Psalms 137
JPS Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)
World English Bible
1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2Upon the willows in the midst thereof we hanged up our harps.
2On the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.
3For there they that led us captive asked of us words of song, and our tormentors asked of us mirth: 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion.'
3For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a foreign land?
4How can we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?
5If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
5If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.
6Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I remember thee not; if I set not Jerusalem above my chiefest joy.
6Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you, if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7Remember, O LORD, against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem; who said: 'Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.'
7Remember, LORD, against the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem, who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”
8O daughter of Babylon, that art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that repayeth thee as thou hast served us.
8Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who repays you, as you have done to us.
9Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the rock.
9Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.
Tip: use the ← and → keys to turn chapters.