Psalm 126–127

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

¹When the Lord restoredⁱ the fortunes of^a Zion,

we were like those who dreamed.^b

²Our mouths were filled with laughter,^j

our tongues with songs of joy.^k

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things^l for them.”

³The Lord has done great things^m for us,

and we are filled with joy.ⁿ

⁴Restore our fortunes,^co Lord,

like streams in the Negev.^p

⁵Those who sow with tears^q

will reap^r with songs of joy.^s

⁶Those who go out weeping,^t

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

¹Unless the Lord builds^u the house,

the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches^v over the city,

the guards stand watch in vain.

²In vain you rise early

and stay up late,

toiling for food^w to eat—

for he grants sleep^x to^a those he loves.^y

³Children are a heritage from the Lord,

offspring a reward^z from him.

⁴Like arrows^a in the hands of a warrior

are children born in one’s youth.

⁵Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.^b

They will not be put to shame

when they contend with their opponents^c in court.^d