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

When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

2 T hen filled laughter is our mouth, And our tongue singing, Then do they say among nations, `Jehovah did great things with these.'

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “Yahweh has done great things for them.”

3 J ehovah did great things with us, We have been joyful.

Yahweh has done great things for us, and we are glad.

4 T urn again, O Jehovah, our captivity, As streams in the south.

Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev.

5 T hose sowing in tears, with singing do reap,

Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

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

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