Deliverance or “Victory” translates the Hebrew word for “salvation” or “help” (see verse 2); the precise meaning of the word is determined by the context. So the translations vary here: “salvation” (An American Translation, New Jerusalem Bible), “help” (Moffatt), “victory” (New English Bible), “deliverance” (New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible).

Belongs to the LORD: the literal Hebrew expression “to (or, of) the LORD the salvation” will require some restructuring in many languages. Often a causative relation must be expressed to show that it is the LORD who gives the victory; for example, “The LORD makes his people triumph” or “The LORD causes his people to be safe from danger.”

In line b Yahweh is addressed directly in the second person (Revised Standard Version thy blessing); to avoid a switch of persons, Good News Translation retains the third person referent of line a. Blessing is the broadest term possible that includes all the benefits that God bestows on his people, the people of Israel.

New English Bible has an alternative rendering in a footnote: “O LORD of salvation, May thy blessing rest upon thy people.”

In some languages the term used for blessing tends to be a verbal act only; for example, “God speaks well of them.” However, it would seem that a more positive beneficial result is expected in such contexts as this. Other more satisfactory expressions may be “You, God, give good gifts” or “You give kindness and good things.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .