It is not certain whether the house in line a refers literally to a home or some other building, or figuratively to a family; some take it to mean the Temple (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), others the palace (Dahood). Possibly the double sense of family and home is intended; but it seems best to translate quite generally “house” or “building.” In languages where there is no general word for building, house will normally be used. In some languages there are many specific terms for “house” according to structure, use, and occupancy. In such languages the translator should use a word for house which is occupied by a family or extended family group. Labor in vain or TEV’s “is useless” may be rendered in some languages, for example, as “It is of little value,” “It does not help,” or “It is worth nothing.” Human labor is in vain unless it is in keeping with the LORD’s sovereign purpose and will.

In the same way the vigilance of the watchman is useless if Yahweh himself does not watch over the city. The form followed by Revised Standard Version Unless … or Good News Translation “If…” is rather difficult; perhaps it is better to imitate Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch and translate “The LORD himself must build the house; if he doesn’t … The LORD himself must watch over the city; if he doesn’t….” The watchman or Good News Translation‘s “sentries” will have to be rendered in some languages as “people who guard the village.” Instead of the literal stays awake in line d, it is better to say “stand guard” (Good News Translation, New International Version), “keep watch” (New Jerusalem Bible, New English Bible), or something similar.

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 .