Psalms 119 – NIV & NIRV

New International Version

Psalms 119:1-176

Psalm 119119 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet; moreover, the verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

א Aleph

1Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,

who walk according to the law of the Lord.

2Blessed are those who keep his statutes

and seek him with all their heart—

3they do no wrong

but follow his ways.

4You have laid down precepts

that are to be fully obeyed.

5Oh, that my ways were steadfast

in obeying your decrees!

6Then I would not be put to shame

when I consider all your commands.

7I will praise you with an upright heart

as I learn your righteous laws.

8I will obey your decrees;

do not utterly forsake me.

ב Beth

9How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to your word.

10I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

11I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

12Praise be to you, Lord;

teach me your decrees.

13With my lips I recount

all the laws that come from your mouth.

14I rejoice in following your statutes

as one rejoices in great riches.

15I meditate on your precepts

and consider your ways.

16I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word.

ג Gimel

17Be good to your servant while I live,

that I may obey your word.

18Open my eyes that I may see

wonderful things in your law.

19I am a stranger on earth;

do not hide your commands from me.

20My soul is consumed with longing

for your laws at all times.

21You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,

those who stray from your commands.

22Remove from me their scorn and contempt,

for I keep your statutes.

23Though rulers sit together and slander me,

your servant will meditate on your decrees.

24Your statutes are my delight;

they are my counselors.

ד Daleth

25I am laid low in the dust;

preserve my life according to your word.

26I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;

teach me your decrees.

27Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,

that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

28My soul is weary with sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word.

29Keep me from deceitful ways;

be gracious to me and teach me your law.

30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

I have set my heart on your laws.

31I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;

do not let me be put to shame.

32I run in the path of your commands,

for you have broadened my understanding.

ה He

33Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,

that I may follow it to the end.119:33 Or follow it for its reward

34Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

and obey it with all my heart.

35Direct me in the path of your commands,

for there I find delight.

36Turn my heart toward your statutes

and not toward selfish gain.

37Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way

38Fulfill your promise to your servant,

so that you may be feared.

39Take away the disgrace I dread,

for your laws are good.

40How I long for your precepts!

In your righteousness preserve my life.

ו Waw

41May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,

your salvation, according to your promise;

42then I can answer anyone who taunts me,

for I trust in your word.

43Never take your word of truth from my mouth,

for I have put my hope in your laws.

44I will always obey your law,

for ever and ever.

45I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out your precepts.

46I will speak of your statutes before kings

and will not be put to shame,

47for I delight in your commands

because I love them.

48I reach out for your commands, which I love,

that I may meditate on your decrees.

ז Zayin

49Remember your word to your servant,

for you have given me hope.

50My comfort in my suffering is this:

Your promise preserves my life.

51The arrogant mock me unmercifully,

but I do not turn from your law.

52I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,

and I find comfort in them.

53Indignation grips me because of the wicked,

who have forsaken your law.

54Your decrees are the theme of my song

wherever I lodge.

55In the night, Lord, I remember your name,

that I may keep your law.

56This has been my practice:

I obey your precepts.

ח Heth

57You are my portion, Lord;

I have promised to obey your words.

58I have sought your face with all my heart;

be gracious to me according to your promise.

59I have considered my ways

and have turned my steps to your statutes.

60I will hasten and not delay

to obey your commands.

61Though the wicked bind me with ropes,

I will not forget your law.

62At midnight I rise to give you thanks

for your righteous laws.

63I am a friend to all who fear you,

to all who follow your precepts.

64The earth is filled with your love, Lord;

teach me your decrees.

ט Teth

65Do good to your servant

according to your word, Lord.

66Teach me knowledge and good judgment,

for I trust your commands.

67Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.

68You are good, and what you do is good;

teach me your decrees.

69Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,

I keep your precepts with all my heart.

70Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,

but I delight in your law.

71It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.

72The law from your mouth is more precious to me

than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

י Yodh

73Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding to learn your commands.

74May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,

for I have put my hope in your word.

75I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,

and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76May your unfailing love be my comfort,

according to your promise to your servant.

77Let your compassion come to me that I may live,

for your law is my delight.

78May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;

but I will meditate on your precepts.

79May those who fear you turn to me,

those who understand your statutes.

80May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,

that I may not be put to shame.

כ Kaph

81My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

but I have put my hope in your word.

82My eyes fail, looking for your promise;

I say, “When will you comfort me?”

83Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,

I do not forget your decrees.

84How long must your servant wait?

When will you punish my persecutors?

85The arrogant dig pits to trap me,

contrary to your law.

86All your commands are trustworthy;

help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.

87They almost wiped me from the earth,

but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88In your unfailing love preserve my life,

that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

ל Lamedh

89Your word, Lord, is eternal;

it stands firm in the heavens.

90Your faithfulness continues through all generations;

you established the earth, and it endures.

91Your laws endure to this day,

for all things serve you.

92If your law had not been my delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.

93I will never forget your precepts,

for by them you have preserved my life.

94Save me, for I am yours;

I have sought out your precepts.

95The wicked are waiting to destroy me,

but I will ponder your statutes.

96To all perfection I see a limit,

but your commands are boundless.

מ Mem

97Oh, how I love your law!

I meditate on it all day long.

98Your commands are always with me

and make me wiser than my enemies.

99I have more insight than all my teachers,

for I meditate on your statutes.

100I have more understanding than the elders,

for I obey your precepts.

101I have kept my feet from every evil path

so that I might obey your word.

102I have not departed from your laws,

for you yourself have taught me.

103How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104I gain understanding from your precepts;

therefore I hate every wrong path.

נ Nun

105Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path.

106I have taken an oath and confirmed it,

that I will follow your righteous laws.

107I have suffered much;

preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.

108Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,

and teach me your laws.

109Though I constantly take my life in my hands,

I will not forget your law.

110The wicked have set a snare for me,

but I have not strayed from your precepts.

111Your statutes are my heritage forever;

they are the joy of my heart.

112My heart is set on keeping your decrees

to the very end.119:112 Or decrees / for their enduring reward

ס Samekh

113I hate double-minded people,

but I love your law.

114You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

115Away from me, you evildoers,

that I may keep the commands of my God!

116Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;

do not let my hopes be dashed.

117Uphold me, and I will be delivered;

I will always have regard for your decrees.

118You reject all who stray from your decrees,

for their delusions come to nothing.

119All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;

therefore I love your statutes.

120My flesh trembles in fear of you;

I stand in awe of your laws.

ע Ayin

121I have done what is righteous and just;

do not leave me to my oppressors.

122Ensure your servant’s well-being;

do not let the arrogant oppress me.

123My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,

looking for your righteous promise.

124Deal with your servant according to your love

and teach me your decrees.

125I am your servant; give me discernment

that I may understand your statutes.

126It is time for you to act, Lord;

your law is being broken.

127Because I love your commands

more than gold, more than pure gold,

128and because I consider all your precepts right,

I hate every wrong path.

פ Pe

129Your statutes are wonderful;

therefore I obey them.

130The unfolding of your words gives light;

it gives understanding to the simple.

131I open my mouth and pant,

longing for your commands.

132Turn to me and have mercy on me,

as you always do to those who love your name.

133Direct my footsteps according to your word;

let no sin rule over me.

134Redeem me from human oppression,

that I may obey your precepts.

135Make your face shine on your servant

and teach me your decrees.

136Streams of tears flow from my eyes,

for your law is not obeyed.

צ Tsadhe

137You are righteous, Lord,

and your laws are right.

138The statutes you have laid down are righteous;

they are fully trustworthy.

139My zeal wears me out,

for my enemies ignore your words.

140Your promises have been thoroughly tested,

and your servant loves them.

141Though I am lowly and despised,

I do not forget your precepts.

142Your righteousness is everlasting

and your law is true.

143Trouble and distress have come upon me,

but your commands give me delight.

144Your statutes are always righteous;

give me understanding that I may live.

ק Qoph

145I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,

and I will obey your decrees.

146I call out to you; save me

and I will keep your statutes.

147I rise before dawn and cry for help;

I have put my hope in your word.

148My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,

that I may meditate on your promises.

149Hear my voice in accordance with your love;

preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.

150Those who devise wicked schemes are near,

but they are far from your law.

151Yet you are near, Lord,

and all your commands are true.

152Long ago I learned from your statutes

that you established them to last forever.

ר Resh

153Look on my suffering and deliver me,

for I have not forgotten your law.

154Defend my cause and redeem me;

preserve my life according to your promise.

155Salvation is far from the wicked,

for they do not seek out your decrees.

156Your compassion, Lord, is great;

preserve my life according to your laws.

157Many are the foes who persecute me,

but I have not turned from your statutes.

158I look on the faithless with loathing,

for they do not obey your word.

159See how I love your precepts;

preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.

160All your words are true;

all your righteous laws are eternal.

ש Sin and Shin

161Rulers persecute me without cause,

but my heart trembles at your word.

162I rejoice in your promise

like one who finds great spoil.

163I hate and detest falsehood

but I love your law.

164Seven times a day I praise you

for your righteous laws.

165Great peace have those who love your law,

and nothing can make them stumble.

166I wait for your salvation, Lord,

and I follow your commands.

167I obey your statutes,

for I love them greatly.

168I obey your precepts and your statutes,

for all my ways are known to you.

ת Taw

169May my cry come before you, Lord;

give me understanding according to your word.

170May my supplication come before you;

deliver me according to your promise.

171May my lips overflow with praise,

for you teach me your decrees.

172May my tongue sing of your word,

for all your commands are righteous.

173May your hand be ready to help me,

for I have chosen your precepts.

174I long for your salvation, Lord,

and your law gives me delight.

175Let me live that I may praise you,

and may your laws sustain me.

176I have strayed like a lost sheep.

Seek your servant,

for I have not forgotten your commands.

New International Reader’s Version

Psalm 119:1-176

Psalm 119

א Aleph

1Blessed are those who live without blame.

They live in keeping with the law of the Lord.

2Blessed are those who obey his covenant laws.

They trust in him with all their hearts.

3They don’t do anything wrong.

They live as he wants them to live.

4You have given me rules

that I must obey completely.

5I hope I will always stand firm

in following your orders.

6Then I won’t be put to shame

when I think about all your commands.

7I will praise you with an honest heart

as I learn about how fair your decisions are.

8I will obey your orders.

Please don’t leave me all alone.

ב Beth

9How can a young person keep their life pure?

By living according to your word.

10I trust in you with all my heart.

Don’t let me wander away from your commands.

11I have hidden your word in my heart

so that I won’t sin against you.

12Lord, I give praise to you.

Teach me your orders.

13With my lips I talk about

all the decisions you have made.

14Following your covenant laws gives me joy

just as great riches give joy to others.

15I spend time thinking about your rules.

I consider how you want me to live.

16I take delight in your orders.

I won’t fail to obey your word.

ג Gimel

17Be good to me while I am alive.

Do this so that I may obey your word.

18Open my eyes so that I can see

the wonderful truths in your law.

19I’m a stranger on earth.

Don’t hide your commands from me.

20My heart is filled with longing

for your laws at all times.

21You correct proud people. They are under your curse.

They wander away from your commands.

22I obey your covenant laws.

So don’t let evil people laugh at me or hate me.

23Even if rulers sit together and tell lies about me,

I will spend time thinking about your orders.

24Your covenant laws are my delight.

They give me wise advice.

ד Daleth

25I lie in the dust. I’m about to die.

Keep me alive as you have promised.

26I told you how I’ve lived, and you gave me your answer.

Teach me your orders.

27Help me understand how your rules direct me to live.

Then I may think deeply about the wonderful things you have done.

28My sadness has worn me out.

Give me strength as you have promised.

29Keep me from cheating and telling lies.

Be kind to me and teach me your law.

30I have chosen to be faithful to you.

I put my trust in your laws.

31Lord, I’m careful to obey your covenant laws.

Don’t let me be put to shame.

32I am quick to follow your commands,

because you have added to my understanding.

ה He

33Lord, teach me how your orders direct me to live.

Then I will live that way to the very end.

34Help me understand your law so that I may follow it.

I will obey it with all my heart.

35Teach me to live as you command,

because that makes me very happy.

36Make me want to follow your covenant laws

instead of wanting to gain things only for myself.

37Turn my eyes away from things that are worthless.

Keep me alive as you have promised.

38Keep your promise to me.

Then other people will have respect for you.

39Please don’t let me be put to shame.

Your laws are good.

40I really want to follow your rules.

Keep me alive, because you do what is right.

ו Waw

41Lord, show me your faithful love.

Save me as you have promised.

42Then I can answer anyone who makes fun of me,

because I trust in your word.

43Help me always to tell the truth about how faithful you are.

I have put my hope in your laws.

44I will always obey your law,

for ever and ever.

45I will lead a full and happy life,

because I’ve tried to obey your rules.

46I will talk about your covenant laws to kings.

I will not be put to shame.

47I take delight in obeying your commands

because I love them.

48I reach out for your commands that I love.

I do this so that I may think deeply about your orders.

ז Zayin

49Remember what you have said to me.

You have given me hope.

50Even when I suffer, I am comforted

because you promised to keep me alive.

51Proud people make fun of me without mercy.

But I don’t turn away from your law.

52Lord, I remember the laws you gave long ago.

I find comfort in them.

53I am very angry

because evil people have turned away from your law.

54No matter where I live,

I sing about your orders.

55Lord, during the night I remember who you are.

That’s why I keep your law.

56I have really done my best

to obey your rules.

ח Heth

57Lord, you are everything I need.

I have promised to obey your words.

58I have looked to you with all my heart.

Be kind to me as you have promised.

59I have thought about the way I live.

And I have decided to follow your covenant laws.

60I won’t waste any time.

I will be quick to obey your commands.

61Evil people may tie me up with ropes.

But I won’t forget to obey your law.

62At midnight I get up to give you thanks

because your decisions are very fair.

63I’m a friend to everyone who has respect for you.

I’m a friend to everyone who follows your rules.

64Lord, the earth is filled with your love.

Teach me your orders.

ט Teth

65Lord, be good to me

as you have promised.

66Increase my knowledge and give me good sense,

because I trust your commands.

67Before I went through suffering, I went down the wrong path.

But now I obey your word.

68You are good, and what you do is good.

Teach me your orders.

69The lies of proud people have taken away my good name.

But I follow your rules with all my heart.

70Their unfeeling hearts are hard and stubborn.

But I take delight in your law.

71It was good for me to suffer.

That’s what helped me to understand your orders.

72The law you gave is worth more to me

than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

י Yodh

73You made me and formed me with your own hands.

Give me understanding so that I can learn your commands.

74May those who have respect for you be filled with joy when they see me.

I have put my hope in your word.

75Lord, I know that your laws are right.

You were faithful to your promise when you made me suffer.

76May your faithful love comfort me

as you have promised me.

77Show me your tender love so that I can live.

I take delight in your law.

78May proud people be put to shame for treating me badly for no reason.

I will think deeply about your rules.

79May those who have respect for you come to me.

Then I can teach them your covenant laws.

80May I follow your orders with all my heart.

Then I won’t be put to shame.

כ Kaph

81I deeply long for you to save me.

I have put my hope in your word.

82My eyes grow tired looking for what you have promised.

I say, “When will you comfort me?”

83I’m as useless as a wineskin that smoke has dried up.

But I don’t forget to follow your orders.

84How long do I have to wait?

When will you punish those who attack me?

85Proud people do what is against your law.

They dig pits for me to fall into.

86All your commands can be trusted.

Help me, because people attack me without any reason.

87They almost wiped me off the face of the earth.

But I have not turned away from your rules.

88Keep me alive, because of your faithful love.

Do this so that I may obey the covenant laws you have given.

ל Lamedh

89Lord, your word lasts forever.

It stands firm in the heavens.

90You will be faithful for all time to come.

You made the earth, and it continues to exist.

91Your laws continue to this very day,

because all things serve you.

92If I had not taken delight in your law,

I would have died because of my suffering.

93I will never forget your rules.

You have kept me alive, because I obey them.

94Save me, because I belong to you.

I’ve tried to obey your rules.

95Sinful people are waiting to destroy me.

But I will spend time thinking about your covenant laws.

96I’ve learned that everything has its limits.

But your commands are perfect. They are always there when I need them.

מ Mem

97Lord, I really love your law!

All day long I spend time thinking about it.

98Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

because your commands are always in my heart.

99I know more than all my teachers do,

because I spend time thinking about your covenant laws.

100I understand more than the elders do,

because I obey your rules.

101I’ve kept my feet from every path that sinners take

so that I might obey your word.

102I haven’t turned away from your laws,

because you yourself have taught me.

103Your words are very sweet to my taste!

They are sweeter than honey to me.

104I gain understanding from your rules.

So I hate every path that sinners take.

נ Nun

105Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way.

It is like a light that guides me.

106I have made a promise

to follow your laws, because they are right.

107I have suffered very much.

Lord, keep me alive as you have promised.

108Lord, accept the praise I freely give you.

Teach me your laws.

109I keep putting my life in danger.

But I won’t forget to obey your law.

110Evil people have set a trap for me.

But I haven’t wandered away from your rules.

111Your covenant laws are your gift to me forever.

They fill my heart with joy.

112I have decided to obey your orders

to the very end.

ס Samekh

113I hate people who can’t make up their minds.

But I love your law.

114You are my place of safety.

You are like a shield that keeps me safe.

I have put my hope in your word.

115Get away from me, you who do evil!

Then I can do what my God commands me to do.

116My God, keep me going as you have promised. Then I will live.

Don’t let me lose all hope.

117Take good care of me, and I will be saved.

I will always honor your orders.

118You turn your back on all those who wander away from your orders.

Their wrong thoughts will be proved to be wrong.

119You throw away all the sinners on earth as if they were trash.

So I love your covenant laws.

120My body trembles because I have respect for you.

I have great respect for your laws.

ע Ayin

121I have done what is right and fair.

So don’t leave me to those who treat me badly.

122Make sure that everything goes well with me.

Don’t let proud people treat me badly.

123My eyes grow tired as I look to you to save me.

Please save me as you have promised.

124Be good to me, because you love me.

Teach me your orders.

125I serve you, so help me to understand what is right.

Then I will understand your covenant laws.

126Lord, it’s time for you to act.

People are breaking your law.

127I love your commands more than gold.

I love them more than pure gold.

128I consider all your rules to be right.

So I hate every path that sinners take.

פ Pe

129Your covenant laws are wonderful.

So I obey them.

130When your words are made clear, they bring light.

They bring understanding to childish people.

131I open my mouth and pant like a dog,

because I long to know your commands.

132Turn to me and have mercy on me.

That’s what you’ve always done for those who love you.

133Teach me how to live as you have promised.

Don’t let any sin be my master.

134Set me free from people who treat me badly.

Then I will obey your rules.

135Have mercy on me.

Teach me your orders.

136Streams of tears flow from my eyes,

because people don’t obey your law.

צ Tsadhe

137Lord, you do what is fair.

And your laws are right.

138The laws you have made are fair.

They can be completely trusted.

139My anger is wearing me out,

because my enemies don’t pay any attention to your words.

140Your promises have proved to be true.

I love them.

141I’m not important. People look down on me.

But I don’t forget to obey your rules.

142You always do what is right.

And your law is true.

143I’ve had my share of trouble and suffering.

But your commands give me delight.

144Your covenant laws are always right.

Help me to understand them. Then I will live.

ק Qoph

145Lord, I call out to you with all my heart.

Answer me, and I will obey your orders.

146I call out to you.

Save me, and I will keep your covenant laws.

147I get up before the sun rises. I cry out for help.

I’ve put my hope in your word.

148My eyes stay open all night long.

I spend my time thinking about your promises.

149Listen to me, because you love me.

Lord, keep me alive as you have promised.

150Those who think up evil plans are near.

They have wandered far away from your law.

151But Lord, you are near.

All your commands are true.

152Long ago I learned from your covenant laws

that you made them to last forever.

ר Resh

153Look at how I’m suffering!

Save me, because I haven’t forgotten to obey your law.

154Stand up for me and set me free.

Keep me alive as you have promised.

155Those who are evil are far from being saved.

They don’t want to obey your orders.

156Lord, you have deep concern for me.

Keep me alive as you have promised.

157Many enemies attack me.

But I haven’t turned away from your covenant laws.

158I get very angry when I see people who aren’t faithful to you.

They don’t obey your word.

159See how I love your rules!

Lord, keep me alive, because you love me.

160All your words are true.

All your laws are right. They last forever.

ש Sin and Shin

161Rulers attack me for no reason.

But I tremble because of your word.

162I’m filled with joy because of your promise.

It’s like finding a great fortune.

163I hate lies with a deep hatred.

But I love your law.

164Seven times a day I praise you

for your laws, because they are right.

165Those who love your law enjoy great peace.

Nothing can make them trip and fall.

166Lord, I wait for you to save me.

I follow your commands.

167I obey your covenant laws,

because I love them greatly.

168I obey your rules and your covenant laws,

because you know all about how I live.

ת Taw

169Lord, may you hear my cry.

Give me understanding, just as you said you would.

170May you hear my prayer.

Save me, just as you promised.

171May my lips pour out praise to you,

because you teach me your orders.

172May my tongue sing about your word,

because all your commands are right.

173May your hand be ready to help me,

because I have chosen to obey your rules.

174Lord, I long for you to save me.

Your law gives me delight.

175Let me live so that I can praise you.

May your laws keep me going.

176Like a lost sheep, I’ve gone down the wrong path.

Come and look for me,

because I haven’t forgotten to obey your commands.