Salme 127

1 (Sang til Festrejserne. Af Salomo.) Dersom HERREN ikke bygger huset, er Bygmestrenes Møje forgæves, dersom HERREN ikke vogter Byen, våger Vægteren forgæves.

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes in vain.

2 Det er forgæves, I står årle op og går sent til Ro, ædende Sliddets Brød; alt sligt vil han give sin Ven i Søvne.

In vain you rise early, and finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.

3 Se, Sønner er HERRENs Gave, Livsens Frugt er en Løn.

Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.

4 Som Pile i Krigerens Hånd er Sønner, man får i sin Ungdom.

Like arrows wielded by warriors, are the children of youth.

5 Salig den Mand, som fylder sit Kogger med dem; han beskæmmes ej, når han taler med Fjender i Porten.

Happy the man who has filled his quiver full of them. He will not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.