126:1 A song of ascents.

When the Lord restored the well-being of Zion,

we thought we were dreaming.

2 At that time we laughed loudly

and shouted for joy.

At that time the nations said,

“The Lord has accomplished great things for these people.”

3 The Lord did indeed accomplish great things for us.

We were happy.

4 O Lord, restore our well-being,

just as the streams in the arid south are replenished.

5 Those who shed tears as they plant

will shout for joy when they reap the harvest.

6 The one who weeps as he walks along, carrying his bag of seed,

will certainly come in with a shout of joy, carrying his sheaves of grain.

127:1 A song of ascents; by Solomon.

If the Lord does not build a house,

then those who build it work in vain.

If the Lord does not guard a city,

then the watchman stands guard in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise early, come home late,

and work so hard for your food.

Yes, he provides for those whom he loves even when they sleep.

3 Yes, sons are a gift from the Lord;

the fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Sons born during one’s youth

are like arrows in a warrior’s hand.

5 How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them.

They will not be put to shame when they confront enemies at the city gate.

128:1 A song of ascents.

How blessed is every one of the Lord’s loyal followers,

each one who keeps his commands.

2 You will eat what you worked so hard to grow.

You will be blessed and secure.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine

in the inner rooms of your house;

your children will be like olive branches,

as they sit all around your table.

4 Yes indeed, the man who fears the Lord

will be blessed in this way.

5 May the Lord bless you from Zion

that you might see Jerusalem prosper

all the days of your life

6 and that you might see your grandchildren.

May Israel experience peace.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® copyright © 1996, 2019, used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.