
2 Sam. 7:25 Confirm to your servant your promise,
# [Ps. 25:10; 112:1; 128:1; 130:4] that you may be feared.
39Turn away the #ver. 22reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40Behold, I #ver. 20 long for your precepts;
# [ver. 149, 156] in your righteousness give me life!
Waw
41Let your #ver. 77; [Ps. 106:4] steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation #ver. 58, 65, 76, 116, 170according to your promise;
42then #Prov. 27:11 shall I have an answer for him #[See ver. 39 above]who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my #ver. 49, 74, 81, 114, 147; [Ps. 31:24]hope is in your rules.
44I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45and I shall walk #Prov. 4:12 in a wide place,
for I have #ver. 94, 155sought your precepts.
46I will also speak of your testimonies #[Matt. 10:18; Acts 26:1, 2]before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47for I #ver. 16find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48I will #See Ps. 28:2 lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will #ver. 13meditate on your statutes.
Zayin
49Remember #ver. 41, 42, 43 your word to your servant,
in which you have made me #ver. 43hope.
50This is #[Rom. 15:4] my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise #ver. 25; See Ps. 71:20gives me life.
51 # ver. 69, 78, 85, 122; Jer. 20:7; [Ps. 42:3; 123:4] The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not #ver. 157; Ps. 44:18; Job 23:11turn away from your law.
52When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53 # [Neh. 13:25] Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my #See Ps. 39:12sojourning.
55I #See Ps. 42:8remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56This blessing has fallen to me,
that #ver. 22, 69, 100I have kept your precepts.
Heth
57 # See Ps. 16:5 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58I #Ps. 45:12 entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me #ver. 41according to your promise.
59When I #[Luke 15:17]think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61Though #ver. 110 the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not #ver. 83forget your law.
62At #[Acts 16:25] midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your #ver. 7righteous rules.
63 # [Ps. 101:6] I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 #
Ps. 33:5 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
# ver. 12 teach me your statutes!
Teth
65You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, #[ver. 41]according to your word.
66Teach me #Phil. 1:9; [James 1:5]good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 # ver. 71, 75; Jer. 31:18, 19; See Heb. 12:5-11 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 #
Ps. 106:1 You are good and do good;
# ver. 12 teach me your statutes.
69 # ver. 51 The insolent #Job 13:4; [Ps. 109:2] smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I #ver. 56keep your precepts;
70their heart is unfeeling #Isa. 6:10; See Ps. 17:10 like fat,
but I #ver. 16delight in your law.
71It is #[ver. 67]good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 # ver. 127; Ps. 19:10; Prov. 8:10 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Yodh
73 #
Job 10:8; See Ps. 95:6; Job 31:15 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
# ver. 27 give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74Those who fear you shall see me and #Ps. 34:2; 35:27; 107:42 rejoice,
because I have #ver. 43; Ps. 130:5hoped in your word.
75I know, O Lord, that your rules are #ver. 138 righteous,
and that in #Ps. 33:4; See ver. 67faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77Let your #ver. 41 mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my #ver. 24, 47, 174delight.
78Let #See ver. 51 the insolent be put to #Ps. 25:3 shame,
because they have #ver. 86 wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will #ver. 15, 23meditate on your precepts.
79Let those who fear you #[Jer. 15:19]turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80May my heart be #ver. 1 blameless in your statutes,
# ver. 6 that I may not be put to shame!
Kaph
81My soul #See Ps. 84:2 longs for your salvation;
I #ver. 74, 114hope in your word.
82My #See Ps. 69:3 eyes long for your promise;
I ask, #[Ps. 101:2]“When will you comfort me?”
83For I have #[Job 30:30] become like a #[Matt. 9:17; Mark 2:22]wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 # [Ps. 39:4] How long must your servant endure?#119:84 Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?
#
Rev. 6:10; [Zech. 1:12] When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 # ver. 51 The insolent have #See Ps. 7:15dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86All your commandments are #ver. 138 sure;
they persecute me #ver. 78; Ps. 35:19 with falsehood; #Ps. 109:26help me!
87They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88In your steadfast love #ver. 25; See Ps. 71:20give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Lamedh
89Forever, O Lord, your #ver. 152; [Matt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:25]; [Jer. 31:35-37]word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90Your #See Ps. 36:5 faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have #[Ps. 148:6] established the earth, and it #Eccles. 1:4stands fast.
91By your #Jer. 33:25appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92If your law had not been my #ver. 77delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have #ver. 25; See Ps. 71:20given me life.
94I am yours; save me,
# ver. 45 for I have sought your precepts.
95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly #[Ps. 18:19]broad.
Mem
97Oh how #ver. 113, 163, 165; [Ps. 1:2] I love your law!
It is my #ver. 15meditation all the day.
98Your commandment makes me #[Deut. 4:6]wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for #[2 Tim. 3:15]your testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than #See Job 32:7-9 the aged,#119:100 Or the elders
for I #ver. 56, 69keep your precepts.
101I #Prov. 1:15hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103How #Ps. 19:10sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore #ver. 128I hate every false way.
Nun
105 #
Prov. 6:23
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106I have #Neh. 10:29 sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your #ver. 7righteous rules.
107I am severely #[ver. 25, 50] afflicted;
# ver. 88; See Ps. 71:20 give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108Accept #[Hos. 14:2] my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and #ver. 12teach me your rules.
109I hold my life #See Judg. 12:3 in my hand continually,
but I do not #ver. 83forget your law.
110The wicked have laid #See Ps. 91:3 a snare for me,
but #ver. 10I do not stray from your precepts.
111Your testimonies are #Deut. 33:4 my heritage forever,
for they are #ver. 14, 162the joy of my heart.
112I #ver. 36 incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, #See ver. 33to the end.#119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal
Samekh
113I hate #[1 Kgs. 18:21; James 1:8; 4:8] the double-minded,
but I love #ver. 97your law.
114You are my #See Ps. 32:7 hiding place and my #See Ps. 3:3 shield;
I #ver. 74hope in your word.
115 # See Ps. 6:8 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may #[ver. 22]keep the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me #ver. 41 according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be #ver. 31; See Ps. 25:2 put to shame in my #Ps. 146:5hope!
117 # [Ps. 20:2] Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118You #Lam. 1:15 spurn all who #ver. 10, 21, 110go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119All the wicked of the earth you discard like #Isa. 1:25; [Ezek. 22:18; Mal. 3:2, 3] dross,
therefore #ver. 97I love your testimonies.
120My flesh #[Job 4:14; Hab. 3:16]trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
Ayin
121I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122Give your servant #See Job 17:3 a pledge of good;
let not #ver. 51the insolent oppress me.
123My #ver. 82eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and #ver. 12teach me your statutes.
125I am your #See Ps. 116:16 servant; #ver. 27give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127Therefore I #ver. 72; Ps. 19:10love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every #ver. 104false way.
Pe
129Your testimonies are #ver. 18, 27 wonderful;
therefore my soul #ver. 22keeps them.
130The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts #See Ps. 19:7understanding to the simple.
131I #Ps. 81:10; Job 29:23 open my mouth and #Ps. 42:1 pant,
because I #ver. 20long for your commandments.
132 # See Ps. 25:16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 # [Ps. 17:5] Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity #Ps. 19:13get dominion over me.
134 # [Luke 1:74] Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 # See Ps. 4:6 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and #ver. 12teach me your statutes.
136My eyes #Jer. 9:1, 18; 14:17; Lam. 3:48; [Ezek. 9:4; Phil. 3:18] shed streams of tears,
because people #ver. 158do not keep your law.
Tsadhe
137 # See Ps. 116:5 Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
138You have appointed your testimonies in #ver. 75, 172; See Ps. 19:7-9 righteousness
and in all #ver. 86faithfulness.
139My #See Ps. 69:9zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140Your promise is well #See Ps. 12:6 tried,
and your servant #ver. 97loves it.
141I am small and despised,
yet I do not #ver. 83forget your precepts.
142Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is #ver. 151, 160; John 17:17; [Ps. 19:9]true.
143Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my #ver. 24delight.
144Your testimonies are righteous forever;
# ver. 27 give me understanding that I may #ver. 17live.
Qoph
145With my #ver. 2, 10 whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will #ver. 22, 33keep your statutes.
146I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147I rise before #See Ps. 5:3 dawn and cry for help;
I #ver. 74hope in your words.
148My eyes are awake before #See Ps. 42:8the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, #ver. 156; [ver. 40] according to your justice #ver. 25; See Ps. 71:20give me life.
150They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151But #See Ps. 145:18 you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are #See ver. 142true.
152Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have #ver. 89, 160; [Matt. 5:18]founded them forever.
Resh
153Look on my #Job 36:15 affliction and deliver me,
for #ver. 83I do not forget your law.
154 #
Ps. 35:1 Plead my cause and redeem me;
# ver. 25 give me life according to your promise!
155 #
Job 5:4 Salvation is far from the wicked,
# [ver. 150] for they do not seek your statutes.
156 #
2 Sam. 24:14 Great is your mercy, O Lord;
# [See ver. 154 above] give me life according to your rules.
157 #
Ps. 3:1, 2 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not #See ver. 51swerve from your testimonies.
158I look at #[Jer. 3:20] the faithless with #Ps. 139:21; [ver. 136]disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159Consider how I #ver. 97 love your precepts!
# [See ver. 154 above] Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 #
Ps. 139:17 The sum of your word is #[ver. 142, 172] truth,
and every one of your #ver. 7righteous rules endures forever.
Sin and Shin
161 # ver. 23; [1 Sam. 24:11; 26:18] Princes persecute me #See Ps. 69:4 without cause,
but my heart #[Ps. 2:11]stands in awe of your words.
162I #[See ver. 161 above] rejoice at your word
like one who #1 Sam. 30:16; Isa. 9:3; [Matt. 13:44]finds great spoil.
163I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love #ver. 97your law.
164Seven times a day I praise you
for your #[See ver. 160 above]righteous rules.
165Great #Ps. 37:11, 37; [Prov. 3:2] peace have those who love your law;
#
Prov. 3:23; 1 John 2:10; [Matt. 13:41] nothing can make them stumble.
166I #ver. 174; Gen. 49:18hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
167My soul keeps your testimonies;
I #[See ver. 163 above]love them exceedingly.
168I keep your precepts and testimonies,
#
Ps. 139:3; Prov. 5:21 for all my ways are before you.
Taw
169Let my #[ver. 145] cry come before you, O Lord;
# See ver. 34 give me understanding #ver. 65according to your word!
170Let my plea come before you;
# ver. 41 deliver me according to your word.
171My lips will #Ps. 145:7 pour forth praise,
for you #ver. 12teach me your statutes.
172My tongue will sing of your word,
for #[ver. 160]all your commandments are right.
173Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have #Josh. 24:22; [Prov. 1:29]chosen your precepts.
174I #ver. 20 long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my #ver. 24delight.
175Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176I have #Isa. 53:6; 1 Pet. 2:25; [Matt. 18:12; Luke 15:4] gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not #ver. 83forget your commandments.
Currently Selected:
Psalm 119: ESV
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Sign up to receive news and updates about the ESV:
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.
Currently Selected:
:
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
Dr. Jonathan Gallagher. Released under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Unported License. Version 4.3. For corrections send email to jonathangallagherfbv@gmail.com