DeaconDelighted obedience

Psalm 119 — Hebrew and Greek compared

Saints Translation: Psalms 107–150 [V1] — Volume V with Greek Psalm 151 Supplement

Same 55 Similar 29 Different 79 Divergent 8 Disparate 5

Disparate in this chapter: 119:51, 119:60, 119:85, 119:119, 119:120

Each card keeps the independently rendered source readings above their shared comparison and reception notes. The badge records the source’s governing classification; disparate readings are marked in red. Each reading retains its original reference.

Psalm 119

Wholehearted devotion to divine instruction

Verse 119:1 Divergent

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:1] Blessed are those whose way is blameless,

who walk in YHWH’s instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:1] Hallelujah.

One: Alph.

Blessed are the blameless in the way,

those who walk in the Lord’s law.

Classification & Notes

Divergent. Text: Greek begins with Hallelujah, absent from the declared Hebrew. Both bless blameless conduct in divine instruction/law. Greek explicitly prints numbered alphabet headings; the Hebrew acrostic is visible in successive eight-verse groups, rather than spelled out as Hebrew headings on this page. See the numbering guide.

Verse 119:2 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:2] Blessed are those who guard His testimonies,

who seek Him with their whole heart.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:2] Blessed are those who search out His testimonies;

with their whole heart they will seek Him.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew guards the testimonies; Greek searches them out. Both seek God wholeheartedly; Greek states the seeking in the future.

Verse 119:3 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:3] They also do no wrong;

they walk in His ways.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:3] For those who practice lawlessness

did not walk in His ways.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew says the blessed do no wrong and walk in His ways; Greek denies that practitioners of lawlessness walked in His ways. The complementary formulations uphold the same ethical distinction. Rabbinic: Rashi on 119:3 requires positive good alongside avoiding wrong. [RASHI-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:4 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:4] You commanded Your precepts

to be kept diligently.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:4] You commanded Your commandments

to be kept diligently.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both emphasize God’s command that His precepts/commandments be kept diligently.

Verse 119:5 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:5] If only my ways were established

to keep Your statutes!

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:5] If only my ways were directed

to keep Your ordinances!

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both wish for the speaker’s ways to be firmly directed toward keeping the statutes/ordinances.

Verse 119:6 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:6] Then I will not be ashamed,

when I look upon all Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:6] Then I will certainly not be ashamed

when I look upon all Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both connect looking toward all the commandments with freedom from shame; Greek has an emphatic double negative.

Verse 119:7 Divergent

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:7] I will thank You with uprightness of heart,

when I learn Your righteous judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:7] I will give thanks to You, Lord, with uprightness of heart,

when I have learned Your righteous judgments.

Classification & Notes

Divergent. Text: Greek explicitly adds the address Lord. Both promise upright thanksgiving on learning righteous judgments; Greek’s perfect infinitive presents the learning as accomplished.

Verse 119:8 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:8] I will keep Your statutes;

do not forsake me utterly.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:8] I will keep Your ordinances;

do not forsake me utterly.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both promise obedience and plead against utter abandonment.

Verse 119:9 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:9] By what can a young man cleanse his path?

By keeping it according to Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:9] Two: Beth.

By what will the younger man set his way right?

By keeping Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew asks about cleansing a young man’s path according to God’s singular word; Greek asks about setting the younger man’s way right by keeping God’s plural words. The comparative Greek can designate a young person without naming an older comparison partner.

Verse 119:10 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:10] With my whole heart I sought You;

do not let me stray from Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:10] With my whole heart I sought You;

do not thrust me away from Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew asks God not to let the speaker stray; Greek asks Him not to thrust the speaker away. Both retain God as the addressed agent.

Verse 119:11 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:11] In my heart I stored up Your saying,

so that I might not sin against You.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:11] In my heart I hid Your sayings,

so that I might not sin against You.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew stores the singular saying in the heart; Greek hides plural sayings. Both give avoiding sin against God as the purpose.

Verse 119:12 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:12] Blessed are You, YHWH;

teach me Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:12] Blessed are You, Lord;

teach me Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both bless God and request instruction in His statutes/ordinances.

Verse 119:13 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:13] With my lips I recounted

all the judgments of Your mouth.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:13] With my lips I declared

all the judgments of Your mouth.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both recount with the lips all judgments proceeding from God’s mouth.

Verse 119:14 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:14] I rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies

as over all wealth.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:14] In the way of Your testimonies I delighted,

as in all wealth.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both compare delight in the way of the testimonies with delight in all wealth.

Verse 119:15 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:15] I will meditate on Your precepts

and look upon Your paths.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:15] I will ponder Your commandments

and consider Your ways.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both pair meditation on divine requirements with attention to God’s paths/ways.

Verse 119:16 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:16] I will delight in Your statutes;

I will not forget Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:16] I will meditate on Your ordinances;

I will not forget Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew delights in statutes and remembers the singular word; Greek meditates on ordinances and remembers plural words.

Verse 119:17 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:17] Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live

and keep Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:17] Three: Gimal.

Recompense Your servant;

I will live and keep Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew asks for bountiful treatment so the servant may live and keep the singular word. Greek asks for recompense and declares future life and keeping plural words; no object or kind of repayment is specified.

Verse 119:18 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:18] Uncover my eyes, that I may see

wondrous things from Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:18] Uncover my eyes,

and I will consider Your wonders from Your law.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both ask for uncovered eyes to perceive wonders in the law/instruction; Greek explicitly calls the wonders God’s. Rabbinic: Rashi on 119:18 understands hidden teachings within Torah. [RASHI-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:19 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:19] I am a sojourner on the earth;

do not hide Your commandments from me.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:19] I am a sojourner on the earth;

do not hide Your commandments from me.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both identify the speaker as an earthly sojourner and ask that the commandments not be hidden. Rabbinic: Rashi on 119:19 stresses the short time available to fulfill commandments. [RASHI-PS119-SHORT] Saints: Augustine, Exposition §18–19, reads sojourning in relation to an enduring heavenly homeland; this is later Christian interpretation. [AUG-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:20 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:20] My soul is crushed with longing

for Your judgments at every time.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:20] My soul longed to desire

Your judgments at every time.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew pictures the soul crushed with longing; Greek describes longing to desire the judgments. The second desire is not omitted as redundant.

Verse 119:21 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:21] You rebuked the arrogant, the accursed,

who stray from Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:21] You rebuked the arrogant;

accursed are those who turn away from Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew links arrogant, accursed wanderers in one description; Greek first states the rebuke and then pronounces those turning aside accursed.

Verse 119:22 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:22] Roll reproach and contempt away from me,

for I have guarded Your testimonies.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:22] Remove reproach and contempt from me,

for I sought Your testimonies.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew rolls away reproach and contempt because the speaker guarded the testimonies; Greek removes them because the speaker sought the testimonies.

Verse 119:23 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:23] Even though rulers sat and spoke against me,

Your servant meditates on Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:23] For rulers also sat and spoke against me,

but Your servant pondered Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both set rulers’ hostile talk beside the servant’s meditation. Greek explicitly marks the contrast and narrates the meditation in the past.

Verse 119:24 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:24] Your testimonies are also my delights,

my counselors.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:24] For Your testimonies are also my meditation,

and Your ordinances are my counsels.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew calls the testimonies delights and counselors; Greek calls them meditation and separately makes the ordinances the counsels.

Verse 119:25 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:25] My soul clings to the dust;

give me life according to Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:25] Four: Delth.

My soul clung to the ground;

give me life according to Your word.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew has dust and Greek ground; both portray the soul clinging low and ask for life according to God’s word.

Verse 119:26 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:26] I recounted my ways, and You answered me;

teach me Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:26] I declared my ways, and You heard me;

teach me Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew reports that God answered; Greek that He listened. Both follow the recounting of the speaker’s ways with the request to be taught.

Verse 119:27 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:27] Make me understand the way of Your precepts,

and I will meditate on Your wonders.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:27] Give me understanding of the way of Your ordinances,

and I will ponder Your wonders.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both request understanding of the way of divine requirements and promise meditation on wonders.

Verse 119:28 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:28] My soul drips away from grief;

establish me according to Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:28] My soul dripped away from weariness;

strengthen me by Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both preserve the dripping soul image. Hebrew gives grief as the cause; Greek has ἀκηδία, weariness or despondency, and plural words instead of singular word. Later technical uses of acedia are not inserted into the translation.

Verse 119:29 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:29] Remove the way of falsehood from me,

and graciously grant me Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:29] Remove the way of injustice from me,

and show me mercy through Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew rejects falsehood and asks graciously for instruction; Greek rejects injustice and asks for mercy through the law. The Greek dative also permits in/according to the law.

Verse 119:30 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:30] I chose the way of faithfulness;

I set Your judgments before me.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:30] I chose the way of truth;

I did not forget Your judgments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew sets the judgments before the speaker; Greek says they were not forgotten. Faithfulness/truth gives a corresponding description of the chosen way.

Verse 119:31 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:31] I cling to Your testimonies;

YHWH, do not put me to shame.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:31] I clung to Your testimonies;

Lord, do not put me to shame.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both describe clinging to the testimonies and plead against shame.

Verse 119:32 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:32] I will run in the way of Your commandments,

for You will enlarge my heart.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:32] I ran the way of Your commandments

when You enlarged my heart.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew presents running and enlargement prospectively; Greek narrates both in the past, joined by when. The heart’s enlargement is preserved without imposing a later psychological explanation.

Verse 119:33 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:33] Teach me, YHWH, the way of Your statutes,

and I will guard it to the end.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:33] Five: Ē.

Instruct me, Lord, in the way of Your ordinances,

and I will seek it continually.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew promises to guard the way; Greek to seek it continually. Hebrew עֵקֶב is provisionally to the end; step-by-step and reward-related readings remain possible. Greek νομοθέτησον has the force of authoritative instruction. Rabbinic: Rashi on 119:33 explains עֵקֶב through footsteps, supporting observance at every step. [RASHI-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:34 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:34] Give me understanding, that I may guard Your instruction

and keep it with my whole heart.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:34] Give me understanding, and I will search out Your law

and keep it with my whole heart.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew guards the instruction; Greek searches out the law. Both then promise wholehearted keeping.

Verse 119:35 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:35] Lead me in the track of Your commandments,

for in it I delight.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:35] Guide me in the path of Your commandments,

for I desired it.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both ask for guidance in the commandments’ path; Hebrew delights in it and Greek desires it.

Verse 119:36 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:36] Incline my heart to Your testimonies,

and not to dishonest gain.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:36] Bend my heart toward Your testimonies,

and not toward greed.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask that the heart incline to the testimonies rather than acquisitive gain. Dishonest gain/greed reflects the contextual overlap of בֶּצַע and πλεονεξία.

Verse 119:37 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:37] Turn my eyes away from seeing worthlessness;

give me life in Your ways.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:37] Turn away my eyes so that they do not see futility;

give me life in Your way.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both turn the eyes from worthlessness. The Hebrew printed form is read as plural ways; Greek has singular way.

Verse 119:38 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:38] Establish for Your servant Your saying,

which is for the fear of You.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:38] Establish Your saying for Your servant,

for the fear of You.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both ask that the divine saying be established for the servant in relation to fear of God. Hebrew’s relative clause may qualify the saying or the servant; its referent is left open.

Verse 119:39 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:39] Turn away my reproach, which I dread,

for Your judgments are good.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:39] Remove my reproach, which I dreaded,

for Your judgments are good.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask removal of dreaded reproach because God’s judgments are good.

Verse 119:40 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:40] Look, I long for Your precepts;

give me life in Your righteousness.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:40] Look, I desired Your commandments;

give me life in Your righteousness.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both express longing for divine requirements and ask for life in God’s righteousness.

Verse 119:41 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:41] May Your acts of loyal love come to me, YHWH,

Your salvation according to Your saying.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:41] Six: Ouau.

May Your mercy also come upon me, Lord,

Your salvation according to Your saying.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew has plural acts of loyal love; Greek singular mercy. Both connect their coming with salvation according to the saying.

Verse 119:42 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:42] Then I will answer my reproacher with a word,

for I trust in Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:42] And I will answer those who reproach me with a word,

for I hoped in Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew answers a singular reproacher and trusts the singular word; Greek answers plural reproachers and hopes in plural words.

Verse 119:43 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:43] Do not utterly snatch the word of truth from my mouth,

for I hope in Your judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:43] And do not remove the word of truth from my mouth utterly,

for I placed my hope in Your judgments.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both plead that truthful speech not be removed utterly, grounding the plea in hope in God’s judgments. Hebrew מִשְׁפָּטֶךָ is read as a defectively written plural here, not automatically singular because the usual yod is absent.

Verse 119:44 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:44] I will keep Your instruction continually,

forever and ever.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:44] And I will keep Your law continually,

forever and for the age of the age.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both promise continual, everlasting observance; Greek unfolds the duration as forever and the age of the age.

Verse 119:45 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:45] I will walk in a broad place,

for I have sought Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:45] And I walked in a broad place,

for I sought Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew presents walking in a broad place as resolve; Greek narrates it as past activity. Both ground it in seeking the precepts/commandments.

Verse 119:46 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:46] I will speak of Your testimonies before kings

and will not be ashamed.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:46] And I spoke of Your testimonies

before kings, and I was not ashamed.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew promises speech before kings without shame; Greek describes past speech and absence of shame.

Verse 119:47 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:47] I will delight in Your commandments,

which I love.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:47] And I meditated on Your commandments,

which I loved greatly.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew delights in loved commandments; Greek meditates on them and adds greatly to the love.

Verse 119:48 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:48] I will lift up my palms to Your commandments, which I love,

and meditate on Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:48] And I raised my hands toward Your commandments, which I loved,

and I pondered Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both lift hands toward loved commandments and meditate on statutes/ordinances. Hebrew expresses resolve, Greek past actions; palms/hands is the corresponding bodily gesture.

Verse 119:49 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:49] Remember the word to Your servant,

upon which You made me hope.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:49] Seven: Zai.

Remember Your word to Your servant,

upon which You caused me to hope.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Greek explicitly possesses the word as Your word; Hebrew leaves that possession implicit in the address. Both say God caused the servant’s hope.

Verse 119:50 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:50] This is my comfort in my affliction,

that Your saying has given me life.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:50] This comforted me in my humiliation,

for Your saying gave me life.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew identifies this as the speaker’s comfort; Greek says this comforted the speaker. Both connect comfort amid affliction/humiliation with the saying’s gift of life. The demonstrative is not expanded to an otherwise unspecified antecedent.

Verse 119:51 Disparate

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:51] The arrogant mocked me utterly;

I did not turn away from Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:51] The arrogant acted lawlessly to an extreme,

but I did not turn away from Your law.

Classification & Notes

Disparate. Text: Hebrew reports extreme mockery directed at the speaker. Greek reports extreme lawless conduct without making the speaker its object. The event asserted in the first clause changes; steadfast adherence to the law remains common.

Verse 119:52 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:52] I remembered Your judgments from of old, YHWH,

and I was comforted.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:52] I remembered Your judgments from of old, Lord,

and I was comforted.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both remember God’s ancient judgments and receive comfort.

Verse 119:53 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:53] Burning indignation seized me because of the wicked,

those who forsake Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:53] Despondency seized me because of sinners

who forsake Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew’s זַלְעָפָה is provisionally burning indignation, with horror also possible; Greek explicitly has despondency. Both react to people forsaking the law/instruction.

Verse 119:54 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:54] Your statutes became songs for me

in the house of my sojourning.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:54] Your ordinances were songs to me

in the place of my sojourning.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both turn divine ordinances into songs during sojourning; Hebrew locates this in a house, Greek in a place.

Verse 119:55 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:55] I remembered Your name in the night, YHWH,

and kept Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:55] I remembered Your name in the night, Lord,

and kept Your law.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both remember God’s name by night and keep the law/instruction.

Verse 119:56 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:56] This has become mine,

because I guarded Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:56] This came to be mine,

for I sought Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew guards the precepts; Greek seeks the ordinances. Both leave this unspecified rather than supply a definite blessing as its referent.

Verse 119:57 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:57] YHWH is my portion;

I said I would keep Your words.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:57] Eight: Ēth.

You are my portion, Lord;

I said that I would keep Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew names YHWH as portion and promises to keep His plural words; Greek addresses Lord as portion and names the law. The supplied You are expresses the Greek verbless address.

Verse 119:58 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:58] I entreated Your face with my whole heart;

be gracious to me according to Your saying.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:58] I entreated Your face with my whole heart;

have mercy on me according to Your saying.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both entreat God’s face wholeheartedly and seek gracious mercy according to His saying.

Verse 119:59 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:59] I considered my ways

and turned my feet toward Your testimonies.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:59] I considered Your ways

and turned my feet toward Your testimonies.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew considers my ways; Greek considers Your ways. Both then turn the speaker’s feet toward God’s testimonies.

Verse 119:60 Disparate

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:60] I hurried and did not delay

to keep Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:60] I was prepared and was not troubled

to keep Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Disparate. Text: Hebrew asserts haste without delay. Greek asserts readiness without disturbance. Speed is replaced by preparedness and freedom from agitation; the shared purpose is keeping the commandments.

Verse 119:61 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:61] The cords of the wicked entangled me;

I did not forget Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:61] Sinners’ cords entangled me,

and I did not forget Your law.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both preserve cords entangling the speaker and continued remembrance of divine instruction. Greek calls the hostile people sinners, Hebrew the wicked.

Verse 119:62 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:62] At midnight I rise to thank You

for Your righteous judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:62] At midnight I rose to give thanks to You

for Your righteous judgments.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both rise at midnight to thank God for righteous judgments; Greek narrates repeated past rising.

Verse 119:63 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:63] I am a companion to all who fear You

and to those who keep Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:63] I am a companion of all who fear You

and of those who keep Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both describe fellowship with those who fear God and keep His requirements.

Verse 119:64 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:64] The earth is filled with Your loyal love, YHWH;

teach me Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:64] The earth is full of Your mercy, Lord;

teach me Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both declare the earth filled with divine loyal love/mercy and ask to be taught.

Verse 119:65 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:65] You have done good to Your servant,

YHWH, according to Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:65] Nine: Tēth.

You dealt kindly with Your servant,

Lord, according to Your word.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both report good treatment of the servant in accordance with God’s word.

Verse 119:66 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:66] Teach me good discernment and knowledge,

for I believe in Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:66] Teach me kindness, discipline and knowledge,

for I trusted Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew asks for good discernment and knowledge; Greek enumerates kindness, discipline and knowledge as three objects. The common ground is confidence in the commandments.

Verse 119:67 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:67] Before I was afflicted, I was straying;

but now I keep Your saying.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:67] Before I was humbled, I did wrong;

therefore I kept Your saying.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both connect wrongdoing before affliction/humbling with subsequent observance. Hebrew explicitly contrasts now; Greek explicitly gives therefore. The relationship is temporal in one formulation and causal in the other.

Verse 119:68 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:68] You are good and do good;

teach me Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:68] You are good, Lord, and in Your goodness

teach me Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew says God is good and does good, then asks instruction. Greek adds Lord and places in Your goodness with the request to be taught.

Verse 119:69 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:69] The arrogant smeared a lie upon me;

I will guard Your precepts with my whole heart.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:69] The injustice of the arrogant multiplied against me,

but I will search out Your commandments with my whole heart.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew describes arrogant people smearing a lie; Greek makes their multiplied injustice the subject. Hebrew guards the precepts, while Greek searches out the commandments.

Verse 119:70 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:70] Their heart is unfeeling like fat;

I delight in Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:70] Their heart curdled like milk,

but I meditated on Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew pictures an unfeeling heart like fat; Greek a heart curdled like milk. Hebrew delights in instruction; Greek meditates on law. Each source’s substance and image is retained.

Verse 119:71 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:71] It is good for me that I was afflicted,

so that I might learn Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:71] It is good for me that You humbled me,

so that I might learn Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew describes the speaker as afflicted without naming the agent in this verse; Greek explicitly says You humbled me. Both value the experience for learning the statutes/ordinances; Hebrew already names God as agent in verse 75.

Verse 119:72 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:72] The instruction of Your mouth is better for me

than thousands of gold and silver.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:72] The law of Your mouth is better for me

than thousands of gold and silver.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both value divine instruction above thousands of gold and silver. Neither supplies a denomination or object after thousands, so no coins, shekels or pieces are inserted.

Verse 119:73 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:73] Your hands made me and established me;

give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:73] Ten: Iōth.

Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding, and I will learn Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both attribute making the speaker to God’s hands. Hebrew adds establishing, Greek forming; both then ask understanding to learn commandments.

Verse 119:74 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:74] Those who fear You will see me and rejoice,

for I have hoped in Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:74] Those who fear You will see me and rejoice,

for I placed my hope in Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both anticipate the rejoicing of God-fearers on seeing the speaker. Hebrew hopes in a singular word, Greek in plural words.

Verse 119:75 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:75] I know, YHWH, that Your judgments are righteous,

and in faithfulness You afflicted me.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:75] I knew, Lord, that Your judgments are righteousness,

and that in truth You humbled me.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both affirm righteous divine judgments and God’s agency in affliction/humbling. Hebrew emphasizes faithfulness; Greek truth. The agency is not reduced to mere permission.

Verse 119:76 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:76] Please let Your loyal love comfort me,

according to Your saying to Your servant.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:76] Let Your mercy now be for my comfort,

according to Your saying to Your servant.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask divine loyal love/mercy to comfort the servant in accordance with the saying addressed to that servant.

Verse 119:77 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:77] May Your mercies come to me, that I may live,

for Your instruction is my delight.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:77] Let Your compassions come to me, and I will live,

for Your law is my meditation.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both ask for approaching mercies and life. Hebrew calls instruction delight; Greek calls law meditation.

Verse 119:78 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:78] May the arrogant be ashamed, for they wronged me with falsehood;

I will meditate on Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:78] Let the arrogant be ashamed, for they unjustly acted lawlessly against me;

but I will ponder Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew names falsehood in the wrong done to the speaker; Greek says the arrogant acted lawlessly and unjustly. Both pray for their shame and turn to meditation.

Verse 119:79 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:79] May those who fear You turn to me,

and those who know Your testimonies.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:79] Let those who fear You turn to me,

and those who know Your testimonies.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: The Hebrew translation follows the displayed pointed reading וְיֹדְעֵי, those who know, matching Greek. The page also displays written וידעו, which would yield and they will know rather than the participial group. This written/read distinction is not silently erased.

Verse 119:80 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:80] May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,

so that I may not be ashamed.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:80] Let my heart be blameless in Your ordinances,

so that I may not be ashamed.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask for a blameless heart in the statutes/ordinances, so that shame may be avoided.

Verse 119:81 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:81] My soul fails with longing for Your salvation;

I hope in Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:81] Eleven: Chaph.

My soul fails with longing for Your salvation,

and I placed my hope in Your word.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both portray the soul failing in longing for salvation while hoping in God’s word.

Verse 119:82 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:82] My eyes fail with longing for Your saying,

saying, “When will You comfort me?”

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:82] My eyes failed with longing for Your saying,

saying, “When will You comfort me?”

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both portray failing eyes and preserve the question when God will comfort the speaker; Greek explicitly makes the eyes the grammatical speakers.

Verse 119:83 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:83] For I have become like a wineskin in smoke;

I have not forgotten Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:83] For I became like a wineskin in frost;

I did not forget Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew has a wineskin in smoke, בְּקִיטוֹר; Greek a wineskin in frost, ἐν πάχνῃ. Neither image is substituted for the other. Continued remembrance remains common.

Verse 119:84 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:84] How many are Your servant’s days?

When will You execute judgment upon my pursuers?

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:84] How many are the days of Your servant?

When will You give me judgment against those who pursue me?

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both ask about the servant’s remaining days and judgment against pursuers; Greek explicitly makes the judgment for me.

Verse 119:85 Disparate

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:85] The arrogant dug pits for me,

those who do not act according to Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:85] Lawbreakers told me idle tales,

but not in keeping with Your law, Lord.

Classification & Notes

Disparate. Text: Hebrew reports arrogant people digging pits for the speaker. Greek reports lawbreakers telling idle tales, with an added address Lord. A threatening action is replaced by reported speech; the difference is greater than a stylistic change.

Verse 119:86 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:86] All Your commandments are faithfulness;

they pursue me with falsehood—help me!

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:86] All Your commandments are truth;

they pursued me unjustly—help me.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew says the commandments are faithfulness and the pursuit false; Greek calls the commandments truth and the pursuit unjust. Both urgently request help.

Verse 119:87 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:87] They nearly finished me off on the earth;

but I did not forsake Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:87] They nearly brought me to an end on the earth,

but I did not forsake Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both describe near destruction on earth and refusal to forsake the precepts/commandments.

Verse 119:88 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:88] Give me life according to Your loyal love,

and I will keep the testimony of Your mouth.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:88] Give me life according to Your mercy,

and I will keep the testimonies of Your mouth.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew promises to keep the singular testimony of God’s mouth; Greek plural testimonies. Both ask for life according to loyal love/mercy.

Verse 119:89 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:89] Forever, YHWH,

Your word stands firm in the heavens.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:89] Twelve: Labd.

Forever, Lord,

Your word remains in heaven.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both locate God’s enduring word in heaven. Hebrew’s grammatical plural heavens is the ordinary corresponding celestial term.

Verse 119:90 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:90] Your faithfulness is for generation after generation;

You established the earth, and it stands.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:90] Your truth is from generation to generation;

You founded the earth, and it remains.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both affirm divine faithfulness/truth through generations and the earth’s continuing stability because God established it.

Verse 119:91 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:91] They stand today according to Your judgments,

for all things are Your servants.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:91] By Your arrangement the day remains,

for all things are Your servants.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew has plural they stand today, continuing the preceding created order without an explicit new noun. Greek makes the day itself the singular subject that remains by God’s arrangement. Both place all things in His service.

Verse 119:92 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:92] If Your instruction had not been my delight,

then I would have perished in my affliction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:92] If Your law had not been my meditation,

then I would have perished in my humiliation.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew names delight in instruction; Greek meditation in law. Both make this the condition preventing death in affliction/humiliation.

Verse 119:93 Divergent

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:93] I will never forget Your precepts,

for by them You have given me life.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:93] I will certainly never forget Your ordinances,

for by them You gave me life, Lord.

Classification & Notes

Divergent. Text: Greek adds Lord and uses an emphatic negative. Both promise never to forget the requirements through which God gave life.

Verse 119:94 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:94] I am Yours; save me,

for I have sought Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:94] I am Yours; save me,

for I sought Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both assert belonging to God, request salvation and ground the plea in seeking His requirements.

Verse 119:95 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:95] The wicked waited for me, to destroy me;

I will consider Your testimonies.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:95] Sinners waited for me to destroy me;

I understood Your testimonies.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both describe hostile waiting aimed at destroying the speaker. Hebrew then promises consideration of the testimonies; Greek reports having understood them.

Verse 119:96 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:96] I have seen an end to every perfection;

Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:96] I saw an end to every completion;

Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both contrast the boundedness of every completion/perfection with the commandment’s breadth. Hebrew תִּכְלָה is rare; perfection is provisional and does not establish a doctrine about created perfection.

Verse 119:97 Divergent

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:97] How I love Your instruction!

It is my meditation all the day.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:97] Thirteen: Mēm.

How I loved Your law, Lord!

It is my meditation all day.

Classification & Notes

Divergent. Text: Greek adds Lord. Both express love for divine instruction/law and all-day meditation.

Verse 119:98 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:98] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,

for this is mine forever.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:98] You made me wiser than my enemies in Your commandment,

for it is mine forever.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew prints plural commandments with singular verbal and pronominal agreement; this is rendered collectively, ending this is mine forever. Greek explicitly addresses You as the one making wise and uses singular commandment with an understood singular subject in the second clause. The Greek accusative is taken as the respect in which wisdom is given; its precise construction remains open.

Verse 119:99 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:99] I have more insight than all my teachers,

for Your testimonies are my meditation.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:99] I understood more than all who teach me,

for Your testimonies are my meditation.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both compare the speaker’s understanding favorably with all teachers and connect it to meditation on the testimonies. The teachers remain human teachers in the running text.

Verse 119:100 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:100] I have more understanding than elders,

for I have guarded Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:100] I understood more than elders,

for I sought Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew grounds greater understanding than elders in guarding the precepts; Greek in seeking the commandments.

Verse 119:101 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:101] I restrained my feet from every evil path,

so that I might keep Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:101] I restrained my feet from every evil way,

so that I might keep Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both restrain the speaker’s feet from every evil way; Hebrew keeps the singular word, Greek plural words.

Verse 119:102 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:102] I have not turned aside from Your judgments,

for You Yourself instructed me.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:102] I did not turn away from Your judgments,

for You instructed me.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both refrain from leaving the judgments because God instructed the speaker. Greek’s νομοθετέω specifically conveys laying down authoritative instruction or law.

Verse 119:103 Divergent

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:103] How sweet Your saying is to my palate,

more than honey to my mouth!

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:103] How sweet are Your sayings to my throat,

beyond honey and honeycomb to my mouth!

Classification & Notes

Divergent. Text: Greek adds honeycomb beside honey and has throat rather than Hebrew palate. Hebrew’s singular saying has a plural sweetness predicate, rendered collectively; Greek sayings is plural. Saints: Augustine, Exposition §103, interprets honey and honeycomb as open teaching and deeper mysteries; the distinction is allegorical. [AUG-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:104 Divergent

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:104] From Your precepts I gain understanding;

therefore I hate every path of falsehood.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:104] From Your commandments I gained understanding;

therefore I hated every way of injustice,

for You instructed me.

Classification & Notes

Divergent. Text: The actual publisher Greek page repeats for You instructed me after this verse’s rejection of injustice; the declared Hebrew has no corresponding clause. It is retained as displayed, without asserting that all Greek witnesses or the printed critical apparatus have it. Hebrew rejects a path of falsehood; Greek a way of injustice.

Verse 119:105 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:105] Your word is a lamp for my foot

and a light for my path.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:105] Fourteen: Noun.

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my paths.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both portray the word as lamp and light. Hebrew has singular foot and path, Greek plural feet and paths. Saints: Augustine, Exposition §105, identifies this lamp with scriptural proclamation, distinguishing it from the divine Word as Creator. [AUG-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:106 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:106] I swore and confirmed it,

to keep Your righteous judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:106] I have sworn and established it:

to keep Your righteous judgments.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both affirm an oath and its confirmation directed toward keeping righteous judgments.

Verse 119:107 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:107] I am utterly afflicted;

YHWH, give me life according to Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:107] I was humbled to an extreme;

Lord, give me life according to Your word.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both report extreme affliction/humbling and ask God for life according to His word. Neither clause here explicitly says the speaker humbled himself.

Verse 119:108 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:108] Please accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, YHWH,

and teach me Your judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:108] Please accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, Lord,

and teach me Your judgments.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask acceptance of the mouth’s freewill offerings and request instruction in the judgments. The kind of verbal offering is not narrowed in the main text.

Verse 119:109 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:109] My soul is continually in my palm,

yet I have not forgotten Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:109] My soul is in my hands continually,

and I did not forget Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew places the soul in my palm, singular; the declared Greek in my hands, plural. Both retain the speaker as possessor, despite other forms discussed in later reception. Saints: Augustine, Exposition §108, discusses both my and Your hand readings. This is his reported evidence; the present Greek column follows its actually read my hands. [AUG-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:110 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:110] The wicked laid a trap for me,

yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:110] Sinners set a trap for me,

and I did not wander from Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both describe a trap set by the wicked/sinners and deny that the speaker strayed from divine requirements.

Verse 119:111 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:111] I have inherited Your testimonies forever,

for they are the joy of my heart.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:111] I inherited Your testimonies forever,

for they are my heart’s rejoicing.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both receive the testimonies as an enduring inheritance and identify them as the heart’s joy.

Verse 119:112 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:112] I inclined my heart to perform Your statutes

forever, to the end.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:112] I bent my heart to perform Your ordinances

forever, for a recompense.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Greek explicitly gives recompense as the reason for enduring obedience. Hebrew עֵקֶב is provisionally to the end; reward is a possible alternative, so a necessary opposition between gratuitous and rewarded obedience is not claimed.

Verse 119:113 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:113] I hate the divided in heart,

but I love Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:113] Fifteen: Samch.

I hated lawbreakers,

and I loved Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew’s rare סֵעֲפִים is provisionally the divided in heart; divided thoughts is another analysis. Greek unambiguously names lawbreakers. Both love divine instruction/law.

Verse 119:114 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:114] You are my hiding place and my shield;

I hope in Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:114] You are my helper and my upholder;

I placed my hope in Your word.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew calls God hiding place and shield; Greek helper and upholder. The function of protection agrees, while the imagery changes.

Verse 119:115 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:115] Depart from me, evildoers,

that I may guard my God’s commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:115] Turn away from me, evildoers,

and I will search out my God’s commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both dismiss evildoers. Hebrew then guards the commandments; Greek searches them out. My God remains the possessor in both.

Verse 119:116 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:116] Uphold me according to Your saying, that I may live;

do not put me to shame in my hope.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:116] Uphold me according to Your saying, and I will live;

and do not put me to shame in my expectation.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both seek divine support, life in accordance with the saying and freedom from shame in hope.

Verse 119:117 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:117] Support me, that I may be saved,

and I will continually look to Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:117] Help me, and I will be saved;

and I will meditate on Your ordinances continually.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both ask saving help; Hebrew promises continuing regard for the statutes, Greek continuing meditation on the ordinances.

Verse 119:118 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:118] You spurn all who stray from Your statutes,

for their deceit is falsehood.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:118] You despised all who depart from Your ordinances,

for their thought is unjust.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew spurns those straying because their deceit is falsehood; Greek despises those departing because their thought is unjust. Neither substitutes the other source’s ground for rejection.

Verse 119:119 Disparate

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:119] You remove all the wicked of the earth like dross;

therefore I love Your testimonies.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:119] I reckoned all the sinners of the earth as transgressors;

therefore I loved Your testimonies continually.

Classification & Notes

Disparate. Text: Hebrew makes God remove the wicked like dross. Greek makes the speaker reckon all sinners as transgressors and adds continually to love for the testimonies. Agency, action and refining imagery change substantially.

Verse 119:120 Disparate

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:120] My flesh bristles from dread of You,

and I fear Your judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:120] Nail down my flesh through fear of You,

for I feared Your judgments.

Classification & Notes

Disparate. Text: Hebrew reports flesh bristling in dread; Greek commands God to nail down the flesh through fear. A bodily reaction becomes a request for divine restraint, while fear of the judgments remains common. The image is not rendered as a literal command to injure oneself.

Verse 119:121 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:121] I have done justice and righteousness;

do not leave me to my oppressors.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:121] Sixteen: Ain.

I did judgment and righteousness;

do not hand me over to those who wrong me.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both affirm justice and righteousness. Hebrew asks not to be left with oppressors; Greek not to be handed over to those doing wrong.

Verse 119:122 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:122] Be guarantor for Your servant for good;

do not let the arrogant oppress me.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:122] Receive Your servant for good;

do not let the arrogant oppress me with false accusations.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew specifically asks God to act as guarantor; Greek asks Him to receive the servant for good. Greek names oppressive false accusation; Hebrew has oppression without specifying its means.

Verse 119:123 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:123] My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation

and for Your righteous saying.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:123] My eyes failed with longing for Your salvation

and for Your righteous saying.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both describe eyes failing in longing for salvation and the righteous saying.

Verse 119:124 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:124] Deal with Your servant according to Your loyal love,

and teach me Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:124] Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,

and teach me Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask treatment according to loyal love/mercy and instruction in statutes/ordinances.

Verse 119:125 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:125] I am Your servant; give me understanding,

that I may know Your testimonies.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:125] I am Your servant; give me understanding,

and I will know Your testimonies.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both identify the speaker as God’s servant and seek understanding to know the testimonies.

Verse 119:126 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:126] It is time for YHWH to act;

they have broken Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:126] It is time to act for the Lord;

they scattered Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew says the instruction has been broken; Greek says the law has been scattered. The opening allows time for God to act or time to act for God; the two columns display plausible constructions without claiming the agent is unambiguously different.

Verse 119:127 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:127] Therefore I love Your commandments

more than gold, more than fine gold.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:127] Therefore I loved Your commandments

more than gold and topaz.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew values commandments above gold and fine gold; Greek above gold and τοπάζιον, conventionally topaz. The ancient stone name is retained without claiming a certain modern mineral identification.

Verse 119:128 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:128] Therefore I hold all precepts concerning everything to be right;

I hate every path of falsehood.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:128] Therefore I was set right toward all Your commandments;

I hated every unjust way.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew regards all precepts concerning everything as right; no Your suffix is printed in that phrase. Greek has all Your commandments and a middle/passive verb, provisionally I was set right toward them; I acted rightly with regard to them is also possible. Falsehood/injustice differs in the rejected way.

Verse 119:129 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:129] Your testimonies are wonders;

therefore my soul guards them.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:129] Seventeen: Phē.

Your testimonies are wonderful;

therefore my soul searched them out.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew guards the wonderful testimonies; Greek searches them out. Both make the soul the subject of the response.

Verse 119:130 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:130] The opening of Your words gives light,

giving understanding to the simple.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:130] The disclosure of Your words will give light

and understanding to the simple.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew pictures the opening of words giving light; Greek their disclosure. Greek νήπιοι literally denotes little children and can denote the unlearned; simple conveys the contextual overlap with Hebrew פְּתָיִים without claiming identical lexical ranges.

Verse 119:131 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:131] I opened my mouth and panted,

for I longed for Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:131] I opened my mouth and drew breath,

for I longed for Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew opens the mouth and pants; Greek opens it and draws breath. Both connect this bodily image with longing for the commandments; πνεῦμα is breath here, not an inserted reference to the Holy Spirit.

Verse 119:132 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:132] Turn to me and be gracious to me,

as is fitting for those who love Your name.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:132] Look upon me and have mercy on me,

according to the judgment for those who love Your name.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew asks gracious attention according to the customary treatment of those loving God’s name; Greek calls this their judgment. The ruling is understood as favorable treatment in context, not necessarily a punitive verdict.

Verse 119:133 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:133] Establish my steps in Your saying,

and do not let any iniquity rule over me.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:133] Direct my steps according to Your saying,

and let no lawlessness rule over me.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew directly asks God not to let iniquity rule; Greek commands that no lawlessness rule. Both seek directed steps and freedom from its mastery, with the different grammatical agents retained.

Verse 119:134 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:134] Redeem me from human oppression,

and I will keep Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:134] Redeem me from people’s oppression through false accusation,

and I will keep Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew names human oppression; Greek specifies oppressive false accusation. Both ask redemption so the speaker can keep divine requirements.

Verse 119:135 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:135] Make Your face shine upon Your servant,

and teach me Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:135] Shine Your face upon Your servant,

and teach me Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask God’s face to shine on the servant and request instruction.

Verse 119:136 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:136] My eyes ran down streams of water,

because they did not keep Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:136] My eyes ran down streams of water,

since they did not keep Your law.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both preserve streaming eyes and a plural they who failed to keep the law/instruction. The referent of they is not explicitly named; people is a natural contextual inference, while an eyes-based interpretation remains possible.

Verse 119:137 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:137] You are righteous, YHWH,

and Your judgments are upright.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:137] Eighteen: Sadē.

You are righteous, Lord,

and Your judgment is upright.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew has plural judgments; Greek singular judgment. Both affirm God’s righteousness and upright judgment.

Verse 119:138 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:138] You commanded Your testimonies in righteousness

and exceeding faithfulness.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:138] You commanded Your testimonies as righteousness

and exceeding truth.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both connect the commanded testimonies with righteousness and exceeding fidelity/truth. The compact Hebrew can characterize the testimonies themselves or the righteousness with which they were commanded; the Greek double accusative is likewise compressed.

Verse 119:139 Divergent

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:139] My zeal consumed me,

for my adversaries forgot Your words.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:139] Zeal for Your house melted me away,

for my enemies forgot Your words.

Classification & Notes

Divergent. Text: Greek specifies zeal for Your house, absent from Hebrew’s my zeal, and has melted me away rather than consumed me. Both connect this zeal with enemies forgetting God’s words; the added object is not imported into Hebrew.

Verse 119:140 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:140] Your saying is thoroughly refined,

and Your servant loves it.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:140] Your saying has been thoroughly refined by fire,

and Your servant loved it.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both describe the saying as thoroughly refined; Greek explicitly expresses refining by fire. Both retain the servant’s love for it.

Verse 119:141 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:141] I am small and despised,

yet I have not forgotten Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:141] I am younger and despised;

I did not forget Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew calls the speaker small/young; Greek uses younger. No comparison partner is named. Both retain being despised and remembering the precepts/ordinances.

Verse 119:142 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:142] Your righteousness is righteousness forever,

and Your instruction is truth.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:142] Your righteousness is righteousness forever,

and Your law is truth.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both declare everlasting righteousness and the truth of the law/instruction.

Verse 119:143 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:143] Distress and anguish found me;

Your commandments are my delights.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:143] Affliction and constraint found me;

Your commandments are my meditation.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both report distress overtaking the speaker. Hebrew calls the commandments delights; Greek calls them meditation.

Verse 119:144 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:144] Your testimonies are righteous forever;

give me understanding, that I may live.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:144] Your testimonies are righteousness forever;

give me understanding, and I will live.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ascribe enduring righteousness to the testimonies and seek understanding joined to life.

Verse 119:145 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:145] I called with my whole heart; answer me, YHWH;

I will guard Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:145] Nineteen: Kōph.

I cried with my whole heart; hear me, Lord;

I will seek Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both cry wholeheartedly to God. Hebrew asks an answer and promises to guard statutes; Greek asks a hearing and promises to seek ordinances.

Verse 119:146 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:146] I called to You; save me,

and I will keep Your testimonies.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:146] I cried to You; save me,

and I will keep Your testimonies.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both explicitly cry to God, request salvation and promise to keep the testimonies.

Verse 119:147 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:147] I rose early in the twilight and cried for help;

I hoped in Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:147] I rose early at an untimely hour and cried out;

I placed my hope in Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew places early prayer in twilight; Greek at an untimely hour, not explicitly midnight. Hebrew follows the displayed pointed singular reading Your word; written לדבריך is plural Your words, as Greek explicitly has.

Verse 119:148 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:148] My eyes are awake before the watches,

to meditate on Your saying.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:148] My eyes were awake before dawn

to meditate on Your sayings.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew anticipates plural night watches and meditates on a singular saying; Greek anticipates dawn and meditates on plural sayings. Rabbinic: Rashi on 119:148 connects night study with thanksgiving after midnight. [RASHI-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:149 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:149] Hear my voice according to Your loyal love;

YHWH, give me life according to Your judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:149] Hear my voice, Lord, according to Your mercy;

give me life according to Your judgment.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both ask hearing in mercy and life by divine judgment. Hebrew’s defectively written form is read as plural judgments; Greek has singular judgment. The address Lord appears earlier in the Greek sentence.

Verse 119:150 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:150] Those pursuing wicked schemes draw near;

they are far from Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:150] Those who pursue me with lawlessness drew near,

but they were far from Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew identifies pursuers of wicked schemes, leaving their target unexpressed; Greek explicitly identifies those pursuing me in lawlessness. Both contrast their approach with distance from God’s instruction/law.

Verse 119:151 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:151] You are near, YHWH,

and all Your commandments are truth.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:151] You are near, Lord,

and all Your commandments are truth.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both affirm God’s nearness and the truth of all His commandments. Rabbinic: Rashi on 119:151 applies divine nearness even to the distant who repent. [RASHI-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:152 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:152] Long ago I knew from Your testimonies

that You founded them forever.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:152] From the beginning I knew from Your testimonies

that You established them forever.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both describe longstanding knowledge from the testimonies that God established them forever.

Verse 119:153 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:153] See my affliction and rescue me,

for I have not forgotten Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:153] Twenty: Rēs.

See my humiliation and rescue me,

for I did not forget Your law.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask God to see affliction/humiliation and rescue the speaker, who has not forgotten His instruction/law.

Verse 119:154 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:154] Plead my case and redeem me;

give me life according to Your saying.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:154] Judge my case and redeem me;

give me life because of Your word.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew asks God to plead the speaker’s case; Greek to judge it. Both request redemption and life, but Greek gives because of Your word, where Hebrew’s preposition allows in accordance with the saying.

Verse 119:155 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:155] Salvation is far from the wicked,

for they have not sought Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:155] Salvation is far from sinners,

for they did not seek Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both put salvation far from the wicked/sinners because they have not sought divine statutes/ordinances.

Verse 119:156 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:156] Your mercies are many, YHWH;

give me life according to Your judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:156] Your compassions are many, Lord;

give me life according to Your judgment.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both affirm many divine compassions and seek life; Hebrew refers to plural judgments, Greek to singular judgment.

Verse 119:157 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:157] My pursuers and adversaries are many;

I have not turned away from Your testimonies.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:157] Many are those who pursue me and press me hard;

I did not turn away from Your testimonies.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both report many pursuers and continued adherence to testimonies. Hebrew adds adversaries; Greek describes people actively pressing the speaker hard.

Verse 119:158 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:158] I saw the treacherous and felt loathing,

because they did not keep Your saying.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:158] I saw those who break faith and melted away,

for they did not keep Your sayings.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew’s rare reflexive form is provisionally felt loathing; quarreled or was grieved are alternative analyses reflected in reception. Greek explicitly has melted away on seeing faith-breakers. Hebrew saying is singular, Greek sayings plural. The precise emotional force remains open.

Verse 119:159 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:159] See that I love Your precepts;

YHWH, give me life according to Your loyal love.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:159] See that I loved Your commandments;

Lord, give me life in Your mercy.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both call God’s attention to love for His requirements and ask for life in divine loyal love/mercy.

Verse 119:160 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:160] The sum of Your word is truth,

and every righteous judgment of Yours is forever.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:160] The beginning of Your words is truth,

and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew’s head of Your word is provisionally the sum of the word; beginning is also possible. Greek explicitly has beginning of plural words. Both affirm enduring righteous judgments, Hebrew distributively every judgment. Rabbinic: Rashi on 119:160 takes beginning: later ethical commandments vindicate the opening divine claims. [RASHI-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:161 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:161] Rulers pursued me without cause,

but my heart trembled at Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:161] Twenty-one: Sen.

Rulers pursued me without cause,

and my heart was afraid of Your words.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both report groundless pursuit by rulers and the heart’s fear before divine speech. Hebrew follows the displayed pointed singular word; written ומדבריך is plural words, matching Greek’s explicit plural.

Verse 119:162 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:162] I rejoice over Your saying

like one who finds much spoil.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:162] I will rejoice in Your sayings

like one who finds much spoil.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew expresses present rejoicing over a singular saying; Greek future rejoicing over plural sayings. Both compare this joy with finding much spoil.

Verse 119:163 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:163] I hate and abhor falsehood;

I love Your instruction.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:163] I hated and abhorred injustice,

but I loved Your law.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew hates and abhors falsehood; Greek injustice. Both love divine instruction/law.

Verse 119:164 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:164] Seven times in the day I praise You

for Your righteous judgments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:164] Seven times a day I praised You

for Your righteous judgments.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both explicitly praise God seven times a day for righteous judgments. The stated quantity remains in both translations regardless of later symbolic or liturgical readings. Rabbinic: Rashi on 119:164 connects seven praises with blessings surrounding the Shema. [RASHI-PS119-SHORT] Saints: Augustine, Exposition §162, reads seven symbolically as continual praise. Both are later applications of the retained number. [AUG-PS119-SHORT]

Verse 119:165 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:165] Great peace belongs to those who love Your instruction,

and there is no stumbling block for them.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:165] Great peace belongs to those who love Your law,

and there is no stumbling block for them.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both promise great peace and absence of a stumbling block to lovers of the law/instruction. No claim of immunity from every external hardship is added.

Verse 119:166 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:166] I hope for Your salvation, YHWH,

and I perform Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:166] I awaited Your salvation, Lord,

and I loved Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew performs the commandments; Greek loves them. Both await God’s salvation. Doing and loving are related responses, but one is not silently substituted for the other.

Verse 119:167 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:167] My soul keeps Your testimonies,

and I love them exceedingly.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:167] My soul kept Your testimonies

and loved them greatly.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew moves from my soul keeps to first-person I love; Greek keeps the soul as third-person subject of both keeping and loving. The referent is the same person, but the grammatical change is retained.

Verse 119:168 Divergent

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:168] I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,

for all my ways are before You.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:168] I kept Your commandments and Your testimonies,

for all my ways are before You, Lord.

Classification & Notes

Divergent. Text: Greek adds Lord. Both keep the requirements and testimonies, acknowledging that all the speaker’s ways are before God.

Verse 119:169 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:169] May my cry draw near before You, YHWH;

give me understanding according to Your word.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:169] Twenty-two: Thau.

Let my supplication draw near before You, Lord;

give me understanding according to Your saying.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew brings a cry before God and requests understanding according to His word; Greek brings supplication and names His saying. Both preserve the direct appeal.

Verse 119:170 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:170] May my plea come before You;

deliver me according to Your saying.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:170] May my plea enter before You;

deliver me according to Your saying.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both ask that a plea come before God and request deliverance according to His saying.

Verse 119:171 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:171] May my lips pour forth praise,

for You teach me Your statutes.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:171] May my lips pour forth a hymn

when You teach me Your ordinances.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Both wish for lips to pour forth praise. Greek specifies a hymn and when God teaches; Hebrew can give because or when as the connection.

Verse 119:172 Similar

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:172] May my tongue answer with Your saying,

for all Your commandments are righteousness.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:172] May my tongue utter Your saying,

for all Your commandments are righteousness.

Classification & Notes

Similar. Text: Hebrew asks the tongue to answer or proclaim the saying; Greek to utter it. Both ground the speech in all commandments being righteousness.

Verse 119:173 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:173] May Your hand be there to help me,

for I have chosen Your precepts.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:173] Let Your hand be for saving me,

for I chose Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew asks God’s hand for help; Greek for saving. Both ground the request in the speaker’s choice of divine requirements.

Verse 119:174 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:174] I long for Your salvation, YHWH,

and Your instruction is my delight.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:174] I longed for Your salvation, Lord,

and Your law is my meditation.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Both long for divine salvation; Hebrew calls instruction delight, Greek calls law meditation.

Verse 119:175 Different

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:175] May my soul live and praise You,

and may Your judgments help me.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:175] My soul will live and praise You,

and Your judgments will help me.

Classification & Notes

Different. Text: Hebrew prays that the soul may live and praise, with judgments helping; Greek states future life, praise and help. Hebrew judgments is defectively written plural, confirmed by its plural verb; Greek neuter plural judgments conventionally takes a singular verb.

Verse 119:176 Same

Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)

[119:176] I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek Your servant,

for I have not forgotten Your commandments.

Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)

[118:176] I wandered like a lost sheep;

seek Your servant, for I did not forget Your commandments.

Classification & Notes

Same. Text: Both confess wandering like a lost sheep, ask God to seek His servant and deny forgetting the commandments. The confession and the claim of remembrance are both retained without resolving their tension by adding a specific lost condition. Saints: Augustine, Exposition §172, reads the lost sheep corporately as people still being gathered by Christ the Shepherd. This is ecclesial reception. [AUG-PS119-SHORT]

Sources

Psalm 119 — Hebrew and Greek compared

Psalm 119

Wholehearted devotion to divine instruction

Hebrew source · Psalm 119 · Mechon Mamre

Greek source · Psalm 118 · LXX