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

A Song of the Ascents. In Jehovah's turning back the captivity of Zion, We have been as dreamers.

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 filled laughter is our mouth, And our tongue singing, Then do they say among nations, `Jehovah did great things with these.'

3 T he Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad.

Jehovah did great things with us, We have been joyful.

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

Turn again, O Jehovah, our captivity, As streams in the south.

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

Those sowing in tears, with singing do reap,

6 H e who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.

Whoso goeth on and weepeth, Bearing the basket of seed, Surely cometh in with singing, bearing his sheaves!