1 [A Song of degrees. Of Solomon.] Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.3 Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, {and} the fruit of the womb a reward.4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.5 Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.

1 'n Bedevaartslied. Van Salomo. As die HERE die huis nie bou nie, tevergeefs werk die wat daaraan bou; as die HERE die stad nie bewaar nie, tevergeefs waak die wagter.2 Tevergeefs dat julle vroeg opstaan, laat opbly, brood van smarte eet -- net so goed gee Hy dit aan sy beminde in die slaap!3 Kyk, seuns is 'n erfdeel van die HERE; die vrug van die moederskoot is 'n beloning.4 Soos pyle in die hand van 'n held, so is die seuns van die jeug.5 Gelukkig is die man wat sy pylkoker daarmee gevul het! Hulle sal nie beskaamd staan as hulle met die vyande in die poort spreek nie.