1 “ They have made it hard for me many times since I was young,” let Israel now say.

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth—oh let Israel say—

2 “ They have made it hard for me many times since I was young. But they have not won over me.

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 T hose who plow have plowed my back. And they have made their ditches long.”

The ploughers ploughed upon my back; they made long their furrows.

4 T he Lord is right and good. He has cut in two the ropes of the sinful.

Jehovah is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

5 M ay all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned away.

Let them be ashamed and turned backward, all that hate Zion;

6 L et them be like grass on the roof, which dries up before it grows.

Let them be as the grass upon the house-tops, which withereth before it is plucked up,

7 N o one can pick it and fill his hand. No one can gather it and fill his arms.

Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand, nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom;

8 A nd those who pass by do not say, “May the Lord be good to you. We pray that good will come to you in the name of the Lord.”

Neither do the passers-by say, The blessing of Jehovah be upon you; we bless you in the name of Jehovah!