Psalm 101
Psalm 101
© Veritable King James Version, 2025. Veritable King James Version (VKJV). All Rights Reserved.
1 I will sing of mercy and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises. 2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who turn aside; it shall not cling to me. 4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know evil.
Notes on the Translation
Verse 1: The LXX uses eleos (mercy) and krisis (justice), aligning with the KJV’s “mercy and judgment.” The DSS (11QPsa) support this focus on divine attributes.
Verse 2: The LXX’s sunēsō (I will understand/behave wisely) and en hodō amōmō (in a blameless way) are translated as “behave wisely in a perfect way,” echoing the KJV’s “behave myself wisely in a perfect way” but modernized. The DSS confirm the intent of moral integrity.
Verse 3: The LXX’s ou prosethēka (shall not cling) and paranomia (lawlessness) align with the KJV’s rejection of evil. “Turn aside” reflects the DSS’s emphasis on deviation from righteousness.
Verse 4: The LXX’s diestrammenē kardia (perverse heart) and ou ginōskō (I will not know) are directly translated, with “evil” modernizing the KJV’s “wickedness.” The DSS support this rejection of moral corruption.
5 Whoever secretly slanders their neighbor, I will silence; whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart, I will not tolerate. 6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; whoever walks in a perfect way shall serve me. 7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsehood shall remain in my presence. 8 Each morning I will silence all the wicked of the land, to cut off all evildoers from the city of the LORD.
Notes on the Translation
Verse 5: The LXX’s katalalōn (slandering) and hupsēlon ophthalmos (haughty eyes) align with the KJV’s “slandereth” and “high look.” “Silence” and “not tolerate” modernize the tone while preserving intent. The DSS are fragmentary but consistent.
Verse 6: The LXX’s pistous tēs gēs (faithful of the land) and hodō amōmō (blameless way) are retained, with “serve me” echoing the KJV’s “shall serve me.” The DSS support the focus on loyalty.
Verse 7: The LXX’s dolos (deceit) and pseudos (falsehood) align with the KJV, with “dwell” and “remain” modernizing “abide” and “continue.” The DSS confirm the rejection of deceit.
Verse 8: The LXX’s prōi prōi (morning by morning) and exolethreusō (destroy/silence) are translated as “each morning I will silence,” aligning with the KJV’s “early destroy.” The DSS (11QPsa) support the purging of evildoers.
Psalm 102
Psalm 102
© Veritable King James Version, 2025. Veritable King James Version (VKJV). All Rights Reserved.
1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come to You. 2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my distress; incline Your ear to me; in the day I call, answer me quickly. 3 For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. 4 My heart is stricken and withered like grass; I forget to eat my bread. 5 Because of my loud groaning, my bones cling to my flesh. 6 I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl among the ruins. 7 I lie awake; I am like a solitary bird on a housetop. 8 All day long my enemies taunt me; those who mock me swear against me. 9 For I eat ashes like bread and mingle my drink with tears, 10 because of Your indignation and Your wrath; for You have lifted me up and cast me down. 11 My days are like a shadow that lengthens; I wither like grass.
Notes on the Translation
Verse 1: The LXX uses proseuchē (prayer) and kraugē (cry), aligning with the KJV’s “prayer” and “cry.” The DSS (11QPsa) support this plea for divine attention.
Verse 2: The LXX’s mē apostrepsēs (do not turn away) is rendered as “do not hide Your face,” echoing the KJV’s phrasing for poetic continuity. The DSS are fragmentary but consistent.
Verse 3–4: The LXX’s exelipon hōs kapnos (vanish like smoke) and kardiā mou (my heart) are directly translated, with “furnace” and “withered” reflecting the KJV’s vivid imagery. The DSS align where preserved.
Verse 5–7: The LXX’s stenagmou (groaning) and animal imagery (pelikanō, strouthion) are retained, with “desert owl” and “solitary bird” for clarity, inspired by the KJV’s “pelican” and “sparrow.” The DSS (11QPsa) support the desolate tone.
Verse 8–9: The LXX’s ōneidisān (taunt) and spodon (ashes) are translated directly, with “swear against me” reflecting the KJV’s “use me as a curse.” The DSS are incomplete but suggest similar imagery.
Verse 10–11: The LXX’s orgēs (wrath) and skia (shadow) align with the KJV, with “lengthens” modernizing the poetic tone. The DSS support the theme of divine judgment.
12 But You, O LORD, endure forever, and Your name to all generations. 13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. 14 For Your servants take pleasure in her stones and cherish her dust. 15 The nations will fear Your name, O LORD, and all the kings of the earth Your glory. 16 For the LORD will build up Zion; He will appear in His glory. 17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise their plea. 18 This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD. 19 For He looked down from His holy height; from heaven the LORD gazed upon the earth, 20 to hear the groans of the prisoner, to set free those appointed to death, 21 to declare the name of the LORD in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem, 22 when the peoples and kingdoms gather together to serve the LORD.
Notes on the Translation
Verse 12: The LXX’s su de, kurie (but You, Lord) emphasizes God’s eternity, mirrored in the KJV’s “Thou, O LORD, shalt endure.” The DSS confirm this contrast.
Verse 13–14: The LXX’s eleēseis (have mercy) and lithous (stones) are directly translated, with “show favor” aligning with the KJV’s “have mercy.” The DSS (11QPsa) support Zion’s restoration.
Verse 15–16: The LXX’s phobēthēsontai (fear) and doxan sou (Your glory) align with the KJV, with “build up” modernizing “buildeth.” The DSS are fragmentary but consistent.
Verse 17–18: The LXX’s tōn tapeinōn (the destitute) and graphēsetai (will be written) are retained, with “generation to come” echoing the KJV’s poetic phrasing.
Verse 19–22: The LXX’s ek diastēmatos (from height) and stenagmon (groans) are translated directly, with “appointed to death” reflecting the KJV’s “children of death.” The DSS support the focus on divine intervention.
23 He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days. 24 I said, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days; Your years endure through all generations. 25 In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. 26 They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will pass away. 27 But You are the same, and Your years will have no end. 28 The children of Your servants will dwell secure; their offspring will be established before You.”
Notes on the Translation
Verse 23–24: The LXX’s ēsthenēsen (weakened) and eis meson (in the midst) are translated directly, with “shortened my days” echoing the KJV. The DSS are incomplete but suggest a similar lament.
Verse 25–26: The LXX’s kat’ archas (in the beginning) and hōs himation (like a garment) align with the KJV’s cosmic imagery, modernized for clarity. The DSS (11QPsa) support this creation motif.
Verse 27–28: The LXX’s su de ho autos ei (You are the same) and paides sou (Your servants) are retained, with “dwell secure” modernizing the KJV’s “continue.” The DSS confirm the focus on God’s permanence.
Psalm 119
Psalm 119 © Veritable King James Version, 2025. All Rights Reserved.
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong but walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. 8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
Translation Notes – Aleph (verses 1–8)
The Hebrew ’ashre (אַשְׁרֵי) conveys deep happiness or contentment rooted in right relationship with God. Temimei-darekh means “complete/perfect in way.” Torat YHWH is God’s instruction/teaching. “Testimonies” renders ‘edot, God’s solemn declarations. “Precepts” for piqqudim, “statutes” for chuqqim (engraved decrees). Acrostic begins with aleph. Theological emphasis: blessing flows from obedience and wholehearted pursuit (cf. Psalm 1:1–2; Deuteronomy 6:5).
9 How can a young person keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! 13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. 14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Translation Notes – Beth (verses 9–16)
Na‘ar rendered inclusively as “young person.” Tsafanti (“stored up/hidden”) conveys treasuring God’s word internally. Delight contrasts material riches with spiritual joy. Meditation involves thoughtful reflection. Modern wording preserves theological depth of a Torah-centered life.
17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. 19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. 21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. 22 Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. 23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant meditates on your statutes. 24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Translation Notes – Gimel (verses 17–24)
Gal-‘einai literally “uncover my eyes.” Sojourner (ger) underscores transience. “Consumed” renders intense longing. Contrast between human opposition and divine word as counselor. Acrostic structure maintained.
25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! 26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! 29 Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. 31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame! 32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
Translation Notes – Daleth (verses 25–32)
Vivid imagery of clinging to dust (near-death humility). Chayyeni – repeated plea for revival. “Enlarge my heart” means expand understanding and capacity for obedience. “Faithfulness” for ’emunah.
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! 37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. 39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. 40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
Translation Notes – He (verses 33–40)
“Incline my heart” away from covetousness. “Worthless things” for shav’ (vanity). Longing tied to God’s righteousness as source of life.
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; 42 then I shall have an answer for the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly from my mouth, for I hope in your rules. 44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, 45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. 46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, 47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. 48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
Translation Notes – Waw (verses 41–48)
Chesed as steadfast love. Freedom (“wide place”) from seeking God’s precepts. Bold witness before kings.
49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. 51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. 52 When I think of your rules from of old, O LORD, I take comfort. 53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. 54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. 55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law. 56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
Translation Notes – Zayin (verses 49–56)
Hope rooted in remembered word. Statutes as songs in pilgrimage. Nighttime remembrance.
57 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words. 58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise! 59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; 60 I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. 61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. 62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules. 63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. 64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!
Translation Notes – Heth (verses 57–64)
God as chelqi (portion/inheritance). Urgent obedience and fellowship with those who fear God.
65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. 68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. 69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; 70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. 71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. 72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Translation Notes – Teth (verses 65–72)
Affliction as teacher. Superior value of Torah over wealth.
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. 75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. 77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. 78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. 79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies. 80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!
Translation Notes – Yod (verses 73–80)
Creation imagery. Righteous affliction. Community of the faithful.
81 My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. 82 My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?” 83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 84 How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? 85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. 86 All your commandments are sure; they persecute me falsely; help me! 87 They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. 88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Translation Notes – Kaph (verses 81–88)
“Wineskin in smoke” – dried, afflicted yet faithful. Plea for justice. Life by chesed.
89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 91 By your appointment they stand this day, 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 precepts, for by them you have given me life. 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts! 95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Translation Notes – Lamedh (verses 89–96)
Eternal, fixed word sustaining creation. Broad commandment.
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Translation Notes – Mem (verses 97–104)
Love and constant meditation. Superior wisdom from Torah. Sweetness like honey.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. 107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! 108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. 109 My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget your law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. 111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. 112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
Translation Notes – Nun (verses 105–112)
Famous “lamp” metaphor. Heritage and enduring commitment.
113 I hate the double-minded, 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 promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! 117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! 118 You spurn all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love your testimonies. 119 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. 120 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
Translation Notes – Samekh (verses 113–120)
Rejection of double-mindedness. God as refuge. Fearful awe.
121 I have done justice and righteousness; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Be surety for your servant for good; let not the insolent oppress me. 123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. 124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. 125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! 126 It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken. 127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.
Translation Notes – Ayin (verses 121–128)
Plea for surety and divine action. Love above gold.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. 133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from oppression by man, that I may keep your precepts. 135 Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. 136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.
Translation Notes – Pe (verses 129–136)
Wonderful testimonies. Light for the simple. Echo of priestly blessing. Tears over law-breaking.
137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules. 138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. 139 My zeal consumes me, because my foes have forgotten your words. 140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. 141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. 143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. 144 Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Translation Notes – Tsadhe (verses 137–144)
God’s perfect righteousness. Zeal and delight amid trouble.
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes. 146 I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. 148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. 149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life. 150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law. 151 But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true. 152 Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.
Translation Notes – Qoph (verses 145–152)
Wholehearted cry. Early and late meditation. Nearness of God.
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law. 154 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise! 155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. 156 Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules. 157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies. 158 I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands. 159 Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love. 160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
Translation Notes – Resh (verses 153–160)
Plea for deliverance. Sum of God’s word is truth.
161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. 162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. 163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. 164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. 165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. 166 I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments. 167 My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. 168 I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
Translation Notes – Shin (verses 161–168)
Awe despite persecution. Great peace (shalom rav) for lovers of the law.
169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word! 170 Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. 171 My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. 172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. 173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
Translation Notes – Tav (verses 169–176)
Final cry for understanding and deliverance. Closing confession of straying yet not forgetting, echoing shepherd motif. Acrostic completes the full Hebrew alphabet, symbolizing comprehensive devotion to God’s word.
Veritable King James Version (VKJV) – Psalm 119
Based on the Masoretic Text • Modern English • Theological Fidelity Preserved