Psalms 137

1 A Psalm of David: to Jeremiah. Above the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept, while we remembered Zion.

Sur les bords des fleuves de Babylone, Nous étions assis et nous pleurions, En nous souvenant de Sion.

2 By the willow trees, in their midst, we hung up our instruments.

Aux saules de la contrée Nous avions suspendu nos harpes.

3 For, in that place, those who led us into captivity questioned us about the words of the songs. And those who carried us away said: “Sing us a hymn from the songs of Zion.”

Là, nos vainqueurs nous demandaient des chants, Et nos oppresseurs de la joie: Chantez-nous quelques-uns des cantiques de Sion!

4 How can we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land?

Comment chanterions-nous les cantiques de l’Éternel Sur une terre étrangère?

5 If I ever forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten.

Si je t’oublie, Jérusalem, Que ma droite m’oublie!

6 May my tongue adhere to my jaws, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem first, as the beginning of my joy.

Que ma langue s’attache à mon palais, Si je ne me souviens de toi, Si je ne fais de Jérusalem Le principal sujet de ma joie!

7 O Lord, call to mind the sons of Edom, in the day of Jerusalem, who say: “Despoil it, despoil it, even to its foundation.”

Éternel, souviens-toi des enfants d’Édom, Qui, dans la journée de Jérusalem, Disaient: Rasez, rasez Jusqu’à ses fondements!

8 O daughter of Babylon, have pity. Blessed is he who will repay you with your payment, which you have paid to us.

Fille de Babylone, la dévastée, Heureux qui te rend la pareille, Le mal que tu nous as fait!

9 Blessed is he who will take hold of your little ones and dash them against the rock.

Heureux qui saisit tes enfants, Et les écrase sur le roc!