The dangers listed in verses 3-5, 6 seem to include both human and nonhuman forces. The latter appear to include demons, but there is no agreement on their identification. In its footnote to verses 5-6, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible points out that the ancient Greek, Aramaic, and Syriac versions used “demon(s)” or “(evil) spirit” in verse 5b.
In verse 3 Good News Translation “all hidden dangers” in line a translates “the bird-catcher’s trap” (Revised Standard Version the snare of the fowler). Many languages will prefer to retain the image of “hidden traps” rather than Good News Translation‘s more generic “hidden dangers.”
“All deadly diseases” in line b translates “the pestilence of destruction” (Revised Standard Version deadly pestilence). The word for “destruction” is used in 5.9b. (King James Version “noisome pestilence” means “a stinking plague.”) The reference is probably to epidemics. Some, however, following the Septuagint and other ancient versions, use other vowel marks with the Hebrew consonants of the word pestilence to get the word “word,” and understand the phrase to mean a plot, or a false accusation, or a witch’s spell.3-4 Hebrew Old Testament Text Project agrees with the change: “from the word (of calamity).” In support of its decision it cites factor 12, “scribal errors.” Dahood uses still other vowels to get the meaning “venomous substance”; New English Bible translates the text “raging tempest.” It seems best, however, to follow the example of Revised Standard Version (and Good News Translation) here.
The first two lines of verse 4 are synonymous: his pinions and his wings are figures of God’s protection. In many languages it will be necessary to recast the imagery in the form of a simile; for example, “he will cover you like a bird covers its young under its wings.”
In verse 4c God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises is the source of security; shield (see 5.12 and comments) and buckler provide protection. The Hebrew word translated buckler occurs only here in the Old Testament; it is variously defined as “tower, bulwark, wall.” Briggs and New Jerusalem Bible explain the term as the participle of the verb “to surround,” and New Jerusalem Bible translates “an encircling shield.” It is recommended that translators follow Revised Standard Version buckler, which was a small shield carried in the hand or worn on the arm, for protecting the body. His faithfulness is a shield must sometimes be recast as two clauses; for example, “God is faithful and will protect you like a shield” or “God keeps his promises and will protect and defend 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 .