Psalms 127

1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

1 Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.

2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil, for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

3 Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

3 Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.

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

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.