The Word Am I

The Book of Psalms

Unlocked Literal Bible :: World English Bible Catholic

- Chapter 119 -

ALEPH - Blessed are those who keep his law

1
ALEPH. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk in the law of Yahweh.
2
Blessed are they who keep his solemn commands, who seek him with all their heart.
3
They do no wrong; they walk in his ways.
4
You have commanded us to keep your instructions so that we should carefully observe them.
5
Oh, that I would be firmly established in the observance of your statutes!
6
Then I would not be put to shame when I think of all your commandments.
7
I will give thanks to you with an upright heart when I learn your righteous decrees.
8
I will observe your statutes; do not leave me alone.

BETH - Holiness is the fruit of keeping the law of the Lord

9
BETH. How can a young person keep his path pure? By obeying your word.
10
With my whole heart I seek you; Do not let me stray from your commandments.
11
I have stored up your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you.
12
Blessed you are, Yahweh; teach me your statutes.
13
With my mouth I have declared all the righteous decrees that you have revealed.
14
I rejoice in the way of your covenant decrees more than in all riches.
15
I will meditate on your instructions and pay attention to your ways.
16
I delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

GIMEL - Eyes to see the wonders of the Lord

17
GIMEL. Be kind to your servant so that I may live and keep your word.
18
Open my eyes so that I may see marvelous things in your law.
19
I am a foreigner in the land; do not hide your commandments from me.
20
My desires are crushed by the longing to know your righteous decrees at all times.
21
You rebuke the proud, who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
22
Spare me from disgrace and humiliation, for I have obeyed your covenant decrees.
23
Though rulers plot and slander me, your servant meditates on your statutes.
24
Your covenant decrees are my delight, and they are my counselors.

DALETH - prayer to understand the ways of the Lord

25
DALETH. My life clings to the dust! Give me life by your word.
26
I told you my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statutes.
27
Make me understand the ways of your instructions, so that I can meditate on your wondrous teachings.
28
I am overwhelmed with grief! Strengthen me by your word.
29
Turn from me the path of deceit; graciously teach me your law.
30
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have always kept your righteous decrees before me.
31
I cling to your covenant decrees; Yahweh, do not let me be shamed.
32
I will run in the path of your commandments, for you enlarge my heart to do so.

HE - faithfulness based on the promises of God

33
HE. Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes, and I will keep them to the end.
34
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law; I will observe it with all my heart.
35
Guide me in the path of your commandments, for I delight to walk in it.
36
Direct my heart toward your covenant decrees and away from unrighteous gain.
37
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; revive me in your ways.
38
Carry out for your servant your promise that you made to those who honor you.
39
Take away the insults I dread, for your righteous judgments are good.
40
See, I have longed for your instructions; revive me in your righteousness.

VAU - salvation through the word of the Lord

41
VAV. Yahweh, give me your unfailing love-your salvation, according to your promise;
42
then I will have a reply for the one who mocks me, for I trust in your word.
43
Do not take the word of truth from my mouth, for I have waited for your righteous decrees.
44
I will observe your law continually, forever and ever.
45
I will walk securely, for I seek your instructions.
46
I will speak of your solemn commands before kings and will not be ashamed.
47
I delight in your commandments, which I love dearly.
48
I will lift up my hands to your commandments, which I love; I will meditate on your statutes.

ZAIN - The Word of the Lord is a source of hope and comfort

49
ZAYIN. Call to mind your promise to your servant because you have given me hope.
50
This is my comfort in my affliction: That your promise has kept me alive.
51
The proud have scoffed at me, yet I have not turned away from your law.
52
I have thought about your righteous decrees from ancient times, Yahweh, and I comfort myself.
53
Hot anger has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject your law.
54
Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I temporarily live.
55
I think about your name during the night, Yahweh, and I keep your law.
56
This has been my practice because I have observed your instructions.

HETH - My inheritance is the keeping of your word

57
HETH. Yahweh is my portion; I have determined to observe your words.
58
I earnestly request your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me, as your word promised.
59
I examined my ways and turned my feet to your covenant decrees.
60
I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments.
61
The cords of the wicked have ensnared me; I have not forgotten your law.
62
At midnight I rise to give thanks to you because of your righteous decrees.
63
I am a companion of all who honor you, to all who observe your instructions.
64
The earth, Yahweh, is full of your covenant faithfulness; teach me your statutes.

TETH - Learning the words of the Lord through suffering

65
TETH. You have done good to your servant, Yahweh, by means of your word.
66
Teach me proper discernment and understanding, for I have believed in your commandments.
67
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I observe your word.
68
You are good, and you are one who does good; teach me your statutes.
69
The arrogant have smeared me with lies, but I keep your instructions with my whole heart.
70
Their hearts are hardened, but I delight in your law.
71
It is good for me that I have suffered so that I would learn your statutes.
72
Instruction from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

JOD - The law of the Lord is the foundation for the community of believers

73
YOD. Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding so that I may learn your commandments.
74
Those who honor you will be glad when they see me because I find hope in your word.
75
I know, Yahweh, that your decrees are just, and that in faithfulness you afflicted me.
76
Let your covenant faithfulness comfort me, as you promised your servant.
77
Show me compassion so that I may live, for your law is my delight.
78
Let the proud be put to shame, for they have slandered me; but I will meditate on your instructions.
79
May those who honor you turn to me, those who know your covenant decrees.
80
May my heart be blameless with respect to your statutes so that I may not be put to shame.

KAPH - Longing for peace and comfort

81
KAPH. I faint with longing that you might rescue me! I have hope in your word.
82
My eyes long to see your promise; when will you comfort me?
83
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke; I do not forget your statutes.
84
How long must your servant endure this; when will you judge those who persecute me?
85
The proud have dug pits for me, defying your law.
86
All your commandments are reliable; those people persecute me wrongfully; help me.
87
They have almost made an end to me on earth, but I do not reject your instructions.
88
By your steadfast love, keep me alive, so that I may obey your commands.

LAMED - The immutability of the law of the Lord

89
LAMEDH. Yahweh, your word stands forever; your word is established firmly in heaven.
90
Your faithfulness lasts for all generations; you have established the earth, and it remains.
91
All things continue to this day, just as you said in your righteous decrees, for all things are your servants.
92
If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93
I will never forget your instructions, for through them you have kept me alive.
94
I am yours; save me, for I seek your instructions.
95
The wicked prepare to destroy me, but I will seek to understand your covenant decrees.
96
I have seen that everything has its limits, but your commandments are broad, beyond limits.

MEM - Love for God's law

97
MEM. Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.
98
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
99
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for I meditate on your covenant decrees.
100
I understand more than those older than I am; this is because I have kept your instructions.
101
I have kept my feet back from every evil path so that I might observe your word.
102
I have not turned aside from your righteous decrees, for you have instructed me.
103
How sweet are your words to my taste, yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104
Through your instructions I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way.

NUN - The word of the Lord is a lamp unto my feet

105
NUN. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
106
I have sworn and have confirmed it, that I will observe your righteous decrees.
107
I am very afflicted; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised in your word.
108
Yahweh, please accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, and teach me your righteous decrees.
109
My life is always in my hand, yet I do not forget your law.
110
The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your instructions.
111
I claim your covenant decrees as my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
112
My heart is set on obeying your statutes forever to the very end.

SAMEKH - The word of the Lord is my protection and my shield

113
SAMEKH. I hate those who have a double mind, but I love your law.
114
You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for your word.
115
Get away from me, you evil doers, so that I may observe the commandments of my God.
116
Sustain me by your word so that I may live and not be ashamed of my hope.
117
Support me, and I will be safe; I will always meditate on your statutes.
118
You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for those people are deceptive and unreliable.
119
You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag; therefore I love your solemn commands.
120
My body trembles in fear of you, and I am afraid of your righteous decrees.

AIN - The psalmist kept the law of the Lord

121
AYIN. I do what is just and right; do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122
Guarantee the welfare of your servant; do not let the proud oppress me.
123
My eyes grow tired as I wait for your salvation and for your righteous word.
124
Show your servant your covenant faithfulness, and teach me your statutes.
125
I am your servant; give me understanding so that I may know your covenant decrees.
126
It is time for Yahweh to act, for people have broken your law.
127
Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold.
128
Therefore, I carefully follow all your instructions, and I hate every path of falsehood.

PE - Prayer to keep the law of the Lord

129
PE. Your rules are wonderful, that is why I obey them.
130
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the untrained.
131
I open my mouth and pant, for I long for your commandments.
132
Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do for those who love your name.
133
Direct my footsteps by your word; do not let any sin rule me.
134
Redeem me from human oppression so that I may observe your instructions.
135
Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes.
136
Streams of tears run down from my eyes because people do not observe your law.

TZADE - The Lord and his law are righteous

137
TSADHE. You are righteous, Yahweh, and your decrees are fair.
138
You have given your covenant decrees righteously and faithfully.
139
Anger has destroyed me because my adversaries forget your words.
140
Your word has been tested very much, and your servant loves it.
141
I am insignificant and despised, yet I do not forget your instructions.
142
Your justice is forever right, and your law is trustworthy.
143
Though distress and anguish have found me, your commandments are still my delight.
144
Your covenant decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.

KOPH - Cry for salvation

145
QOPH. I cried out with my whole heart, “Answer me, Yahweh, I will keep your statutes.
146
I call to you; save me, and I will observe your covenant decrees.”
147
I rise before the dawn of the morning and cry for help. I hope in your words.
148
My eyes are open before the night watches change so that I might meditate on your word.
149
Hear my voice in your covenant faithfulness; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised in your righteous decrees.
150
Those who are persecuting me are coming closer to me, but they are far from your law.
151
You are near, Yahweh, and all your commandments are trustworthy.
152
Long ago I learned from your covenant decrees that you had set them in place forever.

RESH - Keeping the law of the Lord in times of trouble

153
RESH. Look on my affliction and help me, for I do not forget your law.
154
Plead my cause and redeem me; keep me, as you have promised in your word.
155
Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not love your statutes.
156
Great are your merciful actions, Yahweh; keep me alive, as you always do.
157
My persecutors and my foes are many, yet I have not turned from your covenant decrees.
158
I view the treacherous with disgust because they do not keep your word.
159
See how I love your instructions; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised by your covenant faithfulness.
160
The essence of your word is truth; every one of your righteous decrees lasts forever.

SHIN - Prayer for deliverance from persecution

161
SHIN. Princes persecute me without cause; my heart trembles, afraid of disobeying your word.
162
I rejoice at your word like one who finds great plunder.
163
I hate and despise falsehood, but I love your law.
164
Seven times a day I praise you because of your righteous decrees.
165
Great peace they have, those who love your law; nothing makes them stumble.
166
I wait for your salvation, Yahweh, and I obey your commandments.
167
I observe your solemn commands, and I love them greatly.
168
I keep your instructions and your solemn commands, for you are aware of everything I do.

TAU - Concluding prayer

169
TAV. Listen to my cry for help, Yahweh; give me understanding into your word.
170
May my plea come before you; help me, as you have promised in your word.
171
May my lips pour out praise, for you teach me your statutes.
172
Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
173
May your hand help me, for I have chosen your instructions.
174
I long for your rescue, Yahweh, and your law is my delight.
175
May I live and praise you, and may your righteous decrees help me.
176
I have wandered off like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commandments.

ALEPH - Blessed are those who keep his law

1
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the LORD’s law.
2
Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart.
3
Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways.
4
You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.
5
Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes!
6
Then I wouldn’t be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.
7
I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.
8
I will observe your statutes. Don’t utterly forsake me.

BETH - Holiness is the fruit of keeping the law of the Lord

9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10
With my whole heart I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments.
11
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12
Blessed are you, LORD. Teach me your statutes.
13
With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
14
I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15
I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.
16
I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.

GIMEL - Eyes to see the wonders of the Lord

17
Do good to your servant. I will live and I will obey your word.
18
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law.
19
I am a stranger on the earth. Don’t hide your commandments from me.
20
My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
21
You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
22
Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.
23
Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24
Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.

DALETH - prayer to understand the ways of the Lord

25
My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word!
26
I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes.
27
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29
Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously!
30
I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.
31
I cling to your statutes, LORD. Don’t let me be disappointed.
32
I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.

HE - faithfulness based on the promises of God

33
Teach me, LORD, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.
34
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
35
Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.
36
Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.
37
Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.
38
Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.
39
Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
40
Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness.

VAU - salvation through the word of the Lord

41
Let your loving kindness also come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your word.
42
So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word.
43
Don’t snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances.
44
So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever.
45
I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
46
I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed.
47
I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them.
48
I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.

ZAIN - The Word of the Lord is a source of hope and comfort

49
Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.
50
This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.
51
The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don’t swerve from your law.
52
I remember your ordinances of old, LORD, and have comforted myself.
53
Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54
Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I live.
55
I have remembered your name, LORD, in the night, and I obey your law.
56
This is my way, that I keep your precepts.

HETH - My inheritance is the keeping of your word

57
The LORD is my portion. I promised to obey your words.
58
I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.
59
I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.
60
I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.
61
The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won’t forget your law.
62
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances.
63
I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.
64
The earth is full of your loving kindness, LORD. Teach me your statutes.

TETH - Learning the words of the Lord through suffering

65
You have treated your servant well, according to your word, LORD.
66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
67
Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word.
68
You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes.
69
The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
70
Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law.
71
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.
72
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

JOD - The law of the Lord is the foundation for the community of believers

73
Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74
Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.
75
LORD, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76
Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.
77
Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
78
Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.
79
Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes.
80
Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed.

KAPH - Longing for peace and comfort

81
My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.
82
My eyes fail for your word. I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I don’t forget your statutes.
84
How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85
The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law.
86
All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me!
87
They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn’t forsake your precepts.
88
Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

LAMED - The immutability of the law of the Lord

89
LORD, your word is settled in heaven forever.
90
Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.
91
Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.
92
Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93
I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me.
94
I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts.
95
The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.
96
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless.

MEM - Love for God's law

97
How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.
98
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
99
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
100
I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.
101
I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word.
102
I have not turned away from your ordinances, for you have taught me.
103
How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!
104
Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

NUN - The word of the Lord is a lamp unto my feet

105
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
106
I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances.
107
I am afflicted very much. Revive me, LORD, according to your word.
108
Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. LORD, teach me your ordinances.
109
My soul is continually in my hand, yet I won’t forget your law.
110
The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven’t gone astray from your precepts.
111
I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
112
I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end.

SAMEKH - The word of the Lord is my protection and my shield

113
I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
114
You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.
115
Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116
Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117
Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.
118
You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.
119
You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross. Therefore I love your testimonies.
120
My flesh trembles for fear of you. I am afraid of your judgments.

AIN - The psalmist kept the law of the Lord

121
I have done what is just and righteous. Don’t leave me to my oppressors.
122
Ensure your servant’s well-being. Don’t let the proud oppress me.
123
My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.
124
Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes.
125
I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
126
It is time to act, LORD, for they break your law.
127
Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.
128
Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.

PE - Prayer to keep the law of the Lord

129
Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them.
130
The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
131
I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.
132
Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
133
Establish my footsteps in your word. Don’t let any iniquity have dominion over me.
134
Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts.
135
Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.
136
Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don’t observe your law.

TZADE - The Lord and his law are righteous

137
You are righteous, LORD. Your judgments are upright.
138
You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.
139
My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.
140
Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
141
I am small and despised. I don’t forget your precepts.
142
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth.
143
Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.
144
Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.

KOPH - Cry for salvation

145
I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, LORD! I will keep your statutes.
146
I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.
147
I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words.
148
My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.
149
Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, LORD, according to your ordinances.
150
They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law.
151
You are near, LORD. All your commandments are truth.
152
Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.

RESH - Keeping the law of the Lord in times of trouble

153
Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don’t forget your law.
154
Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise.
155
Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don’t seek your statutes.
156
Great are your tender mercies, LORD. Revive me according to your ordinances.
157
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven’t swerved from your testimonies.
158
I look at the faithless with loathing, because they don’t observe your word.
159
Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, LORD, according to your loving kindness.
160
All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.

SHIN - Prayer for deliverance from persecution

161
Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162
I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great plunder.
163
I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law.
164
Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.
165
Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.
166
I have hoped for your salvation, LORD. I have done your commandments.
167
My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.
168
I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

TAU - Concluding prayer

169
Let my cry come before you, LORD. Give me understanding according to your word.
170
Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word.
171
Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.
172
Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.
173
Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
174
I have longed for your salvation, LORD. Your law is my delight.
175
Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me.
176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments.