Psalm 126 in Four Modern Versions

New English Bible (1972) The Revised English Bible (1989)

126 126 A song of the ascents 1 When the Lord turned the tide of ’s fortune, 1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like men who had found new health.a we were like people renewed in health. 2 Our mouths were full of laughter 2 Our mouths were full of laughter and our tongues sang aloud for joy. and our tongues sang aloud for joy. Then word went round among the nations, Then among the nations it was said, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ 3 Great things indeed the Lord then did for us, 3 Great things indeed the Lord did for us, and we rejoiced. and we rejoiced.

4 Turn once again our fortune, Lord, 4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams return in the dry south. as streams return in the Negeb. 5 Those who sow in tears 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy. will reap with songs of joy. 6 A man may go out weeping, 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying his bag of seed; carrying his bag of seed, but he will come back with songs of joy, will come back with songs of joy, carrying home his sheaves. carrying home his sheaves.

a like. . .health: or like dreamers. 126:1 like...health: or like dreamers.

New International Version (1978) English Standard Version (2001)

Psalm 126 Psalm 126 Restore Our Fortunes, O Lord A . A Song of Ascents. 1 When the Lord brought back the captives to a Zion, 1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like men who dreamed. b we were like those who dream. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. and our tongue with shouts of joy; Then it was said among the nations, then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for them. 3 The Lord has done great things for us, 3 The Lord has done great things for us; and we are filled with joy. we are glad.

4 Restore our fortunes, c O Lord, 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the . like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears 5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, bearing the seed for sowing, will return with songs of joy, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves with him. bringing his sheaves with him.

a1 Or Lord restored the fortunes of b1 Or men restored to health c4 Or Bring back our captives