In verse 107 the psalmist once more complains of his troubles: I am sorely afflicted; see “affliction” in verse 92b. His prayer for help, give me life … according to thy word, is like the one in verse 25b; see also similar pleas in verses 28b, 37b, 40b.

In verse 108 my offerings of praise translates “the voluntary offerings of my mouth”; the psalmist’s prayer is likened to a sacrifice which he offers to God. New International Version translates “the willing praise of my mouth,” and New English Bible “the willing tribute of my lips.” For verse 108b see verses 12b, 26b, 64b.

Line a in verse 109 in Hebrew is “My nefesh is in my hand always,” a way of saying “I risk my life” (see Judges 12.3; 1 Sam 28.21); see New American Bible “constantly I take my life in my hands.” New Jerusalem Bible has “my life is always in danger,” and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “I am always in danger of death.” The psalmist’s life is in danger because of his devotion to the law of God (see verses 23, 161). Revised Standard Version‘s literal translation I hold my life in my hand continually carries little meaning. Good News Translation has an alternative rendering in the footnote, which may be preferable to the rendering in the text (see New Jerusalem Bible, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, Bible en français courant, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy). For verse 109b see verse 61b.

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 .