1 A Michtam {miktam: poetic inscription} of David. Protect me, O God {El, Refuge Provider}, for I have taken refuge in You.
2 I said to the LORD {YHWH, Covenant Anchor}, “You are my Lord {Adonai, Faithful Shepherd}; any good in me is not independent of You.”
3 The holy ones {liqdoshiym: set-apart people} who are in the land indeed are the noble ones {addirei: mighty distinguished}; all my delight is in them.
4 The pains of those who hasten after another {akher: foreign one} will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings {niskehem: cultic libations} of blood, nor will I lift up their names upon my lips.
5 The LORD {YHWH, Covenant Sustainer} is the portion {menat helqi: legal inheritance} of my allotment and my cup; You uphold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, a beautiful inheritance {nachalat: allotted portion} has come upon me {alay: rests on me}.
7 I will bless the LORD {YHWH, Source of Guidance} who has counseled me; even at night my kidneys {kilyotay: innermost self} instruct me.
8 I keep the LORD {YHWH, Steadfast Protector} before me at all times; since He is beside me at my right hand, I will not be moved {emot: shaken, unsettled}.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory {kevod: personal honor} rejoices; also, my flesh will dwell in safety {labetach: secure refuge}.
10 For You {YHWH, Protector} will not abandon my soul to Sheol {lish'ol: realm of the dead}, and You will not permit Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence {YHWH, Guide of Life} my joy is complete; at Your right hand {yamin: symbol of strength} are pleasures forever.