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Psalm 126

English Standard Version



1 A Song of Ascents. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. (Ps 14:7; Ps 120:1; Ac 12:9) 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” (Job 8:21; Ps 71:19) 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! (Ezr 6:22; Ne 12:43; Jer 31:9; Hag 2:3; Ga 6:9) 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. 

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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 126

New International Version



1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of[1] Zion, we were like those who dreamed.[2] 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes,[3] Lord, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. 

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Psalm 126

King James Version

1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him . 

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

Psalm 126

New International Reader’s Version



1 Our enemies took us away from Zion. But when the LORD brought us home, it seemed like a dream to us. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter. Our tongues sang with joy. Then the people of other nations said, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ 3 The LORD has done great things for us. And we are filled with joy. 4 LORD, bless us with great success again, as rain makes streams flow in the Negev Desert. 5 Those who cry as they plant their crops will sing with joy when they gather them in. 6 Those who go out weeping as they carry seeds to plant will come back singing with joy. They will bring the new crop back with them. 

Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® (Anglicised)
Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.