Delight in God’s Word
א Aleph
1 How 119:1 The stanzas of this poem form an acrostic. happy are those whose way is blameless, 119:1 Ps 101:6; Pr 11:20
who walk according to the Lord’s instruction! 119:1 Ps 128:1; Mc 4:2
2 Happy are those who keep his decrees 119:2 Ps 25:10; 119:10,22,168
and seek him with all their heart. 119:2 Dt 4:29; 10:12; 11:13; 13:3; 30:2
3 They do nothing wrong; 119:3 1Jn 3:9; 5:18
they walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded that your precepts 119:4 Dt 4:13; Neh 9:13; Ps 19:8
be diligently kept.
5 If only my ways were committed
to keeping your statutes! 119:5 Dt 12:1; 2Ch 7:17; Pr 4:26
6 Then I would not be ashamed 119:6 Jb 22:26; Ps 119:80
when I think about all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart 119:7 Ps 119:62,106
when I learn your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes;
never abandon me. 119:8 Ps 38:21; 71:9,18
ב Beth
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping your 119:9 Or keeping it according to your word. 119:9 2Sm 22:31; Ps 12:6; 19:9–10; 119:140; Pr 20:11; 30:5; Php 4:8
10 I have sought you with all my heart; 119:10 Ps 119:2
don’t let me wander from your commands. 119:10 Ps 119:21,118
11 I have treasured your word in my heart 119:11 Ps 37:31; 40:8; Lk 2:19,51
so that I may not sin against you.
12 Lord, may you be blessed;
teach me your statutes. 119:12 Ps 119:26,64,108,124,135,171
13 With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments from your mouth. 119:13 Ps 40:9; 119:72
14 I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees 119:14 Ps 119:111,162; Pr 3:13–15; 8:10–11,18–19
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts 119:15 Ps 1:2; 119:23,48,78,97,148
and think about your ways. 119:15 Ps 25:4; 27:11; Is 58:2
16 I will delight in your statutes; 119:16 Ps 1:2; 119:24,47,70,77,92,143,174
I will not forget your word.
ג Gimel
17 Deal generously with your servant 119:17 Ps 13:6; 119:144
so that I might live;
then I will keep your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wondrous things from your instruction.
19 I am a resident alien on earth; 119:19 1Ch 29:15; Ps 39:12; 119:54; Heb 11:13
do not hide your commands from me.
20 I am continually overcome
with longing for your judgments. 119:20 Ps 42:1–2; 63:1; 84:2; 119:40,131
21 You rebuke the arrogant,
the ones under a curse, 119:21 Dt 27:26
who wander from your commands. 119:21 Ps 119:10,118
22 Take insult and contempt away from me, 119:22 Ps 39:8; 119:39
for I have kept your decrees.
23 Though princes sit together speaking against me, 119:23 Ps 119:161
your servant will think about your statutes; 119:23 Ps 119:15,27–28
24 your decrees are my delight
and my counselors. 119:24 Ps 119:16; Rm 7:22
ד Daleth
25 My life is down in the dust; 119:25 Ps 44:25
give me life 119:25 Ps 119:37,40,88,93,107,149,154,156,159 through your word.
26 I told you about my life,
and you answered me;
teach me your statutes. 119:26 Ps 25:4; 86:11; 119:12,26,64,68,124,135,171
27 Help me understand
the meaning of your precepts
so that I can meditate on your wonders. 119:27 Ps 105:2; 119:15,73,125; 145:5
28 I am weary 119:28 Or I weep from grief;
strengthen me through your word. 119:28 1Pt 5:10
29 Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set your ordinances before me. 119:30 Ps 16:8
31 I cling to your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame. 119:31 Ps 119:116
32 I pursue the way of your commands,
for you broaden my understanding. 119:32 Lit you enlarge my heart, 119:32 1Kg 4:29; 2Co 6:11,13
ה He
33 Teach me, Lord, the meaning 119:33 Lit way of your statutes,
and I will always keep them. 119:33 Or will keep it as my reward, 119:33 Ps 119:112; Mt 10:22; Heb 3:6; Rv 2:26
34 Help me understand your instruction, 119:34 Ps 119:125,144,169
and I will obey it
and follow it with all my heart. 119:34 1Ch 22:12; Ps 119:2,69
35 Help me stay on the path of your commands, 119:35 Ps 25:4; Is 40:14
for I take pleasure in it. 119:35 Ps 119:16
36 Turn my heart to your decrees 119:36 1Kg 8:58
and not to dishonest profit. 119:36 Ezk 33:31; Mk 7:21,22; Lk 12:15; Heb 13:5
37 Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless; 119:37 Is 33:15
give me life in your ways. 119:37 Some Hb mss, Tg read word, 119:37 Ps 119:25
38 Confirm what you said to your servant, 119:38 2Sm 7:25
for it produces reverence for you.
39 Turn away the disgrace I dread; 119:39 Ps 119:22
indeed, your judgments are good.
40 How I long for your precepts! 119:40 Ps 119:20
Give me life through your righteousness.
ו Waw
41 Let your faithful love come to me, Lord, 119:41 Ps 119:77
your salvation, as you promised. 119:41 Ps 119:58,76,116,170
42 Then I can answer the one who taunts me, 119:42 Ps 102:8; Pr 27:11
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take the word of truth from my mouth,
for I hope in your judgments. 119:43 Ps 119:49,74,81,114,147
44 I will always obey your instruction,
forever and ever. 119:44 Ps 119:33
45 I will walk freely in an open place 119:45 Pr 4:12
because I study your precepts. 119:45 Ps 119:94,155
46 I will speak of your decrees before kings
and not be ashamed. 119:46 Mt 10:18; Ac 26:1,2
47 I delight in your commands,
which I love. 119:47 Ps 119:16,97,127,159
48 I will lift up my hands 119:48 Ps 63:4 to your commands,
which I love,
and will meditate on your statutes. 119:48 Ps 119:15
ז Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant;
you have given me hope through it.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: 119:50 Rm 15:4
Your promise has given me life.
51 The arrogant constantly ridicule me,
but I do not turn away from your instruction. 119:51 Jb 23:11; Ps 44:18
52 Lord, I remember your judgments from long ago
and find comfort.
53 Fury seizes me 119:53 Ezr 9:3; Neh 13:25; Ps 119:158 because of the wicked
who reject your instruction. 119:53 Ps 89:30
54 Your statutes are the theme of my song
during my earthly life. 119:54 Lit song in the house of my sojourning
55 Lord, I remember your name 119:55 Ps 63:6 in the night, 119:55 Ps 42:8; 92:2; Is 26:9; Ac 16:25
and I obey your instruction.
56 This is my practice:
I obey your precepts. 119:56 Ps 119:22,69,100
ח Cheth
57 The Lord is my portion; 119:57 Lit You are my portion, Lord, 119:57 Ps 16:5; Lm 3:24
I have promised to keep your words.
58 I have sought your favor 119:58 1Kg 13:6 with all my heart;
be gracious to me 119:58 Ps 41:4; 56:1; 57:1 according to your promise.
59 I thought about my ways 119:59 Lk 15:17
and turned my steps back to your decrees.
60 I hurried, not hesitating
to keep your commands.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked 119:61 Jb 36:8; Ps 140:5
were wrapped around me,
I did not forget your instruction. 119:61 Ps 119:83,141,153,176
62 I rise at midnight to thank you 119:62 Ps 119:55
for your righteous judgments. 119:62 Ps 119:7
63 I am a friend to all who fear you, 119:63 Ps 101:6
to those who keep your precepts.
64 Lord, the earth is filled with your faithful love; 119:64 Ps 33:5
teach me your statutes. 119:64 Ps 119:12
ט Teth
65 Lord, you have treated your servant well,
just as you promised.
66 Teach me good judgment and discernment, 119:66 Php 1:9–10
for I rely on your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, 119:67 Ps 119:71,75; Jr 31:18–19; Heb 12:5–11
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good, 119:68 Ps 100:5; 106:1; 107:1 and you do what is good; 119:68 Ps 125:4
teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant have smeared me with lies, 119:69 Jb 13:4; Ps 109:2
but I obey your precepts with all my heart. 119:69 Ps 119:56
70 Their hearts are hard and insensitive, 119:70 Ps 17:10
but I delight in your instruction. 119:70 Ps 119:16
71 It was good for me to be afflicted 119:71 Ps 119:67,75
so that I could learn your statutes.
72 Instruction from your lips 119:72 Ps 19:10; 119:127; Pr 8:10,11,19 is better for me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
י Yod
73 Your hands made me and formed me; 119:73 Jb 10:8; 31:15; Ps 100:3; 139:15–16
give me understanding
so that I can learn your commands. 119:73 Ps 119:34
74 Those who fear you will see me and rejoice, 119:74 Ps 34:2; 107:42
for I put my hope in your word. 119:74 Ps 119:43
75 I know, Lord, that your judgments are just
and that you have afflicted me fairly. 119:75 Ps 119:138; Heb 12:10
76 May your faithful love comfort me
as you promised your servant.
77 May your compassion come to me 119:77 Ps 119:41
so that I may live,
for your instruction is my delight. 119:77 Ps 119:16
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame 119:78 Jr 50:32
for slandering me with lies;
I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you,
those who know your decrees, turn to me.
80 May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes 119:80 Ps 119:1
so that I will not be put to shame.
כ Kaph
81 I long for your salvation; 119:81 Ps 84:2
I put my hope in your word. 119:81 Ps 119:43
82 My eyes grow weary
looking for what you have promised; 119:82 Ps 69:3; 119:123; Is 38:14
I ask, "When will you comfort me? "
83 Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke,
I do not forget your statutes.
84 How many days must your servant wait?
When will you execute judgment on my persecutors? 119:84 Rv 6:10
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me; 119:85 Ps 35:7; 57:6; Jr 18:22
they violate your instruction.
86 All your commands are true;
people persecute me with lies — help me! 119:86 Ps 35:19; 109:26; 119:78
87 They almost ended my life on earth,
but I did not abandon your precepts.
88 Give me life in accordance with your faithful love,
and I will obey the decree you have spoken.
ל Lamed
89 Lord, your word is forever; 119:89 Ps 89:2; 119:160; Is 40:8; Mt 24:35; 1Pt 1:25
it is firmly fixed in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness is for all generations; 119:90 Ps 89:1–2
you established the earth, and it stands firm. 119:90 Ps 148:6; Ec 1:4
91 Your judgments stand firm today, 119:91 Jr 31:35
for all things are your servants. 119:91 Ps 104:2–4
92 If your instruction had not been my delight,
I would have died in my affliction. 119:92 Ps 119:16,50
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for you have given me life through them. 119:93 Ps 119:16,25
94 I am yours; save me, 119:94 Ps 119:146
for I have studied your precepts. 119:94 Ps 119:45
95 The wicked hope to destroy me, 119:95 Ps 40:14
but I contemplate your decrees.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your command is without limit.
מ Mem
97 How I love your instruction! 119:97 Ps 119:47,127,163,165
It is my meditation all day long. 119:97 Ps 1:2; 119:15
98 Your command makes me wiser than my enemies, 119:98 Dt 4:6; Ps 119:130
for it is always with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers
because your decrees are my meditation. 119:99 Ps 119:15
100 I understand more than the elders 119:100 Jb 32:7–9
because I obey your precepts. 119:100 Ps 119:56
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path 119:101 Pr 1:15
to follow your word.
102 I have not turned from your judgments, 119:102 Dt 17:20; Jos 23:6; 1Kg 15:5
for you yourself have instructed me.
103 How sweet your word is 119:103 Ps 19:10; Pr 8:11; 24:13–14 to my taste —
sweeter than honey in my mouth.
104 I gain understanding from your precepts; 119:104 Ps 119:130
therefore I hate every false way. 119:104 Ps 119:128
נ Nun
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet 119:105 Pr 6:23
and a light on my path.
106 I have solemnly sworn 119:106 Neh 10:29
to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am severely afflicted;
Lord, give me life according to your word. 119:107 Ps 119:25,50
108 Lord, please accept my freewill offerings of praise, 119:108 Hs 14:2; Heb 13:15
and teach me your judgments. 119:108 Ps 119:12
109 My life is constantly in danger, 119:109 Lit in my hand
yet I do not forget your instruction. 119:109 Ps 119:16
110 The wicked have set a trap for me, 119:110 Ps 140:5; 141:9
but I have not wandered from your precepts. 119:110 Ps 119:10
111 I have your decrees as a heritage forever;
indeed, they are the joy of my heart. 119:111 Ps 119:14,162
112 I am resolved to obey your statutes
to the very end. 119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal, 119:112 Ps 119:33,36
ס Samek
113 I hate those who are double-minded, 119:113 1Kg 18:21; Jms 1:8; 4:8
but I love your instruction. 119:113 Ps 119:47
114 You are my shelter and my shield; 119:114 Gn 15:1; Dt 33:29; Ps 3:3; 28:7; 115:9–11; 144:2; Pr 2:7
I put my hope in your word. 119:114 Ps 119:74
115 Depart from me, 119:115 Ps 6:8; 139:19; Mt 4:10 you evil ones,
so that I may obey my God’s commands. 119:115 Ps 119:22
116 Sustain me as you promised, 119:116 Ps 54:4 and I will live;
do not let me be ashamed of my hope. 119:116 Ps 25:20; 31:1; Rm 9:33; Php 1:20
117 Sustain me so that I can be safe 119:117 Pr 29:25
and always be concerned about your statutes. 119:117 Ps 119:15
118 You reject all who stray from your statutes, 119:118 Ps 119:10,21
for their deceit is a lie.
119 You remove all the wicked on earth
as if they were 119:119 Some Hb mss, DSS, LXX, Aq, Sym, Jer read All the wicked of the earth you count as dross from metal; 119:119 Is 1:25; Ezk 22:18–19
therefore, I love your decrees. 119:119 Ps 119:47
120 I tremble 119:120 Lit My flesh shudders in awe of you; 119:120 Jb 4:14; Hab 3:16
I fear your judgments.
ע Ayin
121 I have done what is just and right; 119:121 Jb 29:14
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being; 119:122 Ps 119:134
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes grow weary 119:123 Ps 119:82 looking for your salvation
and for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant based on your faithful love; 119:124 Ps 51:1; 109:26; 119:88,149,159
teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; 119:125 Ps 116:16 give me understanding 119:125 Ps 119:27
so that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act, 119:126 Jr 18:23
for they have violated your instruction.
127 Since I love your commands 119:127 Ps 19:10; 119:47
more than gold, even the purest gold,
128 I carefully follow all your precepts 119:128 Ps 19:8
and hate every false way. 119:128 Ps 119:104
פ Pe
129 Your decrees are wondrous; 119:129 Ps 119:18
therefore I obey them. 119:129 Ps 119:22
130 The revelation of your words 119:130 Pr 6:23 brings light
and gives understanding to the inexperienced. 119:130 Ps 19:7; 116:6; Pr 1:4; 9:4–6
131 I open my mouth and pant 119:131 Ps 42:1
because I long for your commands.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, 119:132 Ps 25:16
as is your practice toward those who love your name.
133 Make my steps steady through your promise; 119:133 Ps 17:5
don’t let any sin dominate me. 119:133 Ps 19:13; Rm 6:12
134 Redeem me from human oppression, 119:134 Ps 142:6; Lk 1:74
and I will keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant, 119:135 Nm 6:25; Ps 31:16; 80:3,7,19
and teach me your statutes. 119:135 Ps 119:12
136 My eyes pour out streams of tears 119:136 Jr 9:1; 14:17; Lm 3:48
because people do not follow your instruction.
צ Tsade
137 You are righteous, Lord, 119:137 Neh 9:33; Ps 129:4; 145:17; Lm 1:18
and your judgments are just.
138 The decrees you issue are righteous
and altogether trustworthy. 119:138 Ps 19:7–9; 119:86,90,144,172
139 My anger overwhelms me
because my foes forget your words. 119:139 Ps 69:9; Jn 2:17
140 Your word is completely pure, 119:140 Ps 12:6; 19:9
and your servant loves it. 119:140 Ps 119:47
141 I am insignificant and despised, 119:141 Ps 22:6
but I do not forget your precepts. 119:141 Ps 119:61
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your instruction is true. 119:142 Ps 119:151,160
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your commands are my delight. 119:143 Ps 119:24
144 Your decrees are righteous forever. 119:144 Ps 19:9
Give me understanding, and I will live.
ק Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord.
I will obey your statutes. 119:145 Ps 119:10,55
146 I call to you; save me,
and I will keep your decrees. 119:146 Ps 3:7
147 I rise before dawn and cry out for help; 119:147 Ps 5:3
I put my hope in your word.
148 I am awake through each watch of the night
to meditate on your promise. 119:148 Ps 119:15
149 In keeping with your faithful love, hear my voice.
Lord, give me life in keeping with your justice. 119:149 Ps 119:25,124
150 Those who pursue evil plans 119:150 Some Hb mss, LXX, Sym, Jer read who maliciously persecute me, 119:150 Pr 6:17,18; 12:20; 14:22; 24:8 come near;
they are far from your instruction.
151 You are near, Lord, 119:151 Ps 34:18; 145:18; Is 50:8
and all your commands are true. 119:151 Ps 119:142
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them forever. 119:152 Ps 119:89; Lk 21:33
ר Resh
153 Consider my affliction and rescue me, 119:153 Ps 119:50; Lm 5:1
for I have not forgotten your instruction. 119:153 Ps 119:16; Hs 4:6
154 Champion my cause and redeem me; 119:154 1Sm 24:15; Ps 35:1; Mc 7:9
give me life as you promised.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not study your statutes. 119:155 Ps 119:45,94
156 Your compassions are many, Lord; 119:156 2Sm 24:14
give me life according to your judgments.
157 My persecutors and foes are many. 119:157 Ps 7:1
I have not turned from your decrees. 119:157 Ps 119:51
158 I have seen the disloyal 119:158 Pr 14:14 and feel disgust 119:158 Ps 139:21
because they do not keep your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts;
Lord, give me life according to your faithful love. 119:159 Ps 119:25,47
160 The entirety of your word is truth,
each of your righteous judgments endures forever. 119:160 Ps 119:89,142,152
שׂ Sin / שׁ Shin
161 Princes have persecuted me without cause,
but my heart fears only your word. 119:161 Ps 119:23,120
162 I rejoice over your promise 119:162 Ps 119:14,111
like one who finds vast treasure.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood, 119:163 Ps 119:104,128; Pr 13:5
but I love your instruction. 119:163 Ps 119:47
164 I praise you seven times a day
for your righteous judgments. 119:164 Ps 119:7,160
165 Abundant peace belongs to those 119:165 Pr 3:1–2; Is 26:3; 32:17
who love your instruction;
nothing makes them stumble. 119:165 Pr 3:23; Is 63:13
166 Lord, I hope for your salvation 119:166 Gn 49:18; Ps 119:81,174
and carry out your commands.
167 I obey your decrees
and love them greatly. 119:167 Ps 119:47,129
168 I obey your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before you. 119:168 Ps 139:3; Pr 5:21
ת Taw
169 Let my cry reach you, Lord; 119:169 Ps 18:6; 102:1; 140:6
give me understanding according to your word. 119:169 Ps 119:144
170 Let my plea reach you; 119:170 Ps 28:2; 130:2; 143:1
rescue me according to your promise. 119:170 Ps 22:20; 59:1
171 My lips pour out praise, 119:171 Ps 51:15; 63:3
for you teach me your statutes. 119:171 Ps 119:12
172 My tongue sings about your promise, 119:172 Ps 51:14
for all your commands are righteous. 119:172 Ps 119:138
173 May your hand be ready to help me, 119:173 Ps 37:24; 73:23
for I have chosen your precepts. 119:173 Jos 24:22
174 I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your instruction is my delight. 119:174 Ps 119:16,24,166
175 Let me live, and I will praise you; 119:175 Ps 119:25
may your judgments help me.
176 I wander like a lost sheep; 119:176 Is 53:6; Jr 50:6
seek your servant, 119:176 Mt 18:12; Lk 15:4
for I do not forget your commands. 119:176 Ps 119:16