Salme 127

1 Dersom Herren ikke bygger Huset, da arbejde de forgæves, som bygge derpaa; dersom Herren ikke bevarer Staden, da vaager Vægteren forgæves.

A song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon. If the Lord doesn't build the house, the work of the builders is futile. If the Lord doesn't guard the city, the work of the guards is pointless.

2 Det er forgæves, at I staa aarle op, sidde længe, æde Brød med Bekymring; thi sligt giver han sin Ven i Søvne.

It's useless to get up early in the morning and go to work, and stay late into the evening, worrying about earning enough to eat, when the Lord gives rest to those he loves.

3 Se, Børn ere en Arv fra Herren, Livsens Frugt er en Løn.

Children certainly are a gift from the Lord, for a family is a blessing.

4 Som Pile i den vældiges Haand, saa ere Ungdoms Sønner.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of a young man.

5 Lyksalig den Mand, som har fyldt sit Kogger med dem; de skulle ikke beskæmmes, naar de tale med Fjender i Porten.

Happy is the father who fills his quiver with them! Such fathers will not be embarrassed when they confront their enemies at the city gate.