Psalms

The fifth book of Psalms, song 119, New English Translation and King James Version

This lengthy psalm exhibits an elaborate acrostic pattern. The psalm is divided into 22 sections (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet), each of which comprises eight verses. Each verse in the first section (verses 1-8) begins with the letter alef (א), the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This pattern continues throughout the psalm as each new section highlights a successive letter of the alphabet. Each verse in section two (verses 9-16) begins with the second letter of the alphabet, each verse in section three (verses 17-24) with the third letter, etc. This rigid pattern creates a sense of order and completeness and may have facilitated memorization.

Psalm 119

New English Translation

   1 How blessed are those whose actions are blameless, who obey the law of the LORD.
   2 How blessed are those who observe his rules, and seek him with all their heart,
   3 who, moreover, do no wrong, but follow in his footsteps.
   4 You demand that your precepts be carefully kept.
   5 If only I were predisposed to keep your statutes!
   6 Then I would not be ashamed, if I were focused on all your commands.
   7 I will give you sincere thanks, when I learn your just regulations.
   8 I will keep your statutes. Do not completely abandon me!

   9 How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions!
   10 With all my heart I seek you. Do not allow me to stray from your commands!
   11 In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.
   12 You deserve praise, O LORD! Teach me your statutes!
   13 With my lips I proclaim all the regulations you have revealed.
   14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules as if they were riches of all kinds.
   15 I will meditate on your precepts and focus on your behavior.
   16 I find delight in your statutes; I do not forget your instructions.

   17 Be kind to your servant! Then I will live and keep your instructions.
   18 Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!
   19 I am like a foreigner in this land. Do not hide your commands from me!
   20 I desperately long to know your regulations at all times.
   21 You reprimand arrogant people. Those who stray from your commands are doomed.
   22 Spare me shame and humiliation, for I observe your rules.
   23 Though rulers plot and slander me, your servant meditates on your statutes.
   24 Yes, I find delight in your rules; they give me guidance.

   25 I collapse in the dirt. Revive me with your word!
   26 I told you about my ways and you answered me. Teach me your statutes!
   27 Help me to understand what your precepts mean! Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.
   28 I collapse from grief. Sustain me by your word!
   29 Remove me from the path of deceit! Graciously give me your law!
   30 I choose the path of faithfulness; I am committed to your regulations.
   31 I hold fast to your rules. O LORD, do not let me be ashamed!
   32 I run along the path of your commands, for you enable me to do so.

   33 Teach me, O LORD, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes, so that I might observe it continually.
   34 Give me understanding so that I might observe your law, and keep it with all my heart.
   35 Guide me in the path of your commands, for I delight to walk in it.
   36 Give me a desire for your rules, rather than for wealth gained unjustly.
   37 Turn my eyes away from what is worthless! Revive me with your word!
   38 Confirm to your servant your promise, which you made to the one who honors you.
   39 Take away the insults that I dread! Indeed, your regulations are good.
   40 Look, I long for your precepts. Revive me with your deliverance!

   41 May I experience your loyal love, O LORD, and your deliverance, as you promised.
   42 Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me, for I trust in your word.
   43 Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony, for I await your justice.
   44 Then I will keep your law continually now and for all time.
   45 I will be secure, for I seek your precepts.
   46 I will speak about your regulations before kings and not be ashamed.
   47 I will find delight in your commands, which I love.
   48 I will lift my hands to your commands, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.

   49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.
   50 This is what comforts me in my trouble, for your promise revives me.
   51 Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me. Yet I do not turn aside from your law.
   52 I remember your ancient regulations, O LORD, and console myself.
   53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked, those who reject your law.
   54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I live.
   55 I remember your name during the night, O LORD, and I will keep your law.
   56 This has been my practice, for I observe your precepts.

   57 The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow your instructions.
   58 I seek your favor with all my heart. Have mercy on me as you promised!
   59 I consider my actions and follow your rules.
   60 I keep your commands eagerly and without delay.
   61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around me, but I do not forget your law.
   62 In the middle of the night I arise to thank you for your just regulations.
   63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers, and to those who keep your precepts.
   64 O LORD, your loyal love fills the earth. Teach me your statutes!

   65 You are good to your servant, O LORD, just as you promised.
   66 Teach me proper discernment and understanding! For I consider your commands to be reliable.
   67 Before I was afflicted I used to stray off, but now I keep your instructions.
   68 You are good and you do good. Teach me your statutes!
   69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies, but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
   70 Their hearts are calloused, but I find delight in your law.
   71 It was good for me to suffer, so that I might learn your statutes.
   72 The law you have revealed is more important to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

   73 Your hands made me and formed me. Give me understanding so that I might learn your commands.
   74 Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me, for I find hope in your word.
   75 I know, LORD, that your regulations are just. You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me.
   76 May your loyal love console me, as you promised your servant.
   77 May I experience your compassion, so I might live! For I find delight in your law.
   78 May the arrogant be humiliated, for they have slandered me! But I meditate on your precepts.
   79 May your loyal followers turn to me, those who know your rules.
   80 May I be fully committed to your statutes, so that I might not be ashamed.

   81 I desperately long for your deliverance. I find hope in your word.
   82 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled. I say, "When will you comfort me?"
   83 For I am like a wineskin dried up in smoke. I do not forget your statutes.
   84 How long must your servant endure this? When will you judge those who pursue me?
   85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me, which violates your law.
   86 All your commands are reliable. I am pursued without reason. Help me!
   87 They have almost destroyed me here on the earth, but I do not reject your precepts.
   88 Revive me with your loyal love, that I might keep the rules you have revealed.

   89 O LORD, your instructions endure; they stand secure in heaven.
   90 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations. You established the earth and it stood firm.
   91 Today they stand firm by your decrees, for all things are your servants.
   92 If I had not found encouragement in your law, I would have died in my sorrow.
   93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have revived me.
   94 I belong to you. Deliver me! For I seek your precepts.
   95 The wicked prepare to kill me, yet I concentrate on your rules.
   96 I realize that everything has its limits, but your commands are beyond full comprehension.

   97 O how I love your law! All day long I meditate on it.
   98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for I am always aware of them.
   99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your rules.
   100 I am more discerning than those older than I, for I observe your precepts.
   101 I stay away from the evil path, so that I might keep your instructions.
   102 I do not turn aside from your regulations, for you teach me.
   103 Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!
   104 Your precepts give me discernment. Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.

   105 Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.
   106 I have vowed and solemnly sworn to keep your just regulations.
   107 I am suffering terribly. O LORD, revive me with your word!
   108 O LORD, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise! Teach me your regulations!
   109 My life is in continual danger, but I do not forget your law.
   110 The wicked lay a trap for me, but I do not wander from your precepts.
   111 I claim your rules as my permanent possession, for they give me joy.
   112 I am determined to obey your statutes at all times, to the very end.

   113 I hate people with divided loyalties, but I love your law.
   114 You are my hiding place and my shield. I find hope in your word.
   115 Turn away from me, you evil men, so that I can observe the commands of my God.
   116 Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live. Do not disappoint me!
   117 Support me, so that I will be delivered. Then I will focus on your statutes continually.
   118 You despise all who stray from your statutes, for they are deceptive and unreliable.
   119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag. Therefore I love your rules.
   120 My body trembles because I fear you; I am afraid of your judgments.

   121 I do what is fair and right. Do not abandon me to my oppressors!
   122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant! Do not let the arrogant oppress me!
   123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance, for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.
   124 Show your servant your loyal love! Teach me your statutes!
   125 I am your servant. Give me insight, so that I can understand your rules.
   126 It is time for the LORD to act - they break your law!
   127 For this reason I love your commands more than gold, even purest gold.
   128 For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts. I hate all deceitful actions.

   129 Your rules are marvelous. Therefore I observe them.
   130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the untrained.
   131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commands.
   132 Turn toward me and extend mercy to me, as you typically do to your loyal followers.
   133 Direct my steps by your word! Do not let any sin dominate me!
   134 Deliver me from oppressive men, so that I can keep your precepts.
   135 Smile on your servant! Teach me your statutes!
   136 Tears stream down from my eyes, because people do not keep your law.

   137 You are just, O LORD, and your judgments are fair.
   138 The rules you impose are just, and absolutely reliable.
   139 My zeal consumes me, for my enemies forget your instructions.
   140 Your word is absolutely pure, and your servant loves it!
   141 I am insignificant and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.
   142 Your justice endures, and your law is reliable.
   143 Distress and hardship confront me, yet I find delight in your commands.
   144 Your rules remain just. Give me insight so that I can live.

   145 I cried out with all my heart, "Answer me, O LORD! I will observe your statutes."
   146 I cried out to you, "Deliver me, so that I can keep your rules."
   147 I am up before dawn crying for help. I find hope in your word.
   148 My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours, so that I can meditate on your word.
   149 Listen to me because of your loyal love! O LORD, revive me, as you typically do!
   150 Those who are eager to do wrong draw near; they are far from your law.
   151 You are near, O LORD, and all your commands are reliable.
   152 I learned long ago that you ordained your rules to last.

   153 See my pain and rescue me! For I do not forget your law.
   154 Fight for me and defend me! Revive me with your word!
   155 The wicked have no chance for deliverance, for they do not seek your statutes.
   156 Your compassion is great, O LORD. Revive me, as you typically do!
   157 The enemies who chase me are numerous. Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.
   158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them, because they do not keep your instructions.
   159 See how I love your precepts! O LORD, revive me with your loyal love!
   160 Your instructions are totally reliable; all your just regulations endure.

   161 Rulers pursue me for no reason, yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.
   162 I rejoice in your instructions, like one who finds much plunder.
   163 I hate and despise deceit; I love your law.
   164 Seven times a day I praise you because of your just regulations.
   165 Those who love your law are completely secure; nothing causes them to stumble.
   166 I hope for your deliverance, O LORD, and I obey your commands.
   167 I keep your rules; I love them greatly.
   168 I keep your precepts and rules, for you are aware of everything I do.

   169 Listen to my cry for help, O LORD! Give me insight by your word!
   170 Listen to my appeal for mercy! Deliver me, as you promised.
   171 May praise flow freely from my lips, for you teach me your statutes.
   172 May my tongue sing about your instructions, for all your commands are just.
   173 May your hand help me, for I choose to obey your precepts.
   174 I long for your deliverance, O LORD; I find delight in your law.
   175 May I live and praise you! May your regulations help me!
   176 I have wandered off like a lost sheep. Come looking for your servant, for I do not forget your commands.

King James Version

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.

   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.