In verse 60 the psalmist promises that he will immediately put God’s laws into practice. In line a two verbal phrases say exactly the same thing: I hasten … (I) do not delay. Saying something positively and then the same thing negatively is in Hebrew a stylistic means for adding emphasis. The translator should find an equivalent style structure to do the same, and if there is none, it may be wise to avoid the repetition.

In verse 61 the psalmist again refers to his enemies, who have tried to catch him with their cords (literally “they surround me with cords”). The figure is that of hunters who are trying to trap animals with their nets (see 18.5). It is not clear whether the Hebrew means that his enemies have caught him (as Revised Standard Version, New International Version, and others interpret) or that they are trying to catch him and he avoids their trap (as Good News Translation and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy interpret). Either is possible, and one cannot be dogmatic about the matter.

In verse 61b forget means to disregard, neglect, pay no attention to (see verse 16b).

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 .