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 Yahweh builds the house, they work uselessly, those who build it. Unless Yahweh guards the city, the watchman stands guard uselessly.

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

It is useless for you to rise up early, to come home late, or to eat the bread of hard work, for Yahweh provides for his beloved as they sleep.

3 Khangela, abantwana bayilifa leNkosi, isithelo sesizalo singumvuzo.

See, children are a heritage from Yahweh, and the fruit of the womb is a reward from him.

4 Njengemitshoko esandleni seqhawe, banjalo abantwana bobutsha.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.

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

How blessed is the man that has his quiver full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts his enemies in the gate.