Psalms 40

The psalmist testifies that the LORD pulled him out of a horrible pit and set his feet on a rock. He declares that God desires no sacrifice or offering but an open ear, and says, "In the volume of the book it is written of me -- I delight to do your will." He closes pleading for swift deliverance.

v	King James Version	Modern English
1	I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.	I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned 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.	He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
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.	He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in Him.
4	Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.	Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, Who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to 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.	Many, LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, the things You planned for us. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
6	Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.	Sacrifice and offering You did not desire — but my ears You have opened — burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.
7	Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,	Then I said, "Here I am, I have come — it is written about me in the scroll.
8	I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.	I desire to do Your will, my God; Your law is within my heart."
9	I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.	I proclaim Your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, LORD, as You know.
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.	I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
11	Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.	Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, LORD; let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.
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.	For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me. I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.
13	Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.	Be pleased to save me, LORD; come quickly, LORD, to help me.
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.	May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
15	Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.	May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame.
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.	But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who long for Your saving help always say, "The LORD is great!"
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.	But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; You are my God, do not delay.