Halelu 127

1 I NA aole o Iehova e kukulu i ka hale, Hooikaika make hewa ka poe nana e kukulu: Ina aole o Iehova e malama i ke kulanakauhale, Make hewa ka makaala ana o ka poe malama.

Unless Jehovah builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless Jehovah guards the city, the watchman wake but in vain.

2 He mea wale ia oukou ke ala i kakahiaka nui Mahope o ka hoomaha ana, E ai i ka ai o ka hookaumahaia; No ka mea, pela oia e hoomoe ai i kona poe aloha.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of toil, for so he gives sleep to his beloved.

3 Aia hoi! o na keiki, he hooilina lakou no Iehova mai; A o ka hua o ka opu, he uku no ia.

Lo, sons are a heritage of Jehovah, and the fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 E like me na pua ma ka lima o ke kanaka ikaika, Pela no na keiki a ka poe opiopio.

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth.

5 Pomaikai ke kanaka ke piha kana aapua ia lakou; Aole lakou e hilahila, No ka mea, e olelo no lakou i na enemi ma ka puka pa.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They shall not be put to shame when they speak with their enemies in the gate.