1 E xcept the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

2 I t is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.

3 L o, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 A s arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.

5 H appy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.