In these two verses the psalmist appeals to Yahweh for help; the two verbs in verses 116a and 117a are synonymous, “sustain, uphold, support” (see Revised Standard Version Uphold and Hold … up). For according to thy promise in verse 116a, see verse 58b; and in verse 116b be put to shame means “be disillusioned, be disappointed.” New Jerusalem Bible has “do not thwart my expectation.” In this line hope translates a noun found only here and in 146.5b in the Old Testament; the related verb is found in verse 166. In my hope in both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation does not make clear the object of the hope, which many languages will require. Accordingly one may need to say “… in my hope that you will save me.”

In verse 117b the verb have regard for translates the Hebrew “regard, look at”; some prefer to emend the text to read the verb “be pleased with, take delight in” (as in verses 16a, 47a), but this does not seem warranted.

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 .