Psalms 129

A Song of degrees.

1 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth — oh let Israel say — 2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me. 3 The ploughers ploughed upon my back; they made long their furrows. 4 Jehovah is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

5 Let them be ashamed and turned backward, all that hate Zion; 6 Let them be as the grass upon the house-tops, which withereth before it is plucked up, 7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand, nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom; 8 Neither do the passers-by say, The blessing of Jehovah be upon you; we bless you in the name of Jehovah!

A Song of Ascents.

1 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up,

Let Israel now say,

2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up:

Yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 The plowers plowed upon my back;

They made long their furrows.

4 Jehovah is righteous:

He hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

5 Let them be put to shame and turned backward,

All they that hate Zion.

6 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops,

Which withereth before it groweth up;

7 Wherewith the reaper filleth not his hand,

Nor he that bindeth sheaves, his bosom:

8 Neither do they that go by say,

The blessing of Jehovah be upon you;

We bless you in the name of Jehovah.