In these verses the psalmist recognizes that his life will last for only a little time (see similar language in 39.12). Instead of I am a sojourner in verse 19a, the translation can be “I am here on earth for a short time.” Many translations have “I am a stranger” (see New International Version), but this can be misunderstood by the readers. On earth can be taken to mean “in the land (of Israel),” but earth, meaning the world, seems better.

The request to Yahweh that he not hide his commandments from the psalmist seems strange. It is a negative way of asking Yahweh to reveal, or explain, his commands, and balances the positive request “Open my eyes” in verse 18a. In some languages it will be more natural to use a positive request such as “show me your teachings” or “make me understand your teachings.”

Verse 20 expresses the psalmist’s great love for the Torah. He says that his nefesh (see 3.2) is “crushed with desire.” The verb translated consumed occurs only here and in Lamentations 3.16 (“made my teeth grind”); and the noun translated longing appears only here in the Old Testament. New Jerusalem Bible and New International Version are exactly like Revised Standard Version. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible translates “I love passionately.” “Aches” in Good News Translation is a natural English idiom to express a deep, abiding passion or sentiment. At all times is represented by New English Bible “day and night.”

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 .