A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,  * 126:1 Or Lord returned those of Zion who had been captives

we were like those who dream.  * 126:1 Ps 85:1; Jr 29:14

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter then,  * 126:2 Jb 8:21

and our tongues with shouts of joy.  * 126:2 Ps 51:14

Then they said among the nations,

"The Lord has done great things for them."  * 126:2 Ps 71:19

3 The Lord had done great things for us;

we were joyful.  * 126:3 Is 25:9

4 Restore our fortunes,  * 126:4 Or Return our captivesLord,

like watercourses in the Negev.  * 126:4 Is 35:6; 43:19

5 Those who sow in tears

will reap with shouts of joy.  * 126:5 Jr 31:9

6 Though one goes along weeping,

carrying the bag of seed,

he will surely come back with shouts of joy,

carrying his sheaves.  * 126:6 Is 35:10; 51:11