1 B y the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept when we remembered Zion.

¶ By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 O n the willow trees in the midst of we hung our harps.

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof;

3 F or there they who led us captive required of us a song with words, and our tormentors and they who wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

when there, those that carried us away captive asked us for the words of the song; with our harps of joy hung upon the willows saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

4 H ow shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

How shall we sing the song of the LORD in the land of strangers?

5 I f I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, my right hand shall be forgotten.

6 L et my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I remember you not, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy!

If I do not remember thee, my tongue shall cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I do not prefer to lift up Jerusalem as my chief joy.

7 R emember, O Lord, against the Edomites, that they said in the day of Jerusalem’s fall, Down, down to the ground with her!

¶ Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation thereof.

8 O Daughter of Babylon, who shall be destroyed, happy and blessed shall he be who requites you as you have served us.

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewards thee as thou hast served us.

9 H appy and blessed shall he be who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock!

Happy shall he be, that takes and dashes thy offspring against the stones.