Faarfannaa 127

1 Faarfannaa Ol baʼuu. Faarfannaa Solomoon. Waaqayyo mana ijaaruu baannaan, warri ijaaran akkasumaan dadhabu. Waaqayyo magaalaa eeguu baannaan, warri eegan akkasumaan dhaabachaa bulu.

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

2 Isin buddeena dadhabbii guddaan argame nyaachuuf jettanii, barii barraaqaan kaʼuun keessan, turtanii rafuun keessan faayidaa hin qabu; inni warra jaallatuuf utuma isaan rafanii iyyuu waan isaan barbaachisu ni kennaaf.

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 Kunoo, ijoolleen kennaa Waaqayyoo ti; iji gadameessaas badhaasa isaa ti.

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

4 Ijoolleen dargaggummaa keessa dhalchan, akkuma xiyya harka goota tokkoo keessa jiruu ti.

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

5 Namni korojoon isaa xiyyaan guutame eebbifamaa dha. Inni yommuu karra duratti diinota isaatiin falmutti hin qaanaʼu.

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