Aa
Psalm 119
Delight in God’s Word
א Aleph
1How119:1 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
2Happy are those who keep his decrees119:2 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
3They do nothing wrong;119:3 1Jn 3:9; 5:18
they walk in his ways.
4You have commanded that your precepts119:4 Dt 4:13; Neh 9:13; Ps 19:8
be diligently kept.
5If only my ways were committed
to keeping your statutes!119:5 Dt 12:1; 2Ch 7:17; Pr 4:26
6Then I would not be ashamed119:6 Jb 22:26; Ps 119:80
when I think about all your commands.
7I will praise you with an upright heart119:7 Ps 119:62,106
when I learn your righteous judgments.
8I will keep your statutes;
never abandon me.119:8 Ps 38:21; 71:9,18
ב Beth
9How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping your119:9 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
10I 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
11I have treasured your word in my heart119:11 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
13With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments from your mouth.119:13 Ps 40:9; 119:72
14I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees119:14 Ps 119:111,162; Pr 3:13–15; 8:10–11,18–19
as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate on your precepts119:15 Ps 1:2; 119:23,48,78,97,148
and think about your ways.119:15 Ps 25:4; 27:11; Is 58:2
16I 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
17Deal generously with your servant119:17 Ps 13:6; 119:144
so that I might live;
then I will keep your word.
18Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wondrous things from your instruction.
19I 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.
20I am continually overcome
with longing for your judgments.119:20 Ps 42:1–2; 63:1; 84:2; 119:40,131
21You rebuke the arrogant,
the ones under a curse,119:21 Dt 27:26
who wander from your commands.119:21 Ps 119:10,118
22Take insult and contempt away from me,119:22 Ps 39:8; 119:39
for I have kept your decrees.
23Though 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
24your decrees are my delight
and my counselors.119:24 Ps 119:16; Rm 7:22
ד Daleth
25My life is down in the dust;119:25 Ps 44:25
give me life119:25 Ps 119:37,40,88,93,107,149,154,156,159 through your word.
26I 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
27Help 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
28I am weary119:28 Or I weep from grief;
strengthen me through your word.119:28 1Pt 5:10
29Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me your instruction.
30I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set your ordinances before me.119:30 Ps 16:8
31I cling to your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.119:31 Ps 119:116
32I pursue the way of your commands,
for you broaden my understanding.119:32 Lit you enlarge my heart119:32 1Kg 4:29; 2Co 6:11,13
ה He
33Teach me, Lord, the meaning119:33 Lit way of your statutes,
and I will always keep them.119:33 Or will keep it as my reward119:33 Ps 119:112; Mt 10:22; Heb 3:6; Rv 2:26
34Help 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
35Help 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
36Turn my heart to your decrees119:36 1Kg 8:58
and not to dishonest profit.119:36 Ezk 33:31; Mk 7:21,22; Lk 12:15; Heb 13:5
37Turn 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 word119:37 Ps 119:25
38Confirm what you said to your servant,119:38 2Sm 7:25
for it produces reverence for you.
39Turn away the disgrace I dread;119:39 Ps 119:22
indeed, your judgments are good.
40How I long for your precepts!119:40 Ps 119:20
Give me life through your righteousness.
ו Waw
41Let 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
42Then I can answer the one who taunts me,119:42 Ps 102:8; Pr 27:11
for I trust in your word.
43Never take the word of truth from my mouth,
for I hope in your judgments.119:43 Ps 119:49,74,81,114,147
44I will always obey your instruction,
forever and ever.119:44 Ps 119:33
45I will walk freely in an open place119:45 Pr 4:12
because I study your precepts.119:45 Ps 119:94,155
46I will speak of your decrees before kings
and not be ashamed.119:46 Mt 10:18; Ac 26:1,2
47I delight in your commands,
which I love.119:47 Ps 119:16,97,127,159
48I will lift up my hands119:48 Ps 63:4 to your commands,
which I love,
and will meditate on your statutes.119:48 Ps 119:15
ז Zayin
49Remember your word to your servant;
you have given me hope through it.
50This is my comfort in my affliction:119:50 Rm 15:4
Your promise has given me life.
51The 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.
53Fury seizes me119:53 Ezr 9:3; Neh 13:25; Ps 119:158 because of the wicked
who reject your instruction.119:53 Ps 89:30
54Your 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 name119:55 Ps 63:6 in the night,119:55 Ps 42:8; 92:2; Is 26:9; Ac 16:25
and I obey your instruction.
56This is my practice:
I obey your precepts.119:56 Ps 119:22,69,100
ח Cheth
57The Lord is my portion;119:57 Lit You are my portion, Lord119:57 Ps 16:5; Lm 3:24
I have promised to keep your words.
58I have sought your favor119:58 1Kg 13:6 with all my heart;
be gracious to me119:58 Ps 41:4; 56:1; 57:1 according to your promise.
59I thought about my ways119:59 Lk 15:17
and turned my steps back to your decrees.
60I hurried, not hesitating
to keep your commands.
61Though the ropes of the wicked119:61 Jb 36:8; Ps 140:5
were wrapped around me,
I did not forget your instruction.119:61 Ps 119:83,141,153,176
62I rise at midnight to thank you119:62 Ps 119:55
for your righteous judgments.119:62 Ps 119:7
63I 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.
66Teach me good judgment and discernment,119:66 Php 1:9–10
for I rely on your commands.
67Before 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.
68You 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.
69The 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
70Their hearts are hard and insensitive,119:70 Ps 17:10
but I delight in your instruction.119:70 Ps 119:16
71It was good for me to be afflicted119:71 Ps 119:67,75
so that I could learn your statutes.
72Instruction from your lips119:72 Ps 19:10; 119:127; Pr 8:10,11,19 is better for me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
י Yod
73Your 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
74Those 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
75I know, Lord, that your judgments are just
and that you have afflicted me fairly.119:75 Ps 119:138; Heb 12:10
76May your faithful love comfort me
as you promised your servant.
77May your compassion come to me119:77 Ps 119:41
so that I may live,
for your instruction is my delight.119:77 Ps 119:16
78Let the arrogant be put to shame119:78 Jr 50:32
for slandering me with lies;
I will meditate on your precepts.
79Let those who fear you,
those who know your decrees, turn to me.
80May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes119:80 Ps 119:1
so that I will not be put to shame.
כ Kaph
81I long for your salvation;119:81 Ps 84:2
I put my hope in your word.119:81 Ps 119:43
82My 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?”
83Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke,
I do not forget your statutes.
84How many days must your servant wait?
When will you execute judgment on my persecutors?119:84 Rv 6:10
85The arrogant have dug pits for me;119:85 Ps 35:7; 57:6; Jr 18:22
they violate your instruction.
86All your commands are true;
people persecute me with lies — help me!119:86 Ps 35:19; 109:26; 119:78
87They almost ended my life on earth,
but I did not abandon your precepts.
88Give 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.
90Your 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
91Your judgments stand firm today,119:91 Jr 31:35
for all things are your servants.119:91 Ps 104:2–4
92If your instruction had not been my delight,
I would have died in my affliction.119:92 Ps 119:16,50
93I will never forget your precepts,
for you have given me life through them.119:93 Ps 119:16,25
94I am yours; save me,119:94 Ps 119:146
for I have studied your precepts.119:94 Ps 119:45
95The wicked hope to destroy me,119:95 Ps 40:14
but I contemplate your decrees.
96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your command is without limit.
מ Mem
97How 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
98Your command makes me wiser than my enemies,119:98 Dt 4:6; Ps 119:130
for it is always with me.
99I have more insight than all my teachers
because your decrees are my meditation.119:99 Ps 119:15
100I understand more than the elders119:100 Jb 32:7–9
because I obey your precepts.119:100 Ps 119:56
101I have kept my feet from every evil path119:101 Pr 1:15
to follow your word.
102I have not turned from your judgments,119:102 Dt 17:20; Jos 23:6; 1Kg 15:5
for you yourself have instructed me.
103How sweet your word is119:103 Ps 19:10; Pr 8:11; 24:13–14 to my taste —
sweeter than honey in my mouth.
104I gain understanding from your precepts;119:104 Ps 119:130
therefore I hate every false way.119:104 Ps 119:128
נ Nun
105Your word is a lamp for my feet119:105 Pr 6:23
and a light on my path.
106I have solemnly sworn119:106 Neh 10:29
to keep your righteous judgments.
107I 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
109My life is constantly in danger,119:109 Lit in my hand
yet I do not forget your instruction.119:109 Ps 119:16
110The 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
111I have your decrees as a heritage forever;
indeed, they are the joy of my heart.119:111 Ps 119:14,162
112I am resolved to obey your statutes
to the very end.119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal119:112 Ps 119:33,36
ס Samek
113I 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
114You 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
115Depart 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
116Sustain 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
117Sustain me so that I can be safe119:117 Pr 29:25
and always be concerned about your statutes.119:117 Ps 119:15
118You reject all who stray from your statutes,119:118 Ps 119:10,21
for their deceit is a lie.
119You remove all the wicked on earth
as if they were119:119 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
120I tremble119:120 Lit My flesh shudders in awe of you;119:120 Jb 4:14; Hab 3:16
I fear your judgments.
ע Ayin
121I have done what is just and right;119:121 Jb 29:14
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122Guarantee your servant’s well-being;119:122 Ps 119:134
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123My eyes grow weary119:123 Ps 119:82 looking for your salvation
and for your righteous promise.
124Deal with your servant based on your faithful love;119:124 Ps 51:1; 109:26; 119:88,149,159
teach me your statutes.
125I am your servant;119:125 Ps 116:16 give me understanding119:125 Ps 119:27
so that I may know your decrees.
126It is time for the Lord to act,119:126 Jr 18:23
for they have violated your instruction.
127Since I love your commands119:127 Ps 19:10; 119:47
more than gold, even the purest gold,
128I carefully follow all your precepts119:128 Ps 19:8
and hate every false way.119:128 Ps 119:104
פ Pe
129Your decrees are wondrous;119:129 Ps 119:18
therefore I obey them.119:129 Ps 119:22
130The revelation of your words119:130 Pr 6:23 brings light
and gives understanding to the inexperienced.119:130 Ps 19:7; 116:6; Pr 1:4; 9:4–6
131I open my mouth and pant119:131 Ps 42:1
because I long for your commands.
132Turn to me and be gracious to me,119:132 Ps 25:16
as is your practice toward those who love your name.
133Make 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
134Redeem me from human oppression,119:134 Ps 142:6; Lk 1:74
and I will keep your precepts.
135Make 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
136My eyes pour out streams of tears119:136 Jr 9:1; 14:17; Lm 3:48
because people do not follow your instruction.
צ Tsade
137You are righteous, Lord,119:137 Neh 9:33; Ps 129:4; 145:17; Lm 1:18
and your judgments are just.
138The decrees you issue are righteous
and altogether trustworthy.119:138 Ps 19:7–9; 119:86,90,144,172
139My anger overwhelms me
because my foes forget your words.119:139 Ps 69:9; Jn 2:17
140Your word is completely pure,119:140 Ps 12:6; 19:9
and your servant loves it.119:140 Ps 119:47
141I am insignificant and despised,119:141 Ps 22:6
but I do not forget your precepts.119:141 Ps 119:61
142Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and your instruction is true.119:142 Ps 119:151,160
143Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your commands are my delight.119:143 Ps 119:24
144Your decrees are righteous forever.119:144 Ps 19:9
Give me understanding, and I will live.
ק Qoph
145I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord.
I will obey your statutes.119:145 Ps 119:10,55
146I call to you; save me,
and I will keep your decrees.119:146 Ps 3:7
147I rise before dawn and cry out for help;119:147 Ps 5:3
I put my hope in your word.
148I am awake through each watch of the night
to meditate on your promise.119:148 Ps 119:15
149In keeping with your faithful love, hear my voice.
Lord, give me life in keeping with your justice.119:149 Ps 119:25,124
150Those who pursue evil plans119:150 Some Hb mss, LXX, Sym, Jer read who maliciously persecute me119:150 Pr 6:17,18; 12:20; 14:22; 24:8 come near;
they are far from your instruction.
151You are near, Lord,119:151 Ps 34:18; 145:18; Is 50:8
and all your commands are true.119:151 Ps 119:142
152Long ago I learned from your decrees
that you have established them forever.119:152 Ps 119:89; Lk 21:33
ר Resh
153Consider 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
154Champion my cause and redeem me;119:154 1Sm 24:15; Ps 35:1; Mc 7:9
give me life as you promised.
155Salvation is far from the wicked
because they do not study your statutes.119:155 Ps 119:45,94
156Your compassions are many, Lord;119:156 2Sm 24:14
give me life according to your judgments.
157My persecutors and foes are many.119:157 Ps 7:1
I have not turned from your decrees.119:157 Ps 119:51
158I have seen the disloyal119:158 Pr 14:14 and feel disgust119:158 Ps 139:21
because they do not keep your word.
159Consider how I love your precepts;
Lord, give me life according to your faithful love.119:159 Ps 119:25,47
160The entirety of your word is truth,
each of your righteous judgments endures forever.119:160 Ps 119:89,142,152
שׂ Sin
161Princes have persecuted me without cause,
but my heart fears only your word.119:161 Ps 119:23,120
162I rejoice over your promise119:162 Ps 119:14,111
like one who finds vast treasure.
163I hate and abhor falsehood,119:163 Ps 119:104,128; Pr 13:5
but I love your instruction.119:163 Ps 119:47
164I praise you seven times a day
for your righteous judgments.119:164 Ps 119:7,160
165Abundant peace belongs to those119:165 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 salvation119:166 Gn 49:18; Ps 119:81,174
and carry out your commands.
167I obey your decrees
and love them greatly.119:167 Ps 119:47,129
168I obey your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before you.119:168 Ps 139:3; Pr 5:21
ת Taw
169Let 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
170Let 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
171My lips pour out praise,119:171 Ps 51:15; 63:3
for you teach me your statutes.119:171 Ps 119:12
172My tongue sings about your promise,119:172 Ps 51:14
for all your commands are righteous.119:172 Ps 119:138
173May 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
174I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your instruction is my delight.119:174 Ps 119:16,24,166
175Let me live, and I will praise you;119:175 Ps 119:25
may your judgments help me.
176I 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