Psalm 119
119
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
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!
2Blessed are those who #[ver. 22] keep his #[Ps. 78:5] testimonies,
who #[ver. 10; 2 Chr. 15:2]seek him with their whole heart,
3who also #1 John 3:9; 5:18do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4You have commanded your #Ps. 19:8precepts
to be kept diligently.
5Oh 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.
7I 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
8I will keep your statutes;
#
Ps. 38:21; 71:9, 18 do not utterly forsake me!
Beth
9How 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!
11I have #Luke 2:19, 51; See Ps. 37:31stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12Blessed are you, O Lord;
# ver. 26, 64, 68, 108, 124, 135, 171; See Ps. 25:4 teach me your statutes!
13With my lips I #Ps. 40:9; [Deut. 6:7]declare
all the rules#119:13 Or all the just decrees of your mouth.
14In the way of your testimonies I #ver. 111, 162 delight
as much as in all #See Prov. 3:13-15; 8:10, 11, 18, 19riches.
15I will #ver. 23, 78, 97 meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your #Ps. 25:4ways.
16I will #ver. 24, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, 174delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Gimel
17 # See Ps. 13:6 Deal bountifully with your servant,
# ver. 144 that I may live and keep your word.
18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19I am #See Ps. 39:12 a sojourner on the earth;
# [Isa. 6:9, 10] hide not your commandments from me!
20My 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.
21You rebuke #See ver. 51 the insolent, #Deut. 27:26 accursed ones,
who #[ver. 10]wander from your commandments.
22Take away from me #See Ps. 44:13 scorn and contempt,
# [ver. 2] for I have kept your testimonies.
23Even though #ver. 161; [Dan. 6:4] princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will #ver. 15, 27, 28meditate on your statutes.
24Your testimonies are my #[Rom. 7:22]; See ver. 16 delight;
they are my #[ver. 104]counselors.
Daleth
25 #
Ps. 44:25 My soul clings to the dust;
# ver. 37, 40, 88, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159; See Ps. 71:20 give me life #ver. 65according to your word!
26When #[Ps. 37:5] I told of my ways, you answered me;
# ver. 12 teach 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. 22:14 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29Put false ways far from me
and graciously #[ver. 27]teach me your law!
30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I #[Ps. 16:8]set your rules before me.
31I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
# ver. 116 let me not be put to shame!
32I 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, 26 Teach 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 1:5 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 # See Ps. 25:4, 5 Lead 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. 7:25 Confirm to your servant your promise,
# [Ps. 25:10; 112:1; 128:1; 130:4] that you may be feared.
39Turn away the #ver. 22reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40Behold, I #ver. 20 long for your precepts;
# [ver. 149, 156] in your righteousness give me life!
Waw
41Let your #ver. 77; [Ps. 106:4] steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation #ver. 58, 65, 76, 116, 170according to your promise;
42then #Prov. 27:11 shall I have an answer for him #[See ver. 39 above]who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43And 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.
44I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45and I shall walk #Prov. 4:12 in a wide place,
for I have #ver. 94, 155sought your precepts.
46I will also speak of your testimonies #[Matt. 10:18; Acts 26:1, 2]before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47for I #ver. 16find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48I will #See Ps. 28:2 lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will #ver. 13meditate on your statutes.
Zayin
49Remember #ver. 41, 42, 43 your word to your servant,
in which you have made me #ver. 43hope.
50This 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.
52When 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.
54Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my #See Ps. 39:12sojourning.
55I #See Ps. 42:8remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56This blessing has fallen to me,
that #ver. 22, 69, 100I have kept your precepts.
Heth
57 # See Ps. 16:5 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58I #Ps. 45:12 entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me #ver. 41according to your promise.
59When I #[Luke 15:17]think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61Though #ver. 110 the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not #ver. 83forget your law.
62At #[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. 33:5 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
# ver. 12 teach me your statutes!
Teth
65You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, #[ver. 41]according to your word.
66Teach 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. 12:5-11 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 #
Ps. 106:1 You are good and do good;
# ver. 12 teach me your statutes.
69 # ver. 51 The insolent #Job 13:4; [Ps. 109:2] smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I #ver. 56keep your precepts;
70their heart is unfeeling #Isa. 6:10; See Ps. 17:10 like fat,
but I #ver. 16delight in your law.
71It is #[ver. 67]good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 # ver. 127; Ps. 19:10; Prov. 8:10 The 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 31:15 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
# ver. 27 give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74Those who fear you shall see me and #Ps. 34:2; 35:27; 107:42 rejoice,
because I have #ver. 43; Ps. 130:5hoped in your word.
75I know, O Lord, that your rules are #ver. 138 righteous,
and that in #Ps. 33:4; See ver. 67faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77Let your #ver. 41 mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my #ver. 24, 47, 174delight.
78Let #See ver. 51 the insolent be put to #Ps. 25:3 shame,
because they have #ver. 86 wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will #ver. 15, 23meditate on your precepts.
79Let those who fear you #[Jer. 15:19]turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80May my heart be #ver. 1 blameless in your statutes,
# ver. 6 that I may not be put to shame!
Kaph
81My soul #See Ps. 84:2 longs for your salvation;
I #ver. 74, 114hope in your word.
82My #See Ps. 69:3 eyes long for your promise;
I ask, #[Ps. 101:2]“When will you comfort me?”
83For 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. 51 The insolent have #See Ps. 7:15dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86All your commandments are #ver. 138 sure;
they persecute me #ver. 78; Ps. 35:19 with falsehood; #Ps. 109:26help me!
87They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88In your steadfast love #ver. 25; See Ps. 71:20give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Lamedh
89Forever, O Lord, your #ver. 152; [Matt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:25]; [Jer. 31:35-37]word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90Your #See Ps. 36:5 faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have #[Ps. 148:6] established the earth, and it #Eccles. 1:4stands fast.
91By your #Jer. 33:25appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92If your law had not been my #ver. 77delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have #ver. 25; See Ps. 71:20given me life.
94I am yours; save me,
# ver. 45 for I have sought your precepts.
95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly #[Ps. 18:19]broad.
Mem
97Oh how #ver. 113, 163, 165; [Ps. 1:2] I love your law!
It is my #ver. 15meditation all the day.
98Your commandment makes me #[Deut. 4:6]wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for #[2 Tim. 3:15]your testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than #See Job 32:7-9 the aged,#119:100 Or the elders
for I #ver. 56, 69keep your precepts.
101I #Prov. 1:15hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103How #Ps. 19:10sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore #ver. 128I hate every false way.
Nun
105 #
Prov. 6:23
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106I have #Neh. 10:29 sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your #ver. 7righteous rules.
107I am severely #[ver. 25, 50] afflicted;
# ver. 88; See Ps. 71:20 give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108Accept #[Hos. 14:2] my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and #ver. 12teach me your rules.
109I hold my life #See Judg. 12:3 in my hand continually,
but I do not #ver. 83forget your law.
110The wicked have laid #See Ps. 91:3 a snare for me,
but #ver. 10I do not stray from your precepts.
111Your testimonies are #Deut. 33:4 my heritage forever,
for they are #ver. 14, 162the joy of my heart.
112I #ver. 36 incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, #See ver. 33to the end.#119:112 Or statutes; the reward is eternal
Samekh
113I hate #[1 Kgs. 18:21; James 1:8; 4:8] the double-minded,
but I love #ver. 97your law.
114You are my #See Ps. 32:7 hiding place and my #See Ps. 3:3 shield;
I #ver. 74hope in your word.
115 # See Ps. 6:8 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may #[ver. 22]keep the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me #ver. 41 according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be #ver. 31; See Ps. 25:2 put 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!
118You #Lam. 1:15 spurn all who #ver. 10, 21, 110go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119All 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.
120My flesh #[Job 4:14; Hab. 3:16]trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
Ayin
121I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122Give your servant #See Job 17:3 a pledge of good;
let not #ver. 51the insolent oppress me.
123My #ver. 82eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and #ver. 12teach me your statutes.
125I am your #See Ps. 116:16 servant; #ver. 27give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127Therefore I #ver. 72; Ps. 19:10love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every #ver. 104false way.
Pe
129Your testimonies are #ver. 18, 27 wonderful;
therefore my soul #ver. 22keeps them.
130The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts #See Ps. 19:7understanding to the simple.
131I #Ps. 81:10; Job 29:23 open my mouth and #Ps. 42:1 pant,
because I #ver. 20long for your commandments.
132 # See Ps. 25:16 Turn 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. 4:6 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and #ver. 12teach me your statutes.
136My 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. 116:5 Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
138You have appointed your testimonies in #ver. 75, 172; See Ps. 19:7-9 righteousness
and in all #ver. 86faithfulness.
139My #See Ps. 69:9zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140Your promise is well #See Ps. 12:6 tried,
and your servant #ver. 97loves it.
141I am small and despised,
yet I do not #ver. 83forget your precepts.
142Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is #ver. 151, 160; John 17:17; [Ps. 19:9]true.
143Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my #ver. 24delight.
144Your testimonies are righteous forever;
# ver. 27 give me understanding that I may #ver. 17live.
Qoph
145With my #ver. 2, 10 whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will #ver. 22, 33keep your statutes.
146I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147I rise before #See Ps. 5:3 dawn and cry for help;
I #ver. 74hope in your words.
148My eyes are awake before #See Ps. 42:8the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149Hear 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.
150They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151But #See Ps. 145:18 you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are #See ver. 142true.
152Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have #ver. 89, 160; [Matt. 5:18]founded them forever.
Resh
153Look on my #Job 36:15 affliction and deliver me,
for #ver. 83I do not forget your law.
154 #
Ps. 35:1 Plead my cause and redeem me;
# ver. 25 give me life according to your promise!
155 #
Job 5:4 Salvation is far from the wicked,
# [ver. 150] for they do not seek your statutes.
156 #
2 Sam. 24:14 Great is your mercy, O Lord;
# [See ver. 154 above] give me life according to your rules.
157 #
Ps. 3:1, 2 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not #See ver. 51swerve from your testimonies.
158I look at #[Jer. 3:20] the faithless with #Ps. 139:21; [ver. 136]disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159Consider how I #ver. 97 love your precepts!
# [See ver. 154 above] Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 #
Ps. 139:17 The 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. 69:4 without cause,
but my heart #[Ps. 2:11]stands in awe of your words.
162I #[See ver. 161 above] rejoice at your word
like one who #1 Sam. 30:16; Isa. 9:3; [Matt. 13:44]finds great spoil.
163I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love #ver. 97your law.
164Seven times a day I praise you
for your #[See ver. 160 above]righteous rules.
165Great #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.
166I #ver. 174; Gen. 49:18hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
167My soul keeps your testimonies;
I #[See ver. 163 above]love them exceedingly.
168I keep your precepts and testimonies,
#
Ps. 139:3; Prov. 5:21 for all my ways are before you.
Taw
169Let my #[ver. 145] cry come before you, O Lord;
# See ver. 34 give me understanding #ver. 65according to your word!
170Let my plea come before you;
# ver. 41 deliver me according to your word.
171My lips will #Ps. 145:7 pour forth praise,
for you #ver. 12teach me your statutes.
172My tongue will sing of your word,
for #[ver. 160]all your commandments are right.
173Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have #Josh. 24:22; [Prov. 1:29]chosen your precepts.
174I #ver. 20 long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my #ver. 24delight.
175Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176I 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.
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