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Psalms

A collection of songs and prayers expressing a wide range of emotions and thoughts on faith.

Chapter 118

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1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

*Thank God, for He is kind and has endless love.

2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

*Let Israel now say, God's endless kindness lasts forever.

3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

*Let Aaron's family now say, that his kindness lasts forever.

4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

*Those who respect God should now say that His kindness lasts forever.

5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.

*I cried to God when I was in trouble: God heard my prayer and saved me, giving me a big space to live in.

6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

*God is with me; I have no fear; what can people do to me?

7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

*God supports those who help me, so I will see my wishes fulfilled for those who dislike me.

8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

*Trusting in the LORD is better than relying on people.

9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

*Trusting in the LORD is better than depending on important people.

10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.

*All countries surrounded me: but using the LORD's name, I will eliminate them.

11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

*They surrounded me completely, but in the Lord's name, I will defeat them.

12 They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

*They surrounded me like bees, but they'll be extinguished like fire from thorns. I'll destroy them in the name of the Lord.

13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

*You severely attacked me to make me fail, but the Lord supported me.

14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

*The LORD is my power and joy, and now my rescue.

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

*The joyful, saving voice is in the homes of good people: God's strong right hand does great things.

16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

*The Lord's strong hand is praised: the Lord's strong hand acts bravely.

17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

*I won't die, but live on, and tell others about what God has done.

18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.

*The Lord has punished me severely, but He hasn't caused my death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:

*Let me enter the doors of goodness; I'll walk through them and celebrate God's greatness.

20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

*This is the Lord's door that good people can go through.

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

*I will thank you because you listened to me and saved me.

22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

*The stone that the builders didn't want is now the main stone at the corner.

23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

*This is God's work, and it amazes us greatly.

24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

*Today is the day that the Lord has created, so let's be happy and celebrate in it.

25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

*Please save us now, Lord: Lord, please grant us prosperity soon.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

*Praised is the one who comes in the name of God; we have blessed you from the holy place.

27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

*God is our guiding light; tie the offering securely to the altar's horns.

28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

*You are my God, and I will thank you: you are my God, I will honor you.

29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

*Thank God, because he's kind and his love lasts forever.

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