In line a the psalmist says only that he hears many people whispering; in the context it is clear that he is referring to enemies who are plotting against him. So New English Bible “whispering threats.” New International Version and New Jerusalem Bible have “slander,” which is possible but does not seem probable here.

In line b terror on every side! may be taken as what the many of line a are whispering; so, in different ways, New English Bible, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy. This seems to fit the context of a siege. Or else it may be the psalmist’s own perception of his situation: he is surrounded by frightful enemies, who fill him with dread. The expression occurs frequently in Jeremiah (as in Jer 20.3, 10).

Lines c and d are parallel and nearly synonymous; line d makes clear what his enemies are planning to do, that is, to kill him.

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 .