1 W hen the Lord brought back the captivity of 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 our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue 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, And we are glad.

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

4 B ring back our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South.

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

5 T hose who sow in tears Shall reap in joy.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

6 H e who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, 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.