1 U nless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

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

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

It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

3 L o, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, the fruit of the womb a reward.

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

4 A s arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of 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 filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.