King James Version KJV
Good News Translation GNT
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
1
I waited patiently for the Lord's help; then he listened to me and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
2
He pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand. He set me safely on a rock and made me secure.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
3
He taught me to sing a new song, a song of praise to our God. Many who see this will take warning and will put their trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
4
Happy are those who trust the Lord, who do not turn to idols or join those who worship false gods.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
5
You have done many things for us, O Lord our God; there is no one like you! You have made many wonderful plans for us. I could never speak of them all - their number is so great!
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
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You do not want sacrifices and offerings; you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar or for sacrifices to take away sins. Instead, you have given me ears to hear you,
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
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and so I answered, "Here I am; your instructions for me are in the book of the Law.
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
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How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart."
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
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In the assembly of all your people, Lord, I told the good news that you save us. You know that I will never stop telling it.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
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I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent about your loyalty and constant love.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
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Lord, I know you will never stop being merciful to me. Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.
12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
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I am surrounded by many troubles - too many to count! My sins have caught up with me, and I can no longer see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and I have lost my courage.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
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Save me, Lord! Help me now!
14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
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May those who try to kill me be completely defeated and confused. May those who are happy because of my troubles be turned back and disgraced.
15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
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May those who make fun of me be dismayed by their defeat.
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
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May all who come to you be glad and joyful. May all who are thankful for your salvation always say, "How great is the Lord!"
17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
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I am weak and poor, O Lord, but you have not forgotten me. You are my savior and my God - hurry to my aid!
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.