OET interlinear PSA 51:18

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

צִיּ֑וֹן

(Some words not found in UHB: that/for/because/then/when not delight_in sacrifice and,I_will_give_[it] burnt_offering not pleased )

David is using Mount Zion, the location of the Israelite capital city of Jerusalem, to represent the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the people of Israel]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

בִ֭⁠רְצוֹנְ⁠ךָ

(Some words not found in UHB: that/for/because/then/when not delight_in sacrifice and,I_will_give_[it] burnt_offering not pleased )

The noun that the ULT translates as acceptance here comes from the same root as the verb that it translates as “accept” in verse 16. However, the perspective is broader here. David is not asking God to Do good to Zion based on God’s acceptance of him personally as a penitent and forgiven sinner. Instead, he is asking that all of the people of Israel would experience God’s renewed favor now that he, as their king, has repented. Your language may have a term that you can use in your translation to indicate this. Alternate translation: [in your favor]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

תִּ֝בְנֶ֗ה חוֹמ֥וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם

(Some words not found in UHB: that/for/because/then/when not delight_in sacrifice and,I_will_give_[it] burnt_offering not pleased )

David is speaking as if Jerusalem did not have walls, and he wanted God to build some for the city. He is using Jerusalem to represent the people of Israel and walls to represent their protection. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [strengthen the defenses of Israel] or [strongly protect us Israelites]