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 Except Jehovah build the house,

They labor in vain that build it:

Except Jehovah keep the city,

The watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,

To take rest late,

To eat the bread of toil;

For so he giveth unto his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah;

And the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man,

So are the children of youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:

They shall not be put to shame,

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.