126 When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion,
We were like unto them that dream.
² Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing:
Then said they among the nations,
Jehovah hath done great things for them.
³ Jehovah hath done great things for us,
Whereof we are glad.
⁴ Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah,
As the streams in the South.
⁵ They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
⁶ He that goeth forth and weepeth, ^[a]bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

127 Except Jehovah build the house,
They labor in vain that build it:
Except Jehovah keep the city,
The watchman waketh but in vain.
² It is vain for you to rise up early,
To take rest late,
To eat the bread of toil;
For so he giveth unto his beloved ^[b]sleep.
³ Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah;
And the fruit of the womb is his reward.
⁴ As arrows in the hand of a mighty man,
So are the children of youth.
⁵ Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:
They shall not be put to shame,
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

128 Blessed is every one that feareth Jehovah,
That walketh in his ways.
² For thou shalt eat the labor of thy hands:
Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
³ Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine,
In the innermost parts of thy house;
Thy children like olive plants,
Round about thy table.
⁴ Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
That feareth Jehovah.
⁵ Jehovah bless thee out of Zion:
And see thou the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
⁶ Yea, see thou thy children’s children.
^[c]Peace be upon Israel.