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.

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

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

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 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.'

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

5Those sowing in tears, with singing do reap,

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

6(not in this translation)

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

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.