1 E xcept Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2 I t is vain for you to rise up early, To take rest late, To eat the bread of toil; For so he giveth unto 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 giveth his beloved sleep.
3 L o, children are a heritage of Jehovah; And the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 A s arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 H appy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with their enemies in the gate.
Happy 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.