Psalm 126

New International Version

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

¹When the Lord restored^(A) the fortunes of^[a] Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.^[b]
²Our mouths were filled with laughter,^(B)
    our tongues with songs of joy.^(C)
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things^(D) for them.”
³The Lord has done great things^(E) for us,
    and we are filled with joy.^(F)

⁴Restore our fortunes,^[c]^(G) Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.^(H)
⁵Those who sow with tears^(I)
    will reap^(J) with songs of joy.^(K)
⁶Those who go out weeping,^(L)
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

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Footnotes

Psalm 126:1 Or Lord brought back the captives to
Psalm 126:1 Or those restored to health
Psalm 126:4 Or Bring back our captives

Psalm 129

New International Version

Psalm 129

A song of ascents.

¹“They have greatly oppressed^(A) me from my youth,”^(B)
    let Israel say;^(C)
²“they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
    but they have not gained the victory^(D) over me.
³Plowmen have plowed my back
    and made their furrows long.
⁴But the Lord is righteous;^(E)
    he has cut me free^(F) from the cords of the wicked.”^(G)

⁵May all who hate Zion^(H)
    be turned back in shame.^(I)
⁶May they be like grass on the roof,^(J)
    which withers^(K) before it can grow;
⁷a reaper cannot fill his hands with it,^(L)
    nor one who gathers fill his arms.
⁸May those who pass by not say to them,
    “The blessing of the Lord be on you;
    we bless you^(M) in the name of the Lord.”