| Douay-Rheims (RHE) | New International Version (NIV) |
| 1 (126-1) <A gradual canticle of Solomon.> Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it. | 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. |
| 2 (126-2) It is vain for you to rise before light, rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow. When he shall give sleep to his beloved, | 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. |
| 3 (126-3) Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb. | 3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. |
| 4 (126-4) As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken. | 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. |
| 5 (126-5) Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate. | 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. |
| The Douay-Rheims Bible is in the public domain. (Douay Rheims Catholic Bible Translation Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |