Amahubo 127

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

[A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.] Unless YHWH builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless YHWH watches over the city, the watchman guards it 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 up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

3 Khangela, abantwana bayilifa leNkosi, isithelo sesizalo singumvuzo.

Look, children are a heritage of YHWH. The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Njengemitshoko esandleni seqhawe, banjalo abantwana bobutsha.

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

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

Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.