New Revised Standard NRS
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 it was 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, and we rejoiced.
3
God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
4
And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
5
So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
6 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
6
So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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.