English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
1
It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles.
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. ”
2
We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations - "God was wonderful to them!"
3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.
3
God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb!
4
And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
5
So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
6
So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.