1 W hen Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

When the Lord brought back the captives to 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, “Yahweh has done great things for them.”

Then were our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them.

3 Y ahweh has done great things for us, and we are glad.

The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!

4 R estore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev.

Turn to freedom our captivity and restore our fortunes, O Lord, as the streams in the South (the Negeb).

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

They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.

6 H e who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

He who goes forth bearing seed and weeping shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.