1 W hen the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like those who dream.

When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.

2 T hen were our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

3 T he Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!

The Lord has done great things for us; We are glad.

4 T urn to freedom our captivity and restore our fortunes, O Lord, as the streams in the South (the Negeb).

Restore our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South.

5 T hey who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

6 H e who goes forth bearing seed and weeping shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.