Amahubo 127

1 Uba iNkosi ingayakhi indlu, basebenzela ize kiyo abayakhayo. Uba iNkosi ingawulondolozi umuzi, umlindi ulindela ize.

A Song of Degrees. Except the Lord build the house, they that build labour in vain: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches in vain.

2 Kuyize kini ukuthi livuke ngovivi, lihlale kuze kube sebusuku, lidle ukudla kosizi; ngokunjalo iyamnika ubuthongo othandiweyo wayo.

It is vain for you to rise early: you rise up after resting, you that eat the bread of grief; while he gives sleep to his beloved.

3 Khangela, abantwana bayilifa leNkosi, isithelo sesizalo singumvuzo.

Behold, the inheritance of the Lord, children, the reward of the fruit of the womb.

4 Njengemitshoko esandleni seqhawe, banjalo abantwana bobutsha.

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man; so are the children of those who were outcasts.

5 Ibusisiwe indoda egcwalise umxhaka wayo ngabo; kabayikuyangeka ngoba bazakhuluma lezitha esangweni.

Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them: they shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.