Once again in verse 69 the psalmist refers to his enemies. For Revised Standard Version The godless see verse 51; it is better to translate “proud, insolent, arrogant.” They spread malicious lies about the psalmist, but he is confident of his complete devotion to God. To besmear is to damage the reputation of, give a bad name to, insult. In some languages it is possible to remain closer to the Hebrew “smear” or “plaster” than does Good News Translation; for example, “Proud people cover me with lies” or “Proud people lay their lies on my head.” For verse 69b I keep thy precepts, see verse 56b; for with my whole heart see verses 2b, 10a.

In verse 70 the psalmist says of his enemies: “their hearts are thick like fat” (Revised Standard Version gross like fat). This probably refers to their lack of understanding, of insight into the meaning of God’s law (see similar language in Isa 6.10). See Bible en français courant “they are stupid.” Some take it to mean lack of sympathy or kindness; they are unfeeling and cruel (New International Version “callous and unfeeling”). In some languages it will be necessary to qualify “These men have no understanding” as “They do not understand your law” or “They do not understand what you have taught the people.” For I delight in thy law, see verses 24a, 35b.

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 .