When the Lord
brought home
the captives
of Zion,
it seemed to us like a dream.
Our mouths
were filled with laughter,
on our lips
were songs.
For those who are sowing,
in tears are going,
carrying
the seed.
But coming back,
they come back singing,
carrying
the sheaves.
What great things,
what marvels
has the Lord done for us;
for this
we are full of joy.
For those who are sowing…
Those who go sowing,
they are
in sadness,
but when they reap,
they shout for joy.
For those who are sowing…

Harshly have they persecuted me from my youth,
harshly have they persecuted me, let Israel say.
Harshly have they persecuted me from my youth,
harshly have they persecuted me, but have not prevailed.
Ploughmen ploughed my back,
on my back they drew long furrows.
But the Lord who is just
has broken the yoke of the wicked.
But the Lord who is just
has broken the yoke of the wicked.
Let them turn back, all those who hate Zion,
Let them turn back, all those who hate Zion.
May they be like the grass growing on the roof,
that withers before it is pulled out;
with it, the reaper never fills his hands,
nor the gatherer of sheaves his lap.
Let them turn back, all those who hate Zion,
Let them turn back, all those who hate Zion.
Harshly have they persecuted…