Psalms 126

1 A SONG OF THE ASCENTS. In YHWH’s turning back [to] the captivity of Zion, We have been as dreamers.

“A song of the degrees.” When the Lord bringeth back again the captivity of Zion, then shall we be like dreamers.

2 Then our mouth is filled [with] laughter, And our tongue [with] singing, Then they say among nations, “YHWH did great things with these.”

Then shall our mouth be filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then shall they say among the nations, Great things hath the Lord done for these.

3 YHWH did great things with us, We have been joyful.

Great things would the Lord have done for us, [whereat] we should be joyful.

4 Turn again, O YHWH, [to] our captivity, As streams in the south.

Bring back again, O Lord, our captivity, like rivulets in arid land.

5 Those sowing in tears, reap with singing,

Those that sow in tears shall reap with joyful song.

6 Whoever goes on and weeps, Carrying the basket of seed, Surely comes in with singing, carrying his sheaves!

He goeth forth indeed and weepeth, that beareth the seed for sowing; but he will surely come with joyful song when he beareth [home] his sheaves.