Using metaphors which were familiar to his readers, the psalmist in verses 5-6 shows how good Yahweh has been to him. (1) Yahweh, he says, is my chosen portion (literally “the portion of my share”; see discussion in 11.6 on “the portion of their cup”). This is language which reflects the division of the land of Canaan among the various tribes, each tribe being allotted its share of the land, except the tribe of Levi; the LORD himself was its share (Deut 10.8-9). Here, in a striking reversal of the figure, the psalmist says that Yahweh has been allotted to him. This may be difficult to express in translation. Good News Translation has made the rendering of verse 5 more personal by employing direct address. This model can be followed in many languages. Because of the historical reference in the term portion, referring to the division of the land, it may be necessary to say, for example, “LORD, you are what I inherit.” It may be necessary to explain “inherit” in this context in a footnote.
(2) Yahweh is my cup, which stands for the destiny that God assigns him (see 11.6). Biblia Dios Habla Hoy translates somewhat differently, “you fill me with blessings.” Cup, meaning destiny, may require shifting to nonfigurative speech and will often require the use of a clause, as in Good News Translation; for example, “you decide how I will live” or, figuratively, “you make the path where I will go.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch abandons figurative language altogether and translates the line “Lord, you provide me with what I need.”
(3) Yahweh “maintains my lot” (Revised Standard Version holdest my lot). This again reflects the custom of reaching decisions about God’s will, including the division of the land among the tribes, by casting lots (see Num 26.55-56). What the psalmist has comes from Yahweh, who protects and guides him. So the figure means that Yahweh guarantees his future, his destiny. New Jerusalem Bible translates “You control my fate”; Bible en français courant and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch “you hold my destiny in your hands”; Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “my life is in your hands.”
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 .