This verse is not part of the psalm; it marks rather the close of Book One (Psa 1–41). It is a doxology, in which in response to Blessed be the LORD (see comments on “bless” in 16.7; 18.46), the congregation answers Amen and Amen.

The expression “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel” (Good News Translation) can mean in some languages that these are two different gods. Therefore in those cases one may say “the LORD, who is the God of Israel.”

Amen and Amen is an expression which has been borrowed by many languages, usually with the meaning “that is the end of the prayer.” The word Amen means “So be it” or “It shall be so”–a strong affirmation, expressing approval of and agreement with what has been said. If a translation is to be fully meaningful, even such terms as Amen should communicate their significance. In some languages it is best to avoid the borrowed form and introduce something equivalent to “This is certainly true” or “Indeed this is true.”

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 .