Psalm 119

Psalm 119 – New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 119^[a]

א Aleph

1. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—
3. they do no wrong but follow his ways.
4. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
5. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
6. Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
7. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
8. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

ב Beth

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

ג Gimel

17. Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word.
18. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
19. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.
20. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
21. You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands.
22. Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.
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; preserve my life according to your word.
26. I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27. Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
31. I hold fast 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, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.^[b]
34. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
37. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.^[c]
38. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
39. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
40. How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.

ו Waw

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

ז Zayin

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

ח Heth

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

ט Teth

65. Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord.
66. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.
67. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.
68. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.
69. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.
71. It was good for me to be afflicted 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.

י Yodh

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

כ Kaph

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

ל Lamedh

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

מ Mem

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

נ Nun

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

ס Samekh

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

ע Ayin

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

פ Pe

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

צ Tsadhe

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

ק Qoph

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

ר Resh

153. Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law.
154. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.
155. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees.
156. Your compassion, Lord, is great; preserve my life according to your laws.
157. Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes.
158. I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word.
159. See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.
160. All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

ש Sin and Shin

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

ת Taw

169. May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word.
170. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.
171. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.
172. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.
173. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
174. I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight.
175. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.
176. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

Footnotes

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Psalm 119 – King James Version (KJV)

א Aleph

1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD.
2. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, And that seek him with the whole heart.
3. They also do no iniquity: They walk in his ways.
4. Thou hast commanded us To keep thy precepts diligently.
5. O that my ways were directed To keep thy statutes!
6. Then shall I not be ashamed, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, When I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

ב Bet

9. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.
12. Blessed art thou, O LORD: Teach me thy statutes.
13. With my lips have I declared All the judgments of thy mouth.
14. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches.
15. I will meditate in thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways.
16. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

ג Gimel

17. Deal bountifully with thy servant, That I may live, and keep thy word.
18. Open thou mine eyes, That I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
19. I am a stranger in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me.
20. My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21. Thou hast rebuked the proud That are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
22. Remove from me reproach and contempt: For I have kept thy testimonies.
23. Princes also did sit and speak against me: But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24. Thy testimonies also are My delight and my counsellors.

ד Dalet

25. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word.
26. I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: Teach me thy statutes.
27. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28. My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
29. Remove from me the way of lying: And grant me thy law graciously.
30. I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me.
31. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
32. I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart.

ה He

33. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end.
34. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight.
36. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness.
37. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; And quicken thou me in thy way.
38. Stablish thy word Unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39. Turn away my reproach which I fear: For thy judgments are good
40. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness.

ו Waw

41. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, Even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: For I trust in thy word.
43. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thy judgments.
44. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45. And I will walk at liberty: For I seek thy precepts.
46. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed.
47. And I will delight myself In thy commandments, which I have loved.
48. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate in thy statutes.

ז Zain

49. Remember the word unto thy servant, Upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50. This is my comfort in my affliction: For thy word hath quickened me.
51. The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yet have I not declined from thy law.
52. I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; And have comforted myself.
53. Horror hath taken hold upon me Because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54. Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.
55. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56. This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

ח Het

57. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
58. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word.
59. I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60. I made haste, and delayed not To keep thy commandments.
61. The bands of the wicked have robbed me: But I have not forgotten thy law.
62. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous judgments.
63. I am a companion of all them That fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
64. The earth, O LORD, is full of Thy mercy: Teach me thy statutes.

ט Tet

65. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
66. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: For I have believed thy commandments.
67. Before I was afflicted I went astray: But now have I kept thy word.
68. Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes.
69. The proud have forged a lie against me: But I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70. Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law.
71.  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes.
72. The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver.

י Yod

73. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; Because I have hoped in thy word.
75. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
76. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant.
77. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: For thy law is my delight.
78. Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: But I will meditate in thy precepts.
79. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, And those that have known thy testimonies.
80. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; That I be not ashamed.

כ Kaph

81. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: But I hope in thy word.
82. Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83. For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84. How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85. The proud have digged pits for me, Which are not after thy law.
86. All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87. They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.
88. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

ל Lamed

89. For ever, O LORD, Thy word Is settled in heaven.
90. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: For all are thy servants.
92. Unless thy law had been my delights,I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93. I will never forget thy precepts: For with them thou hast quickened me.
94. I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts.
95. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: But I will consider thy testimonies.
96. I have seen an end of all perfection: But thy commandment is exceeding broad.

מ Mem

97. O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
98. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: For they are ever with me.
99. I have more understanding than all my teachers: For thy testimonies are my meditation.
100. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep thy precepts.
101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might keep thy word.
102. I have not departed From thy judgments: For thou hast taught me.
103. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104. Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way.

נ Nun

105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.
106. I have sworn, and I will perform it, That I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107. I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me thy judgments.
109. My soul is continually in my hand: Yet do I not forget thy law.
110. The wicked have laid a snare for me: Yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes Alway, even unto the end.

ס Samek

113. I hate vain thoughts: But thy law do I love.
114. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115. Depart from me, ye evildoers: For I will keep the commandments of my God.
116. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: And let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: And I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118. Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: For their deceit is falsehood.
119. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies.
120. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments.

ע Ain

121. I have done judgment and justice: Leave me not to mine oppressors.
122. Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me.
123. Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for the word of thy righteousness.
124. Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, And teach me thy statutes.
125. I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies.
126. It is time for thee, LORD, to work: For they have made void thy law.
127. Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; And I hate every false way.

פ Pe

129. Thy testimonies are wonderful: Therefore doth my soul keep them.
130. The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.
131. I opened my mouth, and panted: For I longed for thy commandments.
132. Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133. Order my steps in thy word: And let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134. Deliver me from the oppression of man: So will I keep thy precepts.
135. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes.
136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, Because they keep not thy law.

צ Zade

137. Righteous art thou, O LORD, And upright are thy judgments.
138. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139. My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140. Thy word is very pure: Therefore thy servant loveth it.
141. I am small and despised: Yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is the truth.
143. Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: Yet thy commandments are my delights.
144. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: Give me understanding, and I shall live.

ק Qoph

145. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
146. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, That I might meditate in thy word.
149. Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150. They draw nigh that follow after mischief: They are far from thy law.
151. Thou art near, O LORD; And all thy commandments are truth.
152. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old That thou hast founded them for ever.

ר Resh

153. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: For I do not forget thy law.
154. Plead my cause, and deliver me: Quicken me according to thy word.
155. Salvation is far from the wicked: -For they seek not thy statutes.
156. Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: Quicken me according to thy judgments.
157. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; Because they kept not thy word.
159. Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
160. Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

ש Shin

161. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: But my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162. I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil.
163. I hate and abhor lying: But thy law do I love.
164. Seven times a day do I praise thee Because of thy righteous judgments.
165. Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them.
166. LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, And done thy commandments.
167. My soul hath kept thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly.
168. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: For all my ways are before thee.

ת Taw

169. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: Give me understanding according to thy word.
170. Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word.
171. My lips shall utter praise, When thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172. My tongue shall speak of thy word: For all thy commandments are righteousness.
173. Let thine hand help me; For I have chosen thy precepts.
174. I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; And thy law is my delight.
175. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thy judgments help me.
176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments.