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

It was like a dream when the Lord brought back to Zion those who had been held in another land.

2 T hen 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.”

Then we laughed with our mouths, and we sang with our tongues. Then it was 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 and we are glad.

4 R estore our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South.

Bring back our people, O Lord, like the rivers in the South.

5 T hose who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

Those who plant with tears will gather fruit with songs of joy.

6 H e 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.

He who goes out crying as he carries his bag of seed will return with songs of joy as he brings much grain with him.