Psalms 127

1 A song of degrees, or Psalme of Salomon. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vaine that build it: except the Lord keepe the citie, the keeper watcheth in vaine.

A Song of Ascents. Solomon’s. If, Yahweh, build not the house, in vain, have the builders of it toiled thereon, If, Yahweh, watch not the city, in vain, hath the watchman kept awake:

2 It is in vaine for you to rise earely, and to lie downe late, and eate the bread of sorow: but he wil surely giue rest to his beloued.

Vain for you, —to be early in rising, to be late in lying down, to be eating the bread of wearisome toil, So, would he give his beloved one sleep.

3 Beholde, children are the inheritance of the Lord, and the fruite of the wombe his rewarde.

Lo! an inheritance from Yahweh, are children, A reward, the fruit of the womb:

4 As are the arrowes in the hand of ye strong man: so are the children of youth.

As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so, are the children of young men.

5 Blessed is the man, that hath his quiuer full of them: for they shall not be ashamed, when they speake with their enemies in the gate.

How happy the man who hath filled his quiver with them! They will not be ashamed, but will speak with enemies in the gate.