For the thought of verse 103, see similar language in 19.10b. In this verse the word translated sweet occurs only here in the Old Testament. In verse 103a the Masoretic text has the singular “your word”; a few Hebrew manuscripts and the ancient versions have the plural “your words,” which Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, and others prefer. The concept of “sweetness” as applied to Yahweh’s laws means that they are pleasant to learn, to memorize, to practice. In some languages it is natural to speak of some events as being sweet to experience. It is less common for words to be spoken of as sweet; however the expression is sometimes used with the meaning of deception. In languages where this metaphor will have no meaning or will suggest a wrong meaning, it will be best to use a nonmetaphor; for example, “How happy it makes me to learn your law.” Alternatively, the translator may consider adapting the metaphor to the most delicious local food (not all peoples value sweetness as the best taste).

Again in verse 104 the psalmist uses the concept of way to speak of conduct (as in verse 101). Through his study of the Torah he has gained wisdom, and so he hates all bad conduct, that is, all behavior that does not conform to God’s laws. Every false way and Good News Translation‘s “all bad conduct” may appear abstract to the translator in those languages where this expression must be rendered, for example, as “I hate the crooked path that some people go on” or “I hate the evil way some people live.”

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 .