King James Version KJV
Revised Standard Version RSV
1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
1
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
2
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
3
Lo, sons are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
4
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
5
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.