Waiata 126

1 He waiata; he pikitanga. I ta Ihowa whakahokinga mai i nga pononga o Hiona i rite matou ki te hunga e moehewa ana.

A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

2 Katahi to matou mangai ka ki i te kata, to matou arero hoki i te waiata: katahi ka korerotia i roto i nga tauiwi, He nui nga mahi a Ihowa ki a ratou.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said amongst the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

3 He mea nunui a Ihowa i mea ai mo tatou, a e koa ana tatou.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.

4 E Ihowa, whakahokia matou i te whakarau: kia pera me nga awa o te tonga.

Restore our fortunes again, LORD, like the streams in the Negev.

5 Ko te hunga e rui ana i runga i te roimata, ka kokoti i runga i te hari.

Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

6 Ahakoa haere tangi atu ia me te kawe i ana purapura hei whakatokanga; tera ia e haere hari mai ano me te mau mai i ana paihere.

He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.