A Song of the Ascents. Of Solomon.

127 Unless Jehovah himself builds the house,+

It is to no avail that its builders have worked hard on it.+

Unless Jehovah himself guards the city,+

It is to no avail that the guard has kept awake.+

 ² To no avail it is for YOU men that YOU are rising up early,+

That YOU are sitting down late,+

That YOU are eating food* with pains.+

Just like this he gives sleep even to his beloved one.*+

 ³ Look! Sons are an inheritance from Jehovah;+

The fruitage of the belly is a reward.+

 ⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man,*+

So are the sons of youth.+

 ⁵ Happy is the able-bodied man* that has filled+ his quiver with them.

They will not be ashamed,+

For they will speak with enemies in the gate.