In verse 139 the psalmist expresses his anger at those who disregard Yahweh’s commands (see the same thought in verse 53, and see similar language in 69.9). The word translated zeal by Revised Standard Version has in places the idea of jealousy or fury (see 78.58b, where it is parallel to “anger” in line a). The psalmist says that his anger consumes him; it is like a fire that is so intense that it is about to destroy him. For forget thy words see verses 83b, 109b.

In verse 140 the phrase well tried translates the verb “refine”; see a similar use of the word in 12.6; 18.30 (“proves true”). The idea here seems to be that of dependability, trustworthiness; see New Jerusalem Bible “Your promise is well tested”; New English Bible “tested through and through.” But New Jerusalem Bible has “is exceedingly pure.” Good News Translation “How certain” expresses the idea that God always keeps his promise. For thy servant loves it see similar expression in verse 97a. In some languages the nominal expression Thy promise may have to be rendered as a verb phrase, “What you have promised,” and thus saying, for example, “What you have promised me is very certain” or “The words you have told me are very true.”

In verse 141 the psalmist refers to himself as small and despised (see 68.27 [“the least”] and 22.6). Small here means “unimportant”; New Jerusalem Bible has “belittled”; New English Bible “of little account.” For 141b see verses 61b, 83b, 109b.

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 .