Psalms 126

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

1A Song of the Ascents. In Jehovah's turning back <FI>to<Fi> the captivity of Zion, We have been as dreamers.

1A 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.

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

2Then filled <FI>with<Fi> laughter is our mouth, And our tongue <FI>with<Fi> singing, Then do they say among nations, `Jehovah did great things with these.'

2It is vain for you to rise before light, rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow. When he shall give sleep to his beloved,

3 Jehovah hath done great things for us; [and] we are joyful.

3Jehovah did great things with us, We have been joyful.

3Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.

4 Turn our captivity, O Jehovah, as the streams in the south.

4Turn again, O Jehovah, <FI>to<Fi> our captivity, As streams in the south.

4As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken.

5 They that sow in tears shall reap with rejoicing:

5Those sowing in tears, with singing do reap,

5Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.

6 He goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for scattering; he cometh again with rejoicing, bearing his sheaves.

6Whoso goeth on and weepeth, Bearing the basket of seed, Surely cometh in with singing, bearing his sheaves!

6(not in this translation)