Amahubo 127

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

Unless Adonai builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless Adonai 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 yadid ·beloved· ones.

3 Khangela, abantwana bayilifa leNkosi, isithelo sesizalo singumvuzo.

Behold, children are a heritage of Adonai. The fruit of the womb is his 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.

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