1 By the rivers of Babylon we were seated, weeping at the memory of Zion,2 Hanging our instruments of music on the trees by the waterside.3 For there those who had taken us prisoners made request for a song; and those who had taken away all we had gave us orders to be glad, saying, Give us one of the songs of Zion.4 How may we give the Lord's song in a strange land?5 If I keep not your memory, O Jerusalem, let not my right hand keep the memory of its art.6 If I let you go out of my thoughts, and if I do not put Jerusalem before my greatest joy, let my tongue be fixed to the roof of my mouth.7 O Lord, keep in mind against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem; how they said, Let it be uncovered, uncovered even to its base.8 O daughter of Babylon, whose fate is destruction; happy is the man who does to you what you have done to us.9 Happy is the man who takes your little ones, crushing them against the rocks.

1 By die riviere van Babel, daar het ons gesit, ook geween as ons aan Sion dink.2 Aan die wilgerbome wat daarin is, het ons ons siters opgehang.3 Want daar het hulle wat ons as gevangenes weggevoer het, van ons die woorde van 'n lied gevra en hulle wat ons verdruk het, vreugde, deur te sê: Sing vir ons 'n Sionslied.4 Hoe sou ons die lied van die HERE kan sing in 'n vreemde land?5 As ek jou vergeet, o Jerusalem, laat my regterhand dan homself vergeet!6 Laat my tong kleef aan my verhemelte as ek aan jou nie dink nie, as ek Jerusalem nie verhef bo my hoogste vreugde nie.7 HERE, bring in herinnering vir die kinders van Edom die dag van Jerusalem, hulle wat gesê het: Breek weg, breek weg, tot op die grond met hom!8 o Dogter van Babel, jy verwoeste, gelukkig is hy wat jou sal vergeld wat jy ons aangedoen het!9 Gelukkig is hy wat jou kinders gryp en verpletter teen die rots!