< Psalms 127 >
1 A Song of Ascents. By Solomon. Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.
A song of ascents, of Solomon. Unless Yahweh builds the house, they work uselessly, those who build it. Unless Yahweh guards the city, the watchman stands guard uselessly.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil, for he gives sleep to his loved ones.
It is useless for you to rise up early, to come home late, or to eat the bread of hard work, for Yahweh provides for his beloved as they sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
See, children are a heritage from Yahweh, and the fruit of the womb is a reward from him.
4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
How blessed is the man that has his quiver full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts his enemies in the gate.