complete verse (Psalm 71:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 71:1:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “In you Jehovah I have taken refuge;
    do not allow that I get ashamed.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “O LORD, I have come to you for refuge,
    May I never have to be ashamed.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “LORD, in you (sing.) I ask-for protection.
    Do- not -let/allow me to-be-put-to-shame.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “LORD, I come to you, so that I hide in you.
    Do not give shame to catch me.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Ee Bwana, nimekimbilia kwako,
    nisiaibike milele.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “Yahweh, I have come to you to get refuge/be protected;
    never allow me to become ashamed because of being defeated.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Psalm 71:1 - 71:3

The psalm opens with a prayer for help; verses 1-3 are practically the same as 31.1-3a. For comments on In thee … do I take refuge, see 2.12. I take refuge can sometimes be rendered in a more active sense as “You protect me.”

For a similar translation of put to shame, see 6.10. If the passive is to be avoided, it will be necessary to introduce “enemies” as the agent of shame or defeat; for example, “don’t allow my enemies to defeat me.”

For righteousness in verse 2a, see comments on 5.8.

For incline thy ear in verse 2b, see 17.6.

In verse 3a the Masoretic text has “a rock a place”; some Hebrew manuscripts have “a rock of refuge,” which most translations follow.1-3 Hebrew Old Testament Text Project is of the opinion that the Masoretic text should be followed, even though it is not the original text. The ancient versions represent an assimilation to Psalm 31.2c and do not reflect the original text either. For the figures in verse 3, see 18.2; 31.2. In some languages it will be possible to maintain the figure rock of refuge, provided some adjustment is made; for example, “be like a rock to protect me” or “protect me as a rock protects a person who hides under it.”

In verse 3b the Masoretic text is “to come (or, go) always you have commanded to save me,” which is hard to understand. New English Bible, however, translates the Masoretic text “where I may ever find safety at thy call”; New Jerusalem Bible connects “to go always” with the preceding line, as follows: “Be a sheltering rock for me to which I may always repair,” followed by the imperative “decree my deliverance.” New Jerusalem Bible has “you have determined to save me”; Traduction œcuménique de la Bible and New International Version are similar.1-3 Hebrew Old Testament Text Project also prefers the Masoretic text (“C” decision), which it translates “accessible always, you decided (to save me).” Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy follow the Septuagint and emend the text to a strong fortress (the plural form of the same word in verse 3c; see also 31.2). In some languages it may be possible to say in line b of verse 3 “be like a house with strong walls to protect me” or “protect me as a house with strong walls protects people.”

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 .