In verse 10a loathed translates a verb expressing deep dislike, revulsion, disgust. The sentiment is not as much of anger or indignation (New International Version, New English Bible) as it is of disgust; see this verb in 119.158a; 139.21b. For forty years see Numbers 14.33-34.

In verse 10b err in heart means to be “disloyal” (Good News Translation), perverse, fickle (New Jerusalem Bible), parallel with line c they do not regard my ways, that is, “They refuse to obey my commands.”

God was angry with them and swore that that generation, that is, all the adults who had left Egypt, would never enter the Promised Land, Canaan, which is here called my rest, that is, “my resting-place.” This is the place where God “rests” (see also 132.8, 14), and where the people would also enjoy rest after their years of wandering in the wilderness (see Deut 12.9). In some languages it will be best to avoid Good News Translation‘s “those people,” verse 10a, and to speak of “your ancestors” as in verse 8. Modern translations are divided in the expression of my rest. Many express it as “God’s rest,” while others, like Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, render it as giving rest to the people.

Verses 8-11 are quoted in Hebrews 3.7-11, substantially as they appear in the Septuagint; references are made to the same passage in the rest of the chapter and in the following chapter in Hebrews.

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 .