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Psalm 127

English Standard Version

from Crossway
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Ps 121:4) 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Ge 3:17; Ge 3:19; Ps 60:5; Mr 4:26; Mr 4:27) 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. (Ge 33:5; De 28:4; Ps 132:11) 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children[1] of one’s youth. (Ps 120:4) 5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.[2] (Job 5:4) 

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV® ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

Psalm 127

King James Version

1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. 3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. 

King James Bible (1769). Public Domain.
Please note the following exceptions for use and publication in the United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press

Psalm 127

New International Reader’s Version

from Biblica
1 If the LORD doesn’t build a house, the work of the builders is useless. If the LORD doesn’t watch over a city, it’s useless for those on guard duty to stand watch over it. 2 It’s useless for you to work from early morning until late at night just to get food to eat. God provides for those he loves even while they sleep. 3 Children are a gift from the LORD. They are a reward from him. 4 Children who are born to people when they are young are like arrows in the hands of a soldier. 5 Blessed are those who have many children. They won’t be put to shame when they go up against their enemies in court. 

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