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Psalms 126

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1When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.

2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing: Then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them.

3Jehovah hath done great things for us, Whereofwe are glad.

4Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, As the streams in the South.

5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

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Parallel translations · Psalms 126:1

WEB · World English Bible (2000)

When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.

KJV · King James Version (1611)

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

ASV · American Standard Version (1901)

When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.

BBE · Bible in Basic English (1949)

When the Lord made a change in Zion's fate, we were like men in a dream.

YLT · Young's Literal Translation (1862)

A Song of the Ascents. In Jehovah's turning back <FI>to<Fi> the captivity of Zion, We have been as dreamers.

DRA · Douay-Rheims (Challoner) (1752)

A gradual canticle of Solomon. Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.

DBY · Darby Bible (1890)

When Jehovah turned the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

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Key cross-references

From the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — verses that illuminate Psalms 126:1.

Job 42:10
And Jehovah turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: and Jehovah gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Luke 24:11
And these words appeared in their sight as idle talk; and they disbelieved them.
Acts 12:9
And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision.
Acts 12:14
And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate.
Psalms 121:1
I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come?
Luke 24:41
And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here anything to eat?

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Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 126

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 126.

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What the Bible says about…

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Be slow to anger, quick to listen, and quick to forgive.

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What does the Bible say about anxiety?

Cast your worries on him, because he cares for you.

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What does the Bible say about depression?

God is closest when you feel furthest from him.

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Keep following this chapter

Topics, people, original-language word studies, and devotionals that touch Psalms 126.

Topics

Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ

Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.

Bible Verses About Anger

The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.

Bible answers

What does the Bible say about anger?

Be slow to anger, quick to listen, and quick to forgive.

What does the Bible say about anxiety?

Cast your worries on him, because he cares for you.

Hebrew & Greek roots

(Hebrew)

This noun refers to the state of being held captive, or metaphorically, a former state of prosperity to which one might return.

ḥesed (Hebrew)

Steadfast covenant love — loyal, kind, enduring.

Verses for moments

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Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.

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Psalm 91

A psalm of refuge — for nights when the world feels louder than your faith.

People

David

Shepherd, psalmist, and second king of Israel — 'a man after God's own heart' from whose line Christ would come.

Places

Jerusalem

Israel's holy city — site of the temple, the cross, and the empty tomb.

Babylon

The Mesopotamian empire that destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC and carried Judah into exile.

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Psalms 127 →

"Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain."