In verse 142a the psalmist speaks of Yahweh’s outstanding characteristic–righteousness–as eternal. It is better simply to say “Your righteousness is eternal” (New Jerusalem Bible; similarly New International Version) than to represent the Hebrew literally, as Revised Standard Version does. In languages in which Thy righteousness must be rendered as a verb phrase, one will often have to say, for example, “You are righteous and you will be righteous for ever” or “You are good and you will be good for ever.” In verse 142b is true may be too narrowly understood as meaning there are no errors or mistakes in the Torah. Bible en français courant has “is immutable” (that is, it is always in force); Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch uses two adjectives “true and trustworthy.”

In verse 143 the psalmist again complains of his troubles (line a); but Yahweh’s laws bring him happiness (line b; see verses 24a, 47a, 77b).

In verse 144a the psalmist praises Yahweh’s commandments as righteous for ever. The meaning can be, as New Jerusalem Bible translates, “Your righteous decrees are eternal,” but the former seems preferable. A translation can be “Your commandments (or, laws) are always right (or, just).” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has another interpretation: “through your command justice stands forever.”

The strophe closes with a prayer for understanding, so that the psalmist will live (see similar requests in verses 17, 77, 116). For give me understanding see verse 125a.

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 .