As in the first strophe the psalmist again pleads for Yahweh’s protection and promises to praise him publicly if he answers his prayer. Verse 5a expresses the same thought as verse 1a. In verse 5b-c Good News Translation has not reproduced the form of the Hebrew text, in which the psalmist quotes himself (see Revised Standard Version). A translator should feel free to follow the form of the Hebrew, if that represents a natural way to quote or refer to one’s thoughts, ideas, or prayers. For the language of verse 5b, see 46.1 and comments; and for the language of verse 5c, see 16.5; 119.57. Instead of “you are all I want” as the translation of “portion, share,” the meaning can be “all I need” or “all I have” (New Jerusalem Bible, New English Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy). The phrase the land of the living means “in this life” (see 27.13; 52.5), as Good News Translation and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy translate. Bible en français courant has “in this land where we live.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has “you give me all I need in life” as a translation of verse 5c.
In verse 6b for I am brought very low, see 79.8c; 116.6b. New International Version has “I am in desperate need,” and New Jerusalem Bible “I am miserably weak.” For the language of verse 6c-d, see 18.17. Revised Standard Version connects verse 6c-d to verse 7 rather than to verse 6a-b. No other translation consulted does this.
In verse 7 the word translated prison (Revised Standard Version and most other translations) occurs elsewhere only in Isaiah 24.22; 42.7. It is probable that here the word is used figuratively of distress, troubles, difficulties. It is possible, however, that the word is used literally, and that the psalmist was a prisoner. Dahood takes it to mean Sheol, the world of the dead. If the translator follows Good News Translation‘s “distress” or prison, in some languages the request will be “untie me from the troubles that hold me” and “untie me from this house of iron,” or “… house of captives.” In verse 7a me translates “my nefesh” (see 3.2). For I may give thanks to thy name, see 5.11.
The verb translated surround is taken by some to mean “to place a wreath on, to crown” (so New English Bible “shall crown me with garlands”). Cohen takes the language to mean “because of me the righteous will crown themselves,” that is, will celebrate, will rejoice triumphantly. Good News Translation takes The righteous will surround me to mean “in the assembly of your people,” that is, in public worship in the Temple, where the psalmist will go to praise Yahweh for having answered his prayer for help. No other translation consulted is this specific; most are like Bible en français courant “in the circle of those who are faithful,” indicating an informal gathering of the psalmist’s friends. So a translation can read “May the righteous join with me in praise, because….” Good News Translation connects line c with line b (so Bible en français courant, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). The language of the last line of verse 7 is similar to that in 13.6b; 116.7b.
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 .