GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New King James Version NKJV
1 By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and cried as we remembered Zion.
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By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion.
2 We hung our lyres on willow trees.
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We hung our harps Upon the willows in the midst of it.
3 It was there that those who had captured us demanded that we sing. Those who guarded us wanted us to entertain them. [They said,] "Sing a song from Zion for us!"
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For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, And those who plundered us requested mirth, Saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"
4 How could we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?
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How shall we sing the Lord's song In a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [how to play the lyre].
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If I forget you, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget its skill!
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you, if I don't consider Jerusalem my highest joy.
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If I do not remember you, Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth-- If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy.
7 O LORD, remember the people of Edom. Remember what they did the day Jerusalem [was captured]. They said, "Tear it down! Tear it down to its foundation."
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Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom The day of Jerusalem, Who said, "Raze it, raze it, To its very foundation!"
8 You destructive people of Babylon, blessed is the one who pays you back with the same treatment you gave us.
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O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed, Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
9 Blessed is the one who grabs your little children and smashes them against a rock.
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Happy the one who takes and dashes Your little ones against the rock!