Amahubo 127

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

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes in vain.

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

In vain you rise early, and finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.

3 Khangela, abantwana bayilifa leNkosi, isithelo sesizalo singumvuzo.

Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.

4 Njengemitshoko esandleni seqhawe, banjalo abantwana bobutsha.

Like arrows wielded by warriors, are the children of youth.

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

Happy the man who has filled his quiver full of them. He will not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.