Psa 127 | HCSB | STEP | A Solomonic song of ascents . Unless the Lord builds a house , its builders labor over it in vain ; unless the Lord watches over a city , the watchman stays alert in vain .

Psalms 127

The Blessing of the Lord

1 A Solomonic ^{▼▼song of ascents: Probably the songs pilgrims sang as they traveled the roads going up to worship in Jerusalem; Pss 120-134}song of ascents.

Unless the Lord builds a house,
its builders labor over it in vain; ^b
unless the Lord watches over a city,
the watchman stays alert in vain. ^c
2 In vain you get up early and stay up late,
working hard to have enough food –
yes, He gives sleep to the one He loves. ^{▼▼Or yes, He gives such things to His loved ones while [they] sleep
,} ^e

3 Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord,
children, a reward. ^f
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the sons born in one’s youth. ^g
5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. ^h
Such men will never be put to shame
when they speak with their enemies at the city ^{▼▼gate(s): The center for community discussions, political meetings, and trying of court cases}gate. ^j