Psalmorum 127

1 Canticum graduum Salomonis. [Nisi Dominus ædificaverit domum, in vanum laboraverunt qui ædificant eam. Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, frustra vigilat qui custodit eam.

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

2 Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere: surgite postquam sederitis, qui manducatis panem doloris. Cum dederit dilectis suis somnum,

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved.

3 ecce hæreditas Domini, filii; merces, fructus ventris.

Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

4 Sicut sagittæ in manu potentis, ita filii excussorum.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.

5 Beatus vir qui implevit desiderium suum ex ipsis: non confundetur cum loquetur inimicis suis in porta.]

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.