Psalms 126

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.

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

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

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

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,

2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

2Then our mouths were full of laughing, and our tongues gave a glad cry; they said among the nations, The Lord has 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.'

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

3The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

3The Lord has done great things for us; because of which we are glad.

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

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

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

4Let our fate be changed, O Lord, like the streams in the South.

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

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.

5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

5Those who put in seed with weeping will get in the grain with cries of joy.

5Those sowing in tears, with singing do reap,

6(not in this translation)

6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

6Though a man may go out weeping, taking his vessel of seed with him; he will come again in joy, with the corded stems of grain in his arms.

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