Psalm 126

Zion’s Restoration

A song of ascents.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,[a]
we were like those who dream.(A)
Our mouths were filled with laughter then,(B)
and our tongues with shouts of joy.(C)
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”(D)
The Lord had done great things for us;
we were joyful.(E)

Restore our fortunes,[b] Lord,
like watercourses in the Negev.(F)
Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy.(G)
Though one goes along weeping,
carrying the bag of seed,
he will surely come back with shouts of joy,
carrying his sheaves.(H)

Footnotes

  1. 126:1 Or Lord returned those of Zion who had been captives
  2. 126:4 Or Return our captives

Thanksgiving for Return from Captivity.

A Song of Ascents.

126 When the Lord (A)brought back [a]the captives of Zion,
We were (B)like those who dream.
Then our (C)mouth was filled with laughter
And our (D)tongue with joyful shouting;
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has (E)done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
We are (F)joyful.

Restore our fortunes, Lord,
As the [b](G)streams in the [c]South.
Those who sow in (H)tears shall harvest with (I)joyful shouting.
One who goes here and there weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 126:1 Or those who returned to
  2. Psalm 126:4 Lit stream-beds
  3. Psalm 126:4 Heb Negev