Psalm 119 :: English Standard Version (ESV)

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

Psa 119:1

Psa 119:1Aleph
[fn] Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!

Psa 119:2

Psa 119:2Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,

Psa 119:3

Psa 119:3who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!

Psa 119:4

Psa 119:4You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.

Psa 119:5

Psa 119:5Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!

Psa 119:6

Psa 119:6Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

Psa 119:7

Psa 119:7I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.[fn]

Psa 119:8

Psa 119:8I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Psa 119:9

Psa 119:9Beth
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.

Psa 119:10

Psa 119:10With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!

Psa 119:11

Psa 119:11I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

Psa 119:12

Psa 119:12Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes!

Psa 119:13

Psa 119:13With my lips I declare
all the rules[fn] of your mouth.

Psa 119:14

Psa 119:14In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.

Psa 119:15

Psa 119:15I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.

Psa 119:16

Psa 119:16I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.

Psa 119:17

Psa 119:17Gimel
Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.

Psa 119:18

Psa 119:18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.

Psa 119:19

Psa 119:19I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!

Psa 119:20

Psa 119:20My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules[fn] at all times.

Psa 119:21

Psa 119:21You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.

Psa 119:22

Psa 119:22Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.

Psa 119:23

Psa 119:23Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.

Psa 119:24

Psa 119:24Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.

Psa 119:25

Psa 119:25Daleth
My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!

Psa 119:26

Psa 119:26When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!

Psa 119:27

Psa 119:27Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

Psa 119:28

Psa 119:28My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!

Psa 119:29

Psa 119:29Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!

Psa 119:30

Psa 119:30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.

Psa 119:31

Psa 119:31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!

Psa 119:32

Psa 119:32I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart![fn]

Psa 119:33

Psa 119:33He
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.[fn]

Psa 119:34

Psa 119:34Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.

Psa 119:35

Psa 119:35Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.

Psa 119:36

Psa 119:36Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!

Psa 119:37

Psa 119:37Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.

Psa 119:38

Psa 119:38Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.

Psa 119:39

Psa 119:39Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.

Psa 119:40

Psa 119:40Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!

Psa 119:41

Psa 119:41Waw
Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;

Psa 119:42

Psa 119:42then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.

Psa 119:43

Psa 119:43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.

Psa 119:44

Psa 119:44I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,

Psa 119:45

Psa 119:45and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.

Psa 119:46

Psa 119:46I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,

Psa 119:47

Psa 119:47for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.

Psa 119:48

Psa 119:48I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.

Psa 119:49

Psa 119:49Zayin
Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.

Psa 119:50

Psa 119:50This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.

Psa 119:51

Psa 119:51The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.

Psa 119:52

Psa 119:52When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O LORD.

Psa 119:53

Psa 119:53Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.

Psa 119:54

Psa 119:54Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.

Psa 119:55

Psa 119:55I remember your name in the night, O LORD,
and keep your law.

Psa 119:56

Psa 119:56This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.

Psa 119:57

Psa 119:57Heth
The LORD is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.

Psa 119:58

Psa 119:58I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.

Psa 119:59

Psa 119:59When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;

Psa 119:60

Psa 119:60I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.

Psa 119:61

Psa 119:61Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.

Psa 119:62

Psa 119:62At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.

Psa 119:63

Psa 119:63I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.

Psa 119:64

Psa 119:64The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!

Psa 119:65

Psa 119:65Teth
You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.

Psa 119:66

Psa 119:66Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.

Psa 119:67

Psa 119:67Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.

Psa 119:68

Psa 119:68You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:69

Psa 119:69The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;

Psa 119:70

Psa 119:70their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.

Psa 119:71

Psa 119:71It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.

Psa 119:72

Psa 119:72The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Psa 119:73

Psa 119:73Yodh
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

Psa 119:74

Psa 119:74Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.

Psa 119:75

Psa 119:75I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Psa 119:76

Psa 119:76Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.

Psa 119:77

Psa 119:77Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.

Psa 119:78

Psa 119:78Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.

Psa 119:79

Psa 119:79Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.

Psa 119:80

Psa 119:80May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!

Psa 119:81

Psa 119:81Kaph
My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.

Psa 119:82

Psa 119:82My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”

Psa 119:83

Psa 119:83For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.

Psa 119:84

Psa 119:84How long must your servant endure?[fn]
When will you judge those who persecute me?

Psa 119:85

Psa 119:85The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.

Psa 119:86

Psa 119:86All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!

Psa 119:87

Psa 119:87They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.

Psa 119:88

Psa 119:88In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Psa 119:89

Psa 119:89Lamedh
Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.

Psa 119:90

Psa 119:90Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

Psa 119:91

Psa 119:91By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.

Psa 119:92

Psa 119:92If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.

Psa 119:93

Psa 119:93I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.

Psa 119:94

Psa 119:94I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.

Psa 119:95

Psa 119:95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.

Psa 119:96

Psa 119:96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Psa 119:97

Psa 119:97Mem
Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.

Psa 119:98

Psa 119:98Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.

Psa 119:99

Psa 119:99I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.

Psa 119:100

Psa 119:100I understand more than the aged,[fn]
for I keep your precepts.

Psa 119:101

Psa 119:101I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.

Psa 119:102

Psa 119:102I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.

Psa 119:103

Psa 119:103How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psa 119:104

Psa 119:104Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.

Psa 119:105

Psa 119:105Nun
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.

Psa 119:106

Psa 119:106I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.

Psa 119:107

Psa 119:107I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!

Psa 119:108

Psa 119:108Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.

Psa 119:109

Psa 119:109I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.

Psa 119:110

Psa 119:110The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.

Psa 119:111

Psa 119:111Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.

Psa 119:112

Psa 119:112I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.[fn]

Psa 119:113

Psa 119:113Samekh
I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.

Psa 119:114

Psa 119:114You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.

Psa 119:115

Psa 119:115Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.

Psa 119:116

Psa 119:116Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!

Psa 119:117

Psa 119:117Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!

Psa 119:118

Psa 119:118You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.

Psa 119:119

Psa 119:119All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.

Psa 119:120

Psa 119:120My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.

Psa 119:121

Psa 119:121Ayin
I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.

Psa 119:122

Psa 119:122Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.

Psa 119:123

Psa 119:123My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.

Psa 119:124

Psa 119:124Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:125

Psa 119:125I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!

Psa 119:126

Psa 119:126It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.

Psa 119:127

Psa 119:127Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.

Psa 119:128

Psa 119:128Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.

Psa 119:129

Psa 119:129Pe
Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.

Psa 119:130

Psa 119:130The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.

Psa 119:131

Psa 119:131I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.

Psa 119:132

Psa 119:132Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.

Psa 119:133

Psa 119:133Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

Psa 119:134

Psa 119:134Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.

Psa 119:135

Psa 119:135Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:136

Psa 119:136My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.

Psa 119:137

Psa 119:137Tsadhe
Righteous are you, O LORD,
and right are your rules.

Psa 119:138

Psa 119:138You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.

Psa 119:139

Psa 119:139My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.

Psa 119:140

Psa 119:140Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.

Psa 119:141

Psa 119:141I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.

Psa 119:142

Psa 119:142Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.

Psa 119:143

Psa 119:143Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.

Psa 119:144

Psa 119:144Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.

Psa 119:145

Psa 119:145Qoph
With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
I will keep your statutes.

Psa 119:146

Psa 119:146I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.

Psa 119:147

Psa 119:147I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.

Psa 119:148

Psa 119:148My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.

Psa 119:149

Psa 119:149Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O LORD, according to your justice give me life.

Psa 119:150

Psa 119:150They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.

Psa 119:151

Psa 119:151But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.

Psa 119:152

Psa 119:152Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.

Psa 119:153

Psa 119:153Resh
Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.

Psa 119:154

Psa 119:154Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!

Psa 119:155

Psa 119:155Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.

Psa 119:156

Psa 119:156Great is your mercy, O LORD;
give me life according to your rules.

Psa 119:157

Psa 119:157Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

Psa 119:158

Psa 119:158I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.

Psa 119:159

Psa 119:159Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.

Psa 119:160

Psa 119:160The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Psa 119:161

Psa 119:161Sin and Shin
Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.

Psa 119:162

Psa 119:162I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.

Psa 119:163

Psa 119:163I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.

Psa 119:164

Psa 119:164Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.

Psa 119:165

Psa 119:165Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.

Psa 119:166

Psa 119:166I hope for your salvation, O LORD,
and I do your commandments.

Psa 119:167

Psa 119:167My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.

Psa 119:168

Psa 119:168I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.

Psa 119:169

Psa 119:169Taw
Let my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word!

Psa 119:170

Psa 119:170Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.

Psa 119:171

Psa 119:171My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:172

Psa 119:172My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.

Psa 119:173

Psa 119:173Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.

Psa 119:174

Psa 119:174I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.

Psa 119:175

Psa 119:175Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.

Psa 119:176

Psa 119:176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.

See the ESV Preface (Especially for Parenthesis, Brackets, & Asterisks).

ESV Footnotes

(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

(119:7)

Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164

(119:13)

Or all the just decrees

(119:20)

Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175

(119:32)

Or for you set my heart free

(119:33)

Or keep it as my reward

(119:84)

Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?

(119:100)

Or the elders

(119:112)

Or statutes; the reward is eternal

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

See detailed copyright information.

For more information on this translation, see the ESV Preface.