Psalms 127

1 If people are building a house without [knowing whether] it is Yahweh’s [will to build it], they are building it in vain. [Similarly], if Yahweh does not protect a city, it is useless for guards/sentries to stay awake [to tell people if their enemies come to attack it].

Ein Lied Salomos im Höhern Chor. Wo der HERR nicht das Haus baut, so arbeiten umsonst, die daran bauen. Wo der HERR nicht die Stadt behütet, so wacht der Wächter umsonst.

2 It is [also] useless to arise very early and go to sleep late at night in order that you can work hard [all day] to [earn money to buy] food, because Yahweh gives food to those whom he loves.

Es ist umsonst, daß ihr früh aufstehet und hernach lange sitzet und esset euer Brot mit Sorgen; denn seinen Freunden gibt er's schlafend.

3 Children are a gift [that comes to parents] from Yahweh; they are a reward/blessing from him.

Siehe, Kinder sind eine Gabe des HERRN, und Leibesfrucht ist ein Geschenk.

4 If a man has sons while he is still young, [when they grow up, they will be able to help him defend his family] like [SIM] a soldier [can defend himself if] he has [a bow and] arrows in his hand.

Wie die Pfeile in der Hand des Starken, also geraten die jungen Knaben.

5 A man [who has many sons] is [very] happy, like [MET] [a soldier who has many arrows] in his quiver is very happy. If a man [with his many grown sons is taken] by his enemies to the place where they decide matters, his enemies will never be able to defeat that man, [because his sons will help to defend him].

Wohl dem, der seinen Köcher derselben voll hat! Die werden nicht zu Schanden, wenn sie mit ihren Feinden handeln im Tor.