1 B y the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

¶ By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 O n the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof;

3 F or there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

when there, those that carried us away captive asked us for the words of the song; with our harps of joy hung upon the willows saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

4 H ow can we sing Yahweh’s song in a foreign land?

How shall we sing the song of the LORD in the land of strangers?

5 I f I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, my right hand shall be forgotten.

6 L et my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you; if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

If I do not remember thee, my tongue shall cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I do not prefer to lift up Jerusalem as my chief joy.

7 R emember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”

¶ Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation thereof.

8 D aughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewards thee as thou hast served us.

9 H appy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.

Happy shall he be, that takes and dashes thy offspring against the stones.