Psalms 127 – NIV & KJV

New International Version

Psalms 127:1-5

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

1Unless the Lord builds the house,

the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the guards stand watch in vain.

2In vain you rise early

and stay up late,

toiling for food to eat—

for he grants sleep to127:2 Or eat— / for while they sleep he provides for those he loves.

3Children are a heritage from the Lord,

offspring a reward from him.

4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

are children born in one’s youth.

5Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame

when they contend with their opponents in court.

King James Version

Psalms 127:1-5

A Song of degrees for Solomon.

1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.127.1 for…: or, of Solomon127.1 that…: Heb. that are builders of it in it

2It 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.

3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5Happy 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.127.5 his…: Heb. filled his quiver with them127.5 speak…: or, subdue, or, destroy