Some translations take this verse to be a plea (Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New English Bible, Bible en français courant, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible); others take it to be a statement (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). Either is possible, but a plea seems to fit the context better.

The first plea, From thee let my vindication come, means “Judge in my favor,” “Declare me innocent.” The Hebrew noun translated vindication is used in 7.6 (where Revised Standard Version translates “judgment”); see comment on the word there.

The second petition, Let thy eyes see the right, means “Pay attention to (or, Take note of) what is right.” The psalmist is asking Yahweh to fix attention on, that is, be determined to do, what is fair and right (see comments on “equity” in 9.8b).

“Judge” is expressed in some languages idiomatically as “to cut the words.” If the translator takes this verse as a plea or command, it will often be necessary to complete the thought with a full clause; for example, “cut the words and show that I have done no wrong,” or positively, “cut the words and show that I am right.”

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 .