In verse 11a the Masoretic text has “Light is sown,” a statement found nowhere else in the Old Testament; Good News Translation follows one Hebrew manuscript (and the Septuagint, the Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate) “shines” (so Bible de Jérusalem, New Jerusalem Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, Bible en français courant, Revised Standard Version, and others); New English Bible has “A harvest of light is sown for the righteous”; New Jerusalem Bible has “Light is sown for the righteous.” Again Hebrew Old Testament Text Project (“C” decision) opts for the Masoretic text, justifying its decision by referring to Factors 12 (“Other scribal errors”) and 4 (“Simplification of the text”). New International Version translates “Light is shed upon the righteous,” without indicating any textual problem. Light here is, as elsewhere, a figure for God’s salvation, his goodness, his blessing on his people (see 27.1). In verse 11b the upright in heart (see 7.10) is parallel with the righteous in verse 11a.

In languages in which Light dawns for the righteous will simply mean that “the sun comes up where there are righteous people,” the clause must be recast as in Good News Translation. However, in some languages the metaphor of light shining on someone without naming the source of the light will likely be misunderstood. Therefore it may be necessary to shift to a simile and say, for example, “God’s goodness shines like a light on his righteous people.” Line b may be taken as a consequence of line a; for example, “and this brings joy to those who are good.”

In verse 12 Good News Translation, as elsewhere, represents in the LORD by “because of what the LORD has done.” And the Hebrew of the last part of verse 12 is “and give thanks to his holy memorial,” which Good News Translation translates “Remember what the holy God has done, and give thanks to him” (see similar language in 30.4b). But many take the Hebrew “memorial” here to be the equivalent of “name” (as in Exo 3.15; so Anderson); so Revised Standard Version, New English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, New American Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, Dahood. This may be preferable. New Jerusalem Bible has “his unforgettable holiness” (similarly King James Version “give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness”). In some languages it will be necessary to go further than Good News Translation by saying “because of what the LORD has done for you.” Verse 12a and b as restructured in Good News Translation are a command followed by a reason. In some languages this order will be more natural when reversed.

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 .