The psalmist now exhorts his people to find out by personal trial and experience the goodness of the LORD, literally taste and see, which may be translated “Try for yourself and find out” (see Bible en français courant). 1 Peter 2.3 uses the same language, based on the Septuagint translation of this passage. The verb ordinarily translated see is derived by Dahood from another root, meaning “drink deeply,” but his proposal has not been widely accepted. In many languages it is not possible to use taste in any sense other than to savor food or drink. Therefore one must often say, for example, “Look and learn” or “See and find out.” In some languages it will be necessary to indicate a relationship of consequence between the second verb and the first; for example, “Look in order to learn” or “Listen so that you can know.”

For takes refuge see comments on 2.12. In some languages the words takes refuge in him must be translated, for example, “who goes to him and he protects them” or “who asks him to defend them.”

The people who are faithful to God are called “his holy ones” (Revised Standard Version his saints; see 16.3); usually “the holy ones” in the Old Testament refer to divine beings. They are also called those who fear him (verse 9). Fear the LORD must often be rendered “Worship the LORD” or “Honor the LORD.” Like the psalmist in 23.1, they “have all they need”; have no want means “lack nothing” (New English Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible).

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 .