There is difficulty in understanding the Hebrew text of verse 3b: the verb is defined by lexicons as meaning “to make proud” (see Revised Standard Version footnote). Revised Standard Version, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, Bible de Jérusalem, and New Jerusalem Bible follow Syriac “you have increased my strength” (which may be the best course to follow). Good News Translation takes the meaning to be “with your strength you strengthened me,” while New Jerusalem Bible and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible understand the Hebrew to mean “you inspired me with courage” or “you have stimulated my strength.” Hebrew Old Testament Text Project prefers the Hebrew text, which it translates “you made me bold by giving me strength in my soul.” Bible en français courant has “you have filled me with courage and strength.” For translation suggestions related to “answered me” and “called to you,” see 120.1.

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 .