Psalms 127

1 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.

A Song of Ascents. Solomon’s. If, Yahweh, build not the house, in vain, have the builders of it toiled thereon, If, Yahweh, watch not the city, in vain, hath the watchman kept awake:

2 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.

Vain for you, —to be early in rising, to be late in lying down, to be eating the bread of wearisome toil, So, would he give his beloved one sleep.

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

Lo! an inheritance from Yahweh, are children, A reward, the fruit of the womb:

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

As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so, are the children of young men.

5 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.

How happy the man who hath filled his quiver with them! They will not be ashamed, but will speak with enemies in the gate.