Halelu 127

1 I NA aole o Iehova e kukulu i ka hale, Hooikaika make hewa ka poe nana e kukulu: Ina aole o Iehova e malama i ke kulanakauhale, Make hewa ka makaala ana o ka poe malama.

A Song of Degrees. Except the Lord build the house, they that build labor in vain: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches in vain.

2 He mea wale ia oukou ke ala i kakahiaka nui Mahope o ka hoomaha ana, E ai i ka ai o ka hookaumahaia; No ka mea, pela oia e hoomoe ai i kona poe aloha.

It is vain for you to rise early: you rise up after resting, you that eat the bread of grief; while he gives sleep to his beloved.

3 Aia hoi! o na keiki, he hooilina lakou no Iehova mai; A o ka hua o ka opu, he uku no ia.

Behold, the inheritance of the Lord, children, the reward of the fruit of the womb.

4 E like me na pua ma ka lima o ke kanaka ikaika, Pela no na keiki a ka poe opiopio.

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man; so are the children of those who were outcasts.

5 Pomaikai ke kanaka ke piha kana aapua ia lakou; Aole lakou e hilahila, No ka mea, e olelo no lakou i na enemi ma ka puka pa.

Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them: they shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.