1{A Song of degrees. Of Solomon.} Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

2It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.

3Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, and the fruit of the womb a reward.

4As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

5Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.