The LORD’s providential care extends to those who trust in him (verses 18-19). In verse 18a “his eye is on” expresses care and concern (see 32.8). Good News Translation renders the function of the eye with “The LORD watches.” Those who fear him in line a is parallel with those who hope in his steadfast love in line b.

In verse 19a the Hebrew “he saves their nefesh (see 3.2) from death” means he keeps them from violent or premature death caused by illness, calamity, war, or famine. To translate “he saves their soul from death” in English conveys the wrong idea, suggesting immortality or life eternal. Unlike Revised Standard Version, modern English translations such as An American Translation, New American Bible, New English Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, and New Jerusalem Bible do not use the word “soul” in such a context.

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 .