OET interlinear PSA 39:1

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: writing-quotations

אָמַ֗רְתִּי

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster for,Jeduthun song of,David )

The phrase I said is here represented as introducing a direct quotation although it was likely an unspoken thought. In your translation, use a natural way of introducing unspoken thoughts in your language as modeled in the UST. It may not be necessary to represent this phrase explicitly.

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / imperative

אֶֽשְׁמְרָ֣ה דְרָכַ⁠י֮

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster for,Jeduthun song of,David )

This is an imperative, but it communicates David’s personal resolve rather than a command. If the imperative does not communicate a personal resolve for your readers, then use a form in your language that communicates a personal resolve. Alternate translation: [I resolve to guard my ways]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

אֶֽשְׁמְרָ֣ה דְרָכַ⁠י֮

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster for,Jeduthun song of,David )

David is speaking of his behavior as if it were paths or ways where there could be a guard posted to control access. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [control my conduct]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

מֵ⁠חֲט֪וֹא בִ⁠לְשׁ֫וֹנִ֥⁠י

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster for,Jeduthun song of,David )

David is using the term tongue to mean speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [from sinning by what I say]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

אֶשְׁמְרָ֥ה לְ⁠פִ֥⁠י מַחְס֑וֹם

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster for,Jeduthun song of,David )

David is speaking of restraining his speech as if he were putting a muzzle on his mouth like one would muzzle an animal. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I will keep silent]