1 If, Yahweh, build not the house, in vain, have the builders of it toiled thereon, If, Yahweh, watch not the city, in vain, hath the watchman kept awake:

2 Vain for you,—to be early in rising, to be late in lying down, to be eating the bread of wearisome toil, So, would he give his beloved one sleep.

3 Lo! an inheritance from Yahweh, are children, A reward, the fruit of the womb:

4 As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so, are the children of young men.

5 How happy the man who hath filled his quiver with them! They will not be ashamed, but will speak with enemies in the gate.