Aleph

1 * 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem of twenty-two stanzas, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet; within a stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter Blessed are those whose *Prov. 11:20;13:6;[Ps. 101:2,6] way is blameless,

who *Ps. 128:1;[Gen. 17:1]walk in the law of the Lord!

2 Blessed are those who *[ver. 22] keep his *[Ps. 78:5] testimonies,

who *[ver. 10; 2 Chr. 15:2]seek him with their whole heart,

3 who also *1 John 3:9;5:18do no wrong,

but walk in his ways!

4 You have commanded your *Ps. 19:8precepts

to be kept diligently.

5 Oh that my ways may *Ps. 37:23;[Prov. 16:9;Jer. 10:23]be steadfast

in keeping your statutes!

6 *ver. 80;[1 John 2:28]Then I shall not be put to shame,

having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart,

when I learn *ver. 62, 106;Ex. 24:3your righteous rules.*119:7 Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164

8 I will keep your statutes;

*Ps. 38:21;71:9,18do not utterly forsake me!

Beth

9 How can *[Ps. 25:7]a young man keep his way pure?

By guarding it according to your word.

10 *[2 Chr. 15:2] With my whole heart I seek you;

let me not *[ver. 21, 118]wander from your commandments!

11 I have *Luke 2:19,51;See Ps. 37:31stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

12 Blessed are you, O Lord;

*ver. 26, 64, 68, 108, 124, 135, 171;See Ps. 25:4teach me your statutes!

13 With my lips I *Ps. 40:9;[Deut. 6:7]declare

all the rules*119:13 Or all the just decrees of your mouth.

14 In the way of your testimonies I *ver. 111, 162delight

as much as in all *See Prov. 3:13-15;8:10,11,18,19riches.

15 I will *ver. 23, 78, 97meditate on your precepts

and fix my eyes on your *Ps. 25:4ways.

16 I will *ver. 24, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, 174delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

Gimel

17 *See Ps. 13:6Deal bountifully with your servant,

*ver. 144that I may live and keep your word.

18 Open my eyes, that I may behold

wondrous things out of your law.

19 I am *See Ps. 39:12a sojourner on the earth;

*[Isa. 6:9,10]hide not your commandments from me!

20 My soul is consumed with *ver. 40, 131, 174;[Ps. 42:1,2]longing

for your rules*119:20 Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175 at all times.

21 You rebuke *See ver. 51the insolent, *Deut. 27:26accursed ones,

who *[ver. 10]wander from your commandments.

22 Take away from me *See Ps. 44:13scorn and contempt,

*[ver. 2]for I have kept your testimonies.

23 Even though *ver. 161;[Dan. 6:4] princes sit plotting against me,

your servant will *ver. 15, 27, 28meditate on your statutes.

24 Your testimonies are my *[Rom. 7:22]; See ver. 16delight;

they are my *[ver. 104]counselors.

Daleth

25 *Ps. 44:25My soul clings to the dust;

*ver. 37, 40, 88, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159;See Ps. 71:20give me life *ver. 65according to your word!

26 When *[Ps. 37:5] I told of my ways, you answered me;

*ver. 12teach me your statutes!

27 *ver. 18, 34, 73, 125, 144, 169;[Job 32:8] Make me understand the way of your precepts,

and I will *ver. 15, 23, 78meditate on your wondrous works.

28 *See Ps. 22:14My soul melts away for sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word!

29 Put false ways far from me

and graciously *[ver. 27]teach me your law!

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

I *[Ps. 16:8]set your rules before me.

31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;

*ver. 116let me not be put to shame!

32 I will run in the way of your commandments

when you *1 Kgs. 4:29;Isa. 60:5;2 Cor. 6:11,13enlarge my heart!*119:32 Or for you set my heart free

He

33 *ver. 12, 26Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;

and I will keep it *ver. 112;[Matt. 10:22;Heb. 3:6;Rev. 2:26]to the end.*119:33 Or keep it as my reward

34 *ver. 27;Prov. 2:6;James 1:5Give me understanding, that I may keep your law

and observe it with my whole heart.

35 *See Ps. 25:4,5Lead me in the path of your commandments,

for I *ver. 16;See Ps. 1:2delight in it.

36 *ver. 112;1 Kgs. 8:58;[Ps. 141:4] Incline my heart to your testimonies,

and not to *[Luke 12:15;1 Tim. 6:10;Heb. 13:5]selfish gain!

37 *[Prov. 23:5;Isa. 33:15] Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;

and *ver. 25give me life in your ways.

38 *2 Sam. 7:25Confirm to your servant your promise,

*[Ps. 25:10;112:1;128:1;130:4]that you may be feared.

39 Turn away the *ver. 22reproach that I dread,

for your rules are good.

40 Behold, I *ver. 20long for your precepts;

*[ver. 149, 156]in your righteousness give me life!

Waw

41 Let your *ver. 77;[Ps. 106:4] steadfast love come to me, O Lord,

your salvation *ver. 58, 65, 76, 116, 170according to your promise;

42 then *Prov. 27:11shall I have an answer for him *[See ver. 39above]who taunts me,

for I trust in your word.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,

for my *ver. 49, 74, 81, 114, 147;[Ps. 31:24]hope is in your rules.

44 I will keep your law continually,

forever and ever,

45 and I shall walk *Prov. 4:12in a wide place,

for I have *ver. 94, 155sought your precepts.

46 I will also speak of your testimonies *[Matt. 10:18;Acts 26:1,2]before kings

and shall not be put to shame,

47 for I *ver. 16find my delight in your commandments,

which I love.

48 I will *See Ps. 28:2lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,

and I will *ver. 13meditate on your statutes.

Zayin

49 Remember *ver. 41, 42, 43your word to your servant,

in which you have made me *ver. 43hope.

50 This is *[Rom. 15:4] my comfort in my affliction,

that your promise *ver. 25;See Ps. 71:20gives me life.

51 *ver. 69, 78, 85, 122;Jer. 20:7;[Ps. 42:3;123:4] The insolent utterly deride me,

but I do not *ver. 157;Ps. 44:18;Job 23:11turn away from your law.

52 When I think of your rules from of old,

I take comfort, O Lord.

53 *[Neh. 13:25]Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,

who forsake your law.

54 Your statutes have been my songs

in the house of my *See Ps. 39:12sojourning.

55 I *See Ps. 42:8remember your name in the night, O Lord,

and keep your law.

56 This blessing has fallen to me,

that *ver. 22, 69, 100I have kept your precepts.

Heth

57 *See Ps. 16:5The Lord is my portion;

I promise to keep your words.

58 I *Ps. 45:12entreat your favor with all my heart;

be gracious to me *ver. 41according to your promise.

59 When I *[Luke 15:17]think on my ways,

I turn my feet to your testimonies;

60 I hasten and do not delay

to keep your commandments.

61 Though *ver. 110the cords of the wicked ensnare me,

I do not *ver. 83forget your law.

62 At *[Acts 16:25] midnight I rise to praise you,

because of your *ver. 7righteous rules.

63 *[Ps. 101:6]I am a companion of all who fear you,

of those who keep your precepts.

64 *Ps. 33:5The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;

*ver. 12teach me your statutes!

Teth

65 You have dealt well with your servant,

O Lord, *[ver. 41]according to your word.

66 Teach me *Phil. 1:9;[James 1:5]good judgment and knowledge,

for I believe in your commandments.

67 *ver. 71, 75;Jer. 31:18,19;See Heb. 12:5-11Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I keep your word.

68 *Ps. 106:1You are good and do good;

*ver. 12teach me your statutes.

69 *ver. 51The insolent *Job 13:4;[Ps. 109:2] smear me with lies,

but with my whole heart I *ver. 56keep your precepts;

70 their heart is unfeeling *Isa. 6:10;See Ps. 17:10like fat,

but I *ver. 16delight in your law.

71 It is *[ver. 67]good for me that I was afflicted,

that I might learn your statutes.

72 *ver. 127;Ps. 19:10;Prov. 8:10The law of your mouth is better to me

than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh

73 *Job 10:8;See Ps. 95:6;Job 31:15Your hands have made and fashioned me;

*ver. 27give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

74 Those who fear you shall see me and *Ps. 34:2;35:27;107:42rejoice,

because I have *ver. 43;Ps. 130:5hoped in your word.

75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are *ver. 138righteous,

and that in *Ps. 33:4;See ver. 67faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76 Let your steadfast love comfort me

according to your promise to your servant.

77 Let your *ver. 41mercy come to me, that I may live;

for your law is my *ver. 24, 47, 174delight.

78 Let *See ver. 51the insolent be put to *Ps. 25:3shame,

because they have *ver. 86wronged me with falsehood;

as for me, I will *ver. 15, 23meditate on your precepts.

79 Let those who fear you *[Jer. 15:19]turn to me,

that they may know your testimonies.

80 May my heart be *ver. 1blameless in your statutes,

*ver. 6that I may not be put to shame!

Kaph

81 My soul *See Ps. 84:2longs for your salvation;

I *ver. 74, 114hope in your word.

82 My *See Ps. 69:3eyes long for your promise;

I ask, *[Ps. 101:2]"When will you comfort me?"

83 For I have *[Job 30:30] become like a *[Matt. 9:17;Mark 2:22]wineskin in the smoke,

yet I have not forgotten your statutes.

84 *[Ps. 39:4] How long must your servant endure?*119:84 Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?

*Rev. 6:10;[Zech. 1:12]When will you judge those who persecute me?

85 *ver. 51The insolent have *See Ps. 7:15dug pitfalls for me;

they do not live according to your law.

86 All your commandments are *ver. 138sure;

they persecute me *ver. 78;Ps. 35:19with falsehood; *Ps. 109:26help me!

87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,

but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88 In your steadfast love *ver. 25;See Ps. 71:20give me life,

that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Lamedh

89 Forever, O Lord, your *ver. 152;[Matt. 24:35;1 Pet. 1:25]; [Jer. 31:35-37]word

is firmly fixed in the heavens.

90 Your *See Ps. 36:5faithfulness endures to all generations;

you have *[Ps. 148:6] established the earth, and it *Eccles. 1:4stands fast.

91 By your *Jer. 33:25appointment they stand this day,

for all things are your servants.

92 If your law had not been my *ver. 77delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your precepts,

for by them you have *ver. 25;See Ps. 71:20given me life.

94 I am yours; save me,

*ver. 45for I have sought your precepts.

95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,

but I consider your testimonies.

96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,

but your commandment is exceedingly *[Ps. 18:19]broad.

Mem

97 Oh how *ver. 113, 163, 165;[Ps. 1:2] I love your law!

It is my *ver. 15meditation all the day.

98 Your commandment makes me *[Deut. 4:6]wiser than my enemies,

for it is ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,

for *[2 Tim. 3:15]your testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than *See Job 32:7-9the aged,*119:100 Or the elders

for I *ver. 56, 69keep your precepts.

101 I *Prov. 1:15hold back my feet from every evil way,

in order to keep your word.

102 I do not turn aside from your rules,

for you have taught me.

103 How *Ps. 19:10sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through your precepts I get understanding;

therefore *ver. 128I hate every false way.

Nun

105 *Prov. 6:23Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path.

106 I have *Neh. 10:29sworn an oath and confirmed it,

to keep your *ver. 7righteous rules.

107 I am severely *[ver. 25, 50] afflicted;

*ver. 88;See Ps. 71:20give me life, O Lord, according to your word!

108 Accept *[Hos. 14:2] my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,

and *ver. 12teach me your rules.

109 I hold my life *See Judg. 12:3in my hand continually,

but I do not *ver. 83forget your law.

110 The wicked have laid *See Ps. 91:3a snare for me,

but *ver. 10I do not stray from your precepts.

111 Your testimonies are *Deut. 33:4my heritage forever,

for they are *ver. 14, 162the joy of my heart.

112 I *ver. 36incline my heart to perform your statutes

forever, *See ver. 33to the end.*119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal

Samekh

113 I hate *[1 Kgs. 18:21;James 1:8;4:8] the double-minded,

but I love *ver. 97your law.

114 You are my *See Ps. 32:7hiding place and my *See Ps. 3:3shield;

I *ver. 74hope in your word.

115 *See Ps. 6:8Depart from me, you evildoers,

that I may *[ver. 22]keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me *ver. 41according to your promise, that I may live,

and let me not be *ver. 31;See Ps. 25:2put to shame in my *Ps. 146:5hope!

117 *[Ps. 20:2]Hold me up, that I may be safe

and have regard for your statutes continually!

118 You *Lam. 1:15spurn all who *ver. 10, 21, 110go astray from your statutes,

for their cunning is in vain.

119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like *Isa. 1:25;[Ezek. 22:18;Mal. 3:2,3] dross,

therefore *ver. 97I love your testimonies.

120 My flesh *[Job 4:14;Hab. 3:16]trembles for fear of you,

and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin

121 I have done what is just and right;

do not leave me to my oppressors.

122 Give your servant *See Job 17:3a pledge of good;

let not *ver. 51the insolent oppress me.

123 My *ver. 82eyes long for your salvation

and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.

124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,

and *ver. 12teach me your statutes.

125 I am your *See Ps. 116:16servant; *ver. 27give me understanding,

that I may know your testimonies!

126 It is time for the Lord to act,

for your law has been broken.

127 Therefore I *ver. 72;Ps. 19:10love your commandments

above gold, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;

I hate every *ver. 104false way.

Pe

129 Your testimonies are *ver. 18, 27wonderful;

therefore my soul *ver. 22keeps them.

130 The unfolding of your words gives light;

it imparts *See Ps. 19:7understanding to the simple.

131 I *Ps. 81:10;Job 29:23open my mouth and *Ps. 42:1pant,

because I *ver. 20long for your commandments.

132 *See Ps. 25:16Turn to me and be gracious to me,

as is your way with those who love your name.

133 *[Ps. 17:5] Keep steady my steps according to your promise,

and let no iniquity *Ps. 19:13get dominion over me.

134 *[Luke 1:74]Redeem me from man’s oppression,

that I may keep your precepts.

135 *See Ps. 4:6Make your face shine upon your servant,

and *ver. 12teach me your statutes.

136 My eyes *Jer. 9:1,18;14:17;Lam. 3:48;[Ezek. 9:4;Phil. 3:18] shed streams of tears,

because people *ver. 158do not keep your law.

Tsadhe

137 *See Ps. 116:5Righteous are you, O Lord,

and right are your rules.

138 You have appointed your testimonies in *ver. 75, 172;See Ps. 19:7-9righteousness

and in all *ver. 86faithfulness.

139 My *See Ps. 69:9zeal consumes me,

because my foes forget your words.

140 Your promise is well *See Ps. 12:6tried,

and your servant *ver. 97loves it.

141 I am small and despised,

yet I do not *ver. 83forget your precepts.

142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,

and your law is *ver. 151, 160;John 17:17;[Ps. 19:9]true.

143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,

but your commandments are my *ver. 24delight.

144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;

*ver. 27give me understanding that I may *ver. 17live.

Qoph

145 With my *ver. 2, 10whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!

I will *ver. 22, 33keep your statutes.

146 I call to you; save me,

that I may observe your testimonies.

147 I rise before *See Ps. 5:3dawn and cry for help;

I *ver. 74hope in your words.

148 My eyes are awake before *See Ps. 42:8the watches of the night,

that I may meditate on your promise.

149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;

O Lord, *ver. 156;[ver. 40] according to your justice *ver. 25;See Ps. 71:20give me life.

150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;

they are far from your law.

151 But *See Ps. 145:18you are near, O Lord,

and all your commandments are *See ver. 142true.

152 Long have I known from your testimonies

that you have *ver. 89, 160;[Matt. 5:18]founded them forever.

Resh

153 Look on my *Job 36:15affliction and deliver me,

for *ver. 83I do not forget your law.

154 *Ps. 35:1Plead my cause and redeem me;

*ver. 25give me life according to your promise!

155 *Job 5:4Salvation is far from the wicked,

*[ver. 150]for they do not seek your statutes.

156 *2 Sam. 24:14Great is your mercy, O Lord;

*[See ver. 154above]give me life according to your rules.

157 *Ps. 3:1,2Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,

but I do not *See ver. 51swerve from your testimonies.

158 I look at *[Jer. 3:20] the faithless with *Ps. 139:21;[ver. 136]disgust,

because they do not keep your commands.

159 Consider how I *ver. 97love your precepts!

*[See ver. 154above]Give me life, O Lord, according to your steadfast love.

160 *Ps. 139:17The sum of your word is *[ver. 142, 172] truth,

and every one of your *ver. 7righteous rules endures forever.

Sin and Shin

161 *ver. 23;[1 Sam. 24:11;26:18] Princes persecute me *See Ps. 69:4without cause,

but my heart *[Ps. 2:11]stands in awe of your words.

162 I *[See ver. 161above] rejoice at your word

like one who *1 Sam. 30:16;Isa. 9:3;[Matt. 13:44]finds great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor falsehood,

but I love *ver. 97your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise you

for your *[See ver. 160above]righteous rules.

165 Great *Ps. 37:11,37;[Prov. 3:2] peace have those who love your law;

*Prov. 3:23;1 John 2:10;[Matt. 13:41]nothing can make them stumble.

166 I *ver. 174;Gen. 49:18hope for your salvation, O Lord,

and I do your commandments.

167 My soul keeps your testimonies;

I *[See ver. 163above]love them exceedingly.

168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,

*Ps. 139:3;Prov. 5:21for all my ways are before you.

Taw

169 Let my *[ver. 145] cry come before you, O Lord;

*See ver. 34give me understanding *ver. 65according to your word!

170 Let my plea come before you;

*ver. 41deliver me according to your word.

171 My lips will *Ps. 145:7pour forth praise,

for you *ver. 12teach me your statutes.

172 My tongue will sing of your word,

for *[ver. 160]all your commandments are right.

173 Let your hand be ready to help me,

for I have *Josh. 24:22;[Prov. 1:29]chosen your precepts.

174 I *ver. 20long for your salvation, O Lord,

and your law is my *ver. 24delight.

175 Let my soul live and praise you,

and let your rules help me.

176 I have *Isa. 53:6;1 Pet. 2:25;[Matt. 18:12;Luke 15:4] gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,

for I do not *ver. 83forget your commandments.