1 (Shir HaMa’alot — Song of Ascents)

In my tzoros I cried unto Hashem,

and He heard me.

2 Save my nefesh, Hashem, from sefat sheker (lying lips),

and from lashon remiyyah (a tongue of deceit).

3 What shall be given unto thee?

Or what shall be done unto thee, thou lashon remiyyah?

4 Sharp khitzim (arrows) of the gibbor,

with burning (charcoal) coals of the broom plant.

5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech,

that I dwell in the ohalim of Kedar!

6 My nefesh hath long dwelt

with him that hateth shalom.

7 I am for shalom;

but when I speak, they are for milchamah (war).