A Song of degrees.

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

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.

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

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

⁵ They that sow in tears shall reap with rejoicing:

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

A Song of degrees. Of Solomon.

127 Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

² It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.

³ Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, [and] the fruit of the womb a reward.

⁴ As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

⁵ Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.

A Song of degrees.

128 Blessed is every one that feareth Jehovah, that walketh in his ways.

² For thou shalt eat the labour 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 inner part 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 will bless thee out of Zion; and mayest thou see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life,

⁶ And see thy children's children. Peace be upon Israel!