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Psalm 127

A song by Solomon for going up to worship.

If Yahweh does not build the house,
    it is useless for the builders to work on it.
    If Yahweh does not protect a city,
    it is useless for the guard to stay alert.
It is useless to work hard for the food you eat
    by getting up early and going to bed late.
        Yahweh gives food to those he loves while they sleep.

Children are an inheritance from Yahweh.
    They are a reward from him.
The children born to a man when he is young
    are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
        Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
            He will not be put to shame
                when he speaks with his enemies in the city gate.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

Unless the Lord builds(A) the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches(B) over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food(C) to eat—
    for he grants sleep(D) to[a] those he loves.(E)

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward(F) from him.
Like arrows(G) in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.(H)
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents(I) in court.(J)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 127:2 Or eat— / for while they sleep he provides for

127 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

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

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

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

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.