Psalms 126

A harvest psalm of joy after captivity turned to laughter.

Psalms 126 - Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy

Psalm 126 recalls a moment so joyful it felt unreal, "we were like them that dream," as the Lord reversed Zion's captivity and filled the people's mouths with laughter and singing. This short psalm sits between Psalms 125's picture of settled trust and a fresh plea for continued restoration.


When Jehovah brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, Jehovah has done great things for them.

Jehovah has done great things for us. We are glad.

Turn again our captivity, O Jehovah, as the streams in the South.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.

He who goes forth and weeps, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves.

Its closing image, sowing in tears but reaping in joy, gives <a href="/bible/acv/psalms/chapter-126/5">Psalms 126:5</a> its lasting resonance and anticipates the New Testament encouragement of <a href="/bible/acv/galatians/chapter-6/9">Galatians 6:9</a> not to grow weary in doing good. Read next in <a href="/bible/acv/psalms/chapter-127">Psalms 127</a>, which turns from harvest to household.