The psalmist recounts how Yahweh has protected him. In verse 5a distress translates the same word translated “pangs” in 116.3b; and LORD translates Yah (see comments on 68.4). Set me free translates “in a roomy (or, large) place” (see 18.19; 31.8), thus contrasting with the word for distress, which means a narrow, confined place. From such a restrictive place of imprisonment the psalmist was given freedom to roam about (see comments on 4.1). The language is figurative; the psalmist is not talking of having been released from prison.

The psalmist knows that Yahweh is with him, and so he is not afraid of anyone or anything (verse 6a). The rhetorical question What can man do to me? in verse 6b is a way of stating that he is certain no one can harm him (see 56.4, 11). Verse 6 is quoted in Hebrews 13.6. With the LORD on my side I do not fear is a statement consisting of a reason followed by a conclusion. In some languages this relationship will need to be more clearly marked than in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation; for example, “Because the LORD is with me, I will not be afraid” or “The LORD is with me; therefore I will fear nothing.” In many languages a literal translation of What can man do to me? will be misunderstood. It will very often be necessary, accordingly, to make explicit that the generic do to me means “do evil” or “do harm”; for example, as a statement, “No one can do me any harm” or “No one can harm me”; as a rhetorical question, “Who can do any evil to me?”

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 .