Psalms 119:129-136

פ (Pe)

119:129 Your rules are marvelous.

Therefore I observe them.

119:130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.

They give insight to the untrained.

119:131 I open my mouth and pant,

because I long for your commands.

119:132 Turn toward me and extend mercy to me,

as you typically do to your loyal followers.

119:133 Direct my steps by your word!

Do not let any sin dominate me!

119:134 Deliver me from oppressive men,

so that I can keep your precepts.

119:135 Smile on your servant!

Teach me your statutes!

119:136 Tears stream down from my eyes, 10 

because people 11  do not keep your law.


tn Heb “the doorway of your words gives light.” God’s “words” refer here to the instructions in his law (see vv. 9, 57).

tn Heb “it [i.e., the doorway] gives.”

tn Or “the [morally] naive,” that is, the one who is young and still in the process of learning right from wrong and distinguishing wisdom from folly. See Pss 19:7; 116:6.

tn The verb occurs only here in the OT.

tn Heb “according to custom toward the lovers of your name.” The “lovers of” God’s “name” are the Lord’s loyal followers. See Pss 5:11; 69:36; Isa 56:6.

tn God’s “word” refers here to his law (see v. 11).

tn Or “redeem me.”

tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative.

tn Heb “cause your face to shine.”

tn Heb “[with] flowing streams my eyes go down.”

tn Heb “they”; even though somewhat generic, the referent (people) has been specified in the translation for clarity.