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The Word of God

ALEPH[a]

119 God has blessed people who always do what is right.
    They obey the Lord's Law.
    They agree to live by his rules.[b]
    They love to pray to him.
God has blessed people like that.
Also, they do nothing that is wrong.
    They live in a way that please the Lord.
You, Lord, have told us to obey your teaching carefully.
I want to be able to obey your laws all the time.
When I remember all your commands,
    I will not be ashamed.
When I learn your good rules,
    I will do what is right and I will thank you.
Yes, I will obey your laws.
    Please do not turn away from me!

BETH

How can a young man live a clean life?
    He must be careful to obey your message.
10 I bring all my thoughts to you.
    Do not let me forget to obey your commands.
11 I always keep your message in my mind,
    so that I do not do anything bad against you.
12 Lord, everyone should praise you!
    Please teach me your laws.
13 You have taught us your rules.
    I want to speak them aloud for others to hear.
14 Your rules give me a happy life.
    When I obey them, it is better than being rich!
15 I want to think carefully about your teaching.
    You have shown me the best way to live.
16 Your laws make me very happy.
    I will not forget what you have taught me.

GIMEL

17 Please be kind to me, your servant.
    Then I will live and I will obey your message.
18 Open my eyes wide!
    Then I will see great things in your Law.
19 I live like a stranger here on the earth.
    Please do not hide your commands from me.
20 I really want to obey your rules all the time.
    I want that more than anything else.
21 You warn people who are proud.
If they turn away from your commands,
    you will surely punish them.
22 I obey your rules.
So do not let people insult me,
    so that I become ashamed.
23 Rulers may think of ways to hurt me.
    But I will think carefully about your rules.
24 Yes, your laws make me really happy.
    They show me the right way to live.

DALETH

25 I have fallen to the ground. I am almost dead.
    Give me life again, as you have promised to do.
26 I told you what my life is like,
    and you answered me.
Please teach me your laws.
27 Help me to understand what your teaching means.
    Then I will think carefully about the great things that you do.
28 I am so sad that I feel very weak.
    Use your word to make me strong again.
29 Stop me from living in a wrong way.
Please be kind to me,
    so that I know your Law.
30 I have chosen to live in the right way.
    I will continue to obey your rules.
31 Yes, Lord, I will always respect your teaching.
    Please do not let me become ashamed.
32 I want to obey your commands all the time.
    Help me to understand them more and more.

HE

33 Lord, help me to understand your teaching,
    then I will always obey it.
34 Explain your Law to me, then I will obey it.
    I will always love to do what it says.
35 Help me to live in a way that respects your commands.
    That is what makes me very happy.
36 Help me to love your rules.
    That is better for me than riches.
37 Turn my eyes away from useless things.
    Use your word to help me to live.
38 I am your servant.
    Please do what you have promised to do.
You have promised to bless anyone who respects you.
39 I am afraid when people insult me.
Your rules are good,
    so do not let me be ashamed.
40 I really want to obey your rules.
Because you are righteous,
    please let me continue to live.

WAW

41 Lord, I want your faithful love to be with me.
    Please keep me safe, as you have promised.
42 Then I will be able to answer the people who insult me.
I will show them that I trust in your word.
43 Do not stop me from speaking your true word!
    I know that you will do what is right.
44 I will always obey your Law,
    now and for ever.
45 I will not be in danger as I live,
    because I try to obey your teaching.
46 I will speak to kings about your rules.
    I will not be ashamed to do that.
47 I love your commands
    and they make me very happy.
48 I respect your commands,
    and I love them.
I am always thinking about your laws.

ZAYIN

49 Remember the word that you have spoken to me, your servant.
    You have made me put my hope in it.
50 When I have trouble,
    your promise gives me peace in my mind.
It makes my life strong again.
51 Proud people laugh at me all the time.
    But I do not turn away from your Law.
52 Lord, I remember the rules that you made long ago.
    When I do that, I feel happy.
53 When wicked people turn against your Law,
    I become very angry.
54 Wherever I live, I sing songs about your rules.
55 In the night, Lord, I think about who you are.
    I will continue to obey your Law.
56 This is what I do every day:
    I obey your teaching.

HETH

57 Lord, you are everything that I need.
    I promise to obey your rules.
58 I ask you, ‘Please, please take care of me.
Be kind and forgive me,
    as you have promised to do.’
59 I have thought about the way that I live.
I have decided to return to your teaching.
60 I will be quick to obey your commands.
    I will not be slow to do that.
61 Wicked people try to catch me in their traps,
    but I will not forget your Law.
62 I get up in the middle of the night to praise you.
    I thank you for your fair rules.
63 I am a friend of everyone who respects you,
    and who obeys your teaching.
64 Lord, your faithful love is everywhere!
    Please teach me your commands.

TETH

65 Lord, you have blessed me, your servant,
    as you have promised to do.
66 Teach me to understand what is right,
    because I trust your commands.
67 Before you showed me what was right, I made mistakes,
    but now I obey your teaching.
68 You are good and you do good things.
    So please teach me your laws.
69 Proud people have told many lies against me,
    but I love to obey your rules.
70 Those people do not understand anything,
    but your Law makes me very happy.
71 When I suffered, it was good for me.
    It helped me to learn your commands.
72 The rules that you have taught me are very valuable.
They are more valuable to me
    than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

YOD

73 You made me with your hands. You made me what I am.
Help me to understand things well,
    so that I learn your commands.
74 People who respect you will be happy when they see me.
    That is because I trust your word.
75 Lord, I know that your rules are good and fair.
When you sent trouble to me,
    it was because you truly loved me.
76 Now, please use your faithful love
    to comfort me.
That is what you promised to do for me, your servant.
77 Be kind to me so that I will live!
    Your Law makes me really happy.
78 Proud men should be ashamed!
    They have spoken lies against me.
79 Let the people who respect you come back to me.
    Then they will learn to obey your rules.
80 Let me obey your commands completely.
    Then I will not be ashamed.

KAPH

81 As I wait for you to save me,
    I feel tired and weak.
I trust in your word.
82 As I wait for you to do what you have promised,
    my eyes are too tired to stay open.
I ask, ‘When will you come to help me?’
83 I am like an old wineskin that has become useless.
But I have not forgotten your rules.
84 As your servant, help me to be patient.
Please punish the people who want to hurt me.
    Please do it soon.
85 Proud people want to catch me in their traps.
    That is against your Law!
86 I know that I can trust all your commands,
    but people still give me trouble with their lies.
    Quickly, help me!
87 People here on earth have almost destroyed me,
    but I continue to obey your teaching.
88 Please use your faithful love to keep me alive.
Then I can continue to obey the rules that you have taught me.

LAMED

89 Lord, your teaching will always be there.
    You keep it safe in heaven.
90 You continue to show that people can trust you,
    from one century to the next.
You have fixed the earth in its place,
    and it will remain.
91 It is by your command that all things continue.
    You have put them there to serve you.
92 If your Law had not made me happy,
    I would have been sad until I died.
93 I will never forget your rules,
    because you have used them to give me life.
94 I belong to you. Please save me!
    I have respected your rules.
95 Wicked people are ready to kill me,
    but I think carefully about your teaching.
96 I have learned that all things will come to an end,
    but your commands have no end.

MEM

97 I love your Law very much.
    I think about it all the time.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies.
    They are always in my thoughts.
99 I understand more than all my teachers,
    because I think about your rules.
100 I understand more than people who are old,
    because I respect your teaching.
101 I do not follow evil ways,
    so that I can obey your word.
102 I do not turn away from your rules,
    because you are my teacher.
103 Your words are very good.
    They taste sweeter than honey in my mouth!
104 Your teaching helps me to understand things,
    so I hate anything that is false.

NUN

105 Your word is like a lamp that shines as my guide.
    It shows me the right way to live.
106 I have made a strong promise
    that I will always obey your righteous rules.
107 I have a lot of trouble and pain.
Lord, please keep me safe,
    as you have promised to do.
108 Lord, please accept the praise
    that I choose to offer to you.
Teach me your rules.
109 My life is always in danger,
    but I never forget your Law.
110 Wicked people try to catch me in a trap,
    but I do not turn away from your teaching.
111 Your laws will always be with me.
    They make me happy deep inside.
112 I have decided to obey your commands always,
    until the end of my life.

SAMEKH

113 I hate hypocrites,
    but I love your Law.
114 You are the safe place where I can hide.
You keep me safe like a soldier's shield.
    I know that I can trust your word.
115 Go away from me, you evil people!
    I will obey my God's commands.
116 Help me to be strong, Lord,
    as your word promises.
Do not let me be ashamed because of my hope.
117 Please help me so that I will be safe.
    Then I will always obey your commands.
118 You refuse people who turn away from your laws.
You do not accept them,
    because they speak lies to deceive people.
119 The wicked people in the world are like rubbish to you.
    So I choose to obey your rules.
120 I respect your great strength,
    so that my body shakes with fear.
I am afraid of the laws by which you judge people.

AYIN

121 I have done what is fair and right.
Do not leave me alone
    so that my cruel enemies can hurt me.
122 Promise to take care of me, your servant.
Do not let proud people hurt me.
123 I have been waiting a long time for you to save me.
    My eyes have become tired.
I am waiting for you to save me,
    as your true promise has said.
124 Please be kind to me, your servant,
    so that I see your faithful love.
Continue to teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant. Help me to be wise,
    so that I can understand your rules.
126 It is time for you to do something, Lord,
    because people have turned against your Law.
127 That is why I love your commands.
    They are more valuable to me than very pure gold.
128 So I carefully obey your teaching.
    I hate everything that is false.

PE

129 Your laws are wonderful, Lord!
    So I obey them.
130 Your message brings light to people,
    when they understand it.
It helps ordinary people to become wise.
131 I want very much to know your commands,
    like a thirsty dog needs water to drink.
132 Turn towards me and be kind to me,
    as you always do for those who serve you.
133 Use your word to lead me along the right way.
    Do not let sin rule over me.
134 Keep me safe from cruel people,
    so that I can obey your teaching.
135 Show a kind face to me, your servant.
    Teach me your laws.
136 I weep with streams of tears,
    because people do not obey your Law.

TSADHE

137 Lord, you are righteous
    and your laws are completely fair.
138 The rules that you have given to us are good and right.
    We can trust them completely.
139 I am so upset that it almost kills me,
    because my enemies do not accept your message.
140 I know that your promises are completely true.
    I love them more than anything.
141 I am not important enough for people to respect me,
    but I do not forget your teaching.
142 You will always do what is right
    and your law is completely true.
143 I have much trouble and it makes me afraid,
    but your commands make me happy.
144 Your rules are always fair.
Help me to understand them,
    so that I may find true life.

QOPH

145 With my whole being, I call to you,
    ‘Answer me, Lord!
    I will obey your commands.’
146 I say to you, ‘Save me,
    so that I can obey your rules.’
147 I wake up before dawn
    and I cry to you for help.
I trust your promises to be true.
148 I am awake during each night,
    and I think carefully about your message.
149 You love me with a faithful love,
    so please listen to me!
Lord, do what is right,
    and keep my life safe.
150 People who love to do evil things
    are ready to attack me.
They have no interest in your Law.
151 Lord, you are near to me,
    and I can trust all your commands.
152 I have studied your teaching since long ago.
    I know that you have made it to remain for ever.

RESH

153 Look at my pain and trouble!
Please save me,
    because I do not forget your Law.
154 Stand with me and make me free.
Keep me safe,
    as you have promised to do.
155 Wicked people do not obey your rules,
    so their lives will never be safe.
156 Lord, you are very kind.
Please do what is right,
    and keep my life safe!
157 I have many enemies
    who are ready to hurt me.
But I do not turn away from your teaching.
158 When I see people who have turned against you,
    they make me very upset.
They do not obey your commands.
159 See how I love your teaching, Lord!
Please keep my life safe,
    because of your faithful love for your people.
160 I can trust that your message is true.
All your righteous rules will continue for ever.

SHIN

161 Rulers want to hurt me for no good reason.
But it is your message that I respect with fear.
162 Your teaching makes me very happy.
I am like someone who has found great riches.
163 I hate all kinds of lies,
    but I love your Law.
164 I praise you seven times each day,
    because of your righteous rules.
165 People who love your Law have peace in their minds.
    Nothing will cause them to fall down.
166 Lord, I trust you to save me,
    as I obey your commands.
167 I will continue to obey your rules,
    because I love them so much.
168 I obey your commands and your teaching,
    because you know everything that I do.

TAW

169 Listen to me, Lord,
    as I call to you for help!
Help me to understand your word.
170 I ask you to be kind to me,
    so please listen!
Keep me safe,
    as you have promised to do.
171 I will always speak aloud to praise you,
    because you teach me your rules.
172 I will sing about your message,
    because all your commands are righteous.
173 Please be ready to help me,
    because I choose to obey your teaching.
174 Lord, I am waiting for you to save me.
    Please do it soon!
Your Law makes me very happy.
175 Keep my life safe,
    so that I can praise you.
Use your laws to give me help.
176 I have left the right way.
Come to make me safe again,
    like a shepherd looks for his lost sheep.
Help me, your servant,
    because I have not forgotten your commands.

Footnotes

  1. 119:1 Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm. There are 22 parts. Each part has 8 verses. Every line of each part starts with one letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is Aleph. Each line of the first part begins with Aleph. Each line of the second part begins with Beth, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It probably made it easier for people to remember the Psalm. We have not made it an alphabet poem in English.
  2. 119:2 This Psalm uses many different words to talk about God's message to us. We do not have the same words in English as the Psalm has in the Hebrew language. But the different English words help us to see that the Bible, God's word, teaches us in many different ways. The Psalm talks about God's Law, his rules, his commands, his message, his teaching, his word and his promises. Every part of the Psalm uses many of these different words. The different words tell us about the many ways that God has spoken to us. He has shown us the right way to live and how to please him.

Psalm 119[a]

א Aleph

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,(A)
    who walk(B) according to the law of the Lord.(C)
Blessed(D) are those who keep his statutes(E)
    and seek him(F) with all their heart—(G)
they do no wrong(H)
    but follow his ways.(I)
You have laid down precepts(J)
    that are to be fully obeyed.(K)
Oh, that my ways were steadfast
    in obeying your decrees!(L)
Then I would not be put to shame(M)
    when I consider all your commands.(N)
I will praise you with an upright heart
    as I learn your righteous laws.(O)
I will obey your decrees;
    do not utterly forsake me.(P)

ב Beth

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?(Q)
    By living according to your word.(R)
10 I seek you with all my heart;(S)
    do not let me stray from your commands.(T)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart(U)
    that I might not sin(V) against you.
12 Praise be(W) to you, Lord;
    teach me(X) your decrees.(Y)
13 With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.(Z)
14 I rejoice in following your statutes(AA)
    as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts(AB)
    and consider your ways.
16 I delight(AC) in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.

ג Gimel

17 Be good to your servant(AD) while I live,
    that I may obey your word.(AE)
18 Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;(AF)
    do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed(AG) with longing
    for your laws(AH) at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant,(AI) who are accursed,(AJ)
    those who stray(AK) from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn(AL) and contempt,
    for I keep your statutes.(AM)
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
    your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

ד Daleth

25 I am laid low in the dust;(AN)
    preserve my life(AO) according to your word.(AP)
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
    teach me your decrees.(AQ)
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.(AR)
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;(AS)
    strengthen me(AT) according to your word.(AU)
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;(AV)
    be gracious to me(AW) and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen(AX) the way of faithfulness;(AY)
    I have set my heart(AZ) on your laws.
31 I hold fast(BA) to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.

ה He

33 Teach me,(BB) Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.[b]
34 Give me understanding,(BC) so that I may keep your law(BD)
    and obey it with all my heart.(BE)
35 Direct me(BF) in the path of your commands,(BG)
    for there I find delight.(BH)
36 Turn my heart(BI) toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.(BJ)
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life(BK) according to your word.[c](BL)
38 Fulfill your promise(BM) to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace(BN) I dread,
    for your laws are good.
40 How I long(BO) for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.(BP)

ו Waw

41 May your unfailing love(BQ) come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, according to your promise;(BR)
42 then I can answer(BS) anyone who taunts me,(BT)
    for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,(BU)
    for I have put my hope(BV) in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,(BW)
    for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
    for I have sought out your precepts.(BX)
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings(BY)
    and will not be put to shame,(BZ)
47 for I delight(CA) in your commands
    because I love them.(CB)
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
    that I may meditate(CC) on your decrees.

ז Zayin

49 Remember your word(CD) to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.(CE)
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life.(CF)
51 The arrogant mock me(CG) unmercifully,
    but I do not turn(CH) from your law.
52 I remember,(CI) Lord, your ancient laws,
    and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me(CJ) because of the wicked,
    who have forsaken your law.(CK)
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song(CL)
    wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember(CM) your name,
    that I may keep your law.(CN)
56 This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts.(CO)

ח Heth

57 You are my portion,(CP) Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.(CQ)
58 I have sought(CR) your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me(CS) according to your promise.(CT)
59 I have considered my ways(CU)
    and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
    to obey your commands.(CV)
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
    I will not forget(CW) your law.
62 At midnight(CX) I rise to give you thanks
    for your righteous laws.(CY)
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,(CZ)
    to all who follow your precepts.(DA)
64 The earth is filled with your love,(DB) Lord;
    teach me your decrees.(DC)

ט Teth

65 Do good(DD) to your servant
    according to your word,(DE) Lord.
66 Teach me knowledge(DF) and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted(DG) I went astray,(DH)
    but now I obey your word.(DI)
68 You are good,(DJ) and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.(DK)
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,(DL)
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous(DM) and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted(DN)
    so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.(DO)

י Yodh

73 Your hands made me(DP) and formed me;
    give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice(DQ) when they see me,
    for I have put my hope in your word.(DR)
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,(DS)
    and that in faithfulness(DT) you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love(DU) be my comfort,
    according to your promise(DV) to your servant.
77 Let your compassion(DW) come to me that I may live,
    for your law is my delight.(DX)
78 May the arrogant(DY) be put to shame for wronging me without cause;(DZ)
    but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
    those who understand your statutes.(EA)
80 May I wholeheartedly follow(EB) your decrees,(EC)
    that I may not be put to shame.(ED)

כ Kaph

81 My soul faints(EE) with longing for your salvation,(EF)
    but I have put my hope(EG) in your word.
82 My eyes fail,(EH) looking for your promise;(EI)
    I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
    I do not forget(EJ) your decrees.
84 How long(EK) must your servant wait?
    When will you punish my persecutors?(EL)
85 The arrogant(EM) dig pits(EN) to trap me,
    contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;(EO)
    help me,(EP) for I am being persecuted(EQ) without cause.(ER)
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
    but I have not forsaken(ES) your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love(ET) preserve my life,(EU)
    that I may obey the statutes(EV) of your mouth.

ל Lamedh

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal;(EW)
    it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness(EX) continues through all generations;(EY)
    you established the earth, and it endures.(EZ)
91 Your laws endure(FA) to this day,
    for all things serve you.(FB)
92 If your law had not been my delight,(FC)
    I would have perished in my affliction.(FD)
93 I will never forget(FE) your precepts,
    for by them you have preserved my life.(FF)
94 Save me,(FG) for I am yours;
    I have sought out your precepts.(FH)
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,(FI)
    but I will ponder your statutes.(FJ)
96 To all perfection I see a limit,
    but your commands are boundless.(FK)

מ Mem

97 Oh, how I love your law!(FL)
    I meditate(FM) on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
    and make me wiser(FN) than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
    for I meditate on your statutes.(FO)
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
    for I obey your precepts.(FP)
101 I have kept my feet(FQ) from every evil path
    so that I might obey your word.(FR)
102 I have not departed from your laws,(FS)
    for you yourself have taught(FT) me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey(FU) to my mouth!(FV)
104 I gain understanding(FW) from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path.(FX)

נ Nun

105 Your word is a lamp(FY) for my feet,
    a light(FZ) on my path.
106 I have taken an oath(GA) and confirmed it,
    that I will follow your righteous laws.(GB)
107 I have suffered much;
    preserve my life,(GC) Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,(GD)
    and teach me your laws.(GE)
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,(GF)
    I will not forget(GG) your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare(GH) for me,
    but I have not strayed(GI) from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.(GJ)
112 My heart is set(GK) on keeping your decrees
    to the very end.[d](GL)

ס Samekh

113 I hate double-minded people,(GM)
    but I love your law.(GN)
114 You are my refuge and my shield;(GO)
    I have put my hope(GP) in your word.
115 Away from me,(GQ) you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commands of my God!
116 Sustain me,(GR) my God, according to your promise,(GS) and I will live;
    do not let my hopes be dashed.(GT)
117 Uphold me,(GU) and I will be delivered;(GV)
    I will always have regard for your decrees.(GW)
118 You reject all who stray(GX) from your decrees,
    for their delusions come to nothing.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;(GY)
    therefore I love your statutes.(GZ)
120 My flesh trembles(HA) in fear of you;(HB)
    I stand in awe(HC) of your laws.

ע Ayin

121 I have done what is righteous and just;(HD)
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being;(HE)
    do not let the arrogant oppress me.(HF)
123 My eyes fail,(HG) looking for your salvation,(HH)
    looking for your righteous promise.(HI)
124 Deal with your servant according to your love(HJ)
    and teach me your decrees.(HK)
125 I am your servant;(HL) give me discernment
    that I may understand your statutes.(HM)
126 It is time for you to act, Lord;
    your law is being broken.(HN)
127 Because I love your commands(HO)
    more than gold,(HP) more than pure gold,(HQ)
128 and because I consider all your precepts right,(HR)
    I hate every wrong path.(HS)

פ Pe

129 Your statutes are wonderful;(HT)
    therefore I obey them.(HU)
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;(HV)
    it gives understanding to the simple.(HW)
131 I open my mouth and pant,(HX)
    longing for your commands.(HY)
132 Turn to me(HZ) and have mercy(IA) on me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.(IB)
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;(IC)
    let no sin rule(ID) over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,(IE)
    that I may obey your precepts.(IF)
135 Make your face shine(IG) on your servant
    and teach me your decrees.(IH)
136 Streams of tears(II) flow from my eyes,
    for your law is not obeyed.(IJ)

צ Tsadhe

137 You are righteous,(IK) Lord,
    and your laws are right.(IL)
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;(IM)
    they are fully trustworthy.(IN)
139 My zeal wears me out,(IO)
    for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises(IP) have been thoroughly tested,(IQ)
    and your servant loves them.(IR)
141 Though I am lowly and despised,(IS)
    I do not forget your precepts.(IT)
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.(IU)
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.(IV)
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding(IW) that I may live.

ק Qoph

145 I call with all my heart;(IX) answer me, Lord,
    and I will obey your decrees.(IY)
146 I call out to you; save me(IZ)
    and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn(JA) and cry for help;
    I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,(JB)
    that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice(JC) in accordance with your love;(JD)
    preserve my life,(JE) Lord, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes(JF) are near,
    but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near,(JG) Lord,
    and all your commands are true.(JH)
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes(JI)
    that you established them to last forever.(JJ)

ר Resh

153 Look on my suffering(JK) and deliver me,(JL)
    for I have not forgotten(JM) your law.
154 Defend my cause(JN) and redeem me;(JO)
    preserve my life(JP) according to your promise.(JQ)
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
    for they do not seek out(JR) your decrees.
156 Your compassion, Lord, is great;(JS)
    preserve my life(JT) according to your laws.(JU)
157 Many are the foes who persecute me,(JV)
    but I have not turned(JW) from your statutes.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing,(JX)
    for they do not obey your word.(JY)
159 See how I love your precepts;
    preserve my life,(JZ) Lord, in accordance with your love.
160 All your words are true;
    all your righteous laws are eternal.(KA)

ש Sin and Shin

161 Rulers persecute me(KB) without cause,
    but my heart trembles(KC) at your word.
162 I rejoice(KD) in your promise
    like one who finds great spoil.(KE)
163 I hate and detest(KF) falsehood
    but I love your law.(KG)
164 Seven times a day I praise you
    for your righteous laws.(KH)
165 Great peace(KI) have those who love your law,
    and nothing can make them stumble.(KJ)
166 I wait for your salvation,(KK) Lord,
    and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes,
    for I love them(KL) greatly.
168 I obey your precepts(KM) and your statutes,(KN)
    for all my ways are known(KO) to you.

ת Taw

169 May my cry come(KP) before you, Lord;
    give me understanding(KQ) according to your word.(KR)
170 May my supplication come(KS) before you;
    deliver me(KT) according to your promise.(KU)
171 May my lips overflow with praise,(KV)
    for you teach me(KW) your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing(KX) of your word,
    for all your commands are righteous.(KY)
173 May your hand be ready to help(KZ) me,
    for I have chosen(LA) your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation,(LB) Lord,
    and your law gives me delight.(LC)
175 Let me live(LD) that I may praise you,
    and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.(LE)
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten(LF) your commands.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet; moreover, the verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
  2. Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
  3. Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way
  4. Psalm 119:112 Or decrees / for their enduring reward