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.

“A psalm of the steps, or the goings up. By Solomon.” Except the LORD build the house, The builders labor in vain; Except the LORD guard the city, The watchman waketh 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.

In vain ye rise up early, and go to rest late, And eat the bread of care! The same giveth he his beloved one in sleep.

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

Behold! sons are an inheritance from the LORD, And the fruit of the womb is his gift.

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 the warrior, So are the sons of young men:

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 the man that hath his quiver full of them! They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with adversaries in the gate.