In some languages it is not possible for impersonal groups such as nations to perform acts such as being glad. In some languages, therefore, one must translate “people of all nations, be glad and sing for joy.”

For the language of verse 4b, see 45.6b, where the same word translated equity is used. And the verb translated guide is the same one used in 23.3. Thou dost judge the peoples with equity must often be translated idiomatically as “you cut the affairs of people fairly” or “you decide the affairs of men with a straight heart.”

Verse 5 repeats the refrain of verse 3.

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 .