In verse 2 to the holy place may mean, as Good News Translation, New International Version, and New English Bible have it, “in the Temple” (New English Bible “sanctuary”); most translate as does Revised Standard Version, to (or, toward) the holy place, which indicates the Most Holy Place in the Temple, where the Covenant Box was kept. In some languages Lift up your hands to the holy place will have to be rendered “Stretch out your arms towards the most holy place” or “Turn your face toward … and raise your hands in prayer.” Good News Translation has added “in prayer” to make clear the purpose of raising the hands, which many translators will also have to do.

The blessing in verse 3 is pronounced on the worshipers; for line a see 128.5a; for line b see 121.2b. It should be noted that you in Hebrew is singular; it is used generically and includes all the worshipers, not just one in particular. Bless you from Zion may have to be recast in some languages to say “May the LORD, who lives in Zion, bless you.”

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 .