Psalms 126

1 A Song of degrees. When Jehovah turned the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

A song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. When the Lord brought his people back from captivity to Zion, it was as if we were dreaming!

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing: then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them.

We laughed so much, we sang for joy. The other nations said, “The Lord has done wonderful things for these people.”

3 Jehovah hath done great things for us; [and] we are joyful.

The Lord certainly has done wonderful things for us. How happy we were!

4 Turn our captivity, O Jehovah, as the streams in the south.

Please return and help us again, Lord. Renew us like streams of water that renew the Negev desert.

5 They that sow in tears shall reap with rejoicing:

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy!

6 He goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for scattering; he cometh again with rejoicing, bearing his sheaves.

Those who weep as they go out to sow their seed will be singing in celebration when they carry the harvest home.