The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 126
In brief
Psalm 126 is a song of ascents that begins with a memory: the return of the captives to Zion was like a dream, mouths full of laughter, and the nations recognized the great things God had done. The psalm then prays for new restoration, like streams in the Negev. It closes on a famous farming image: those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. It speaks of a hope that passes through tears.
The chapter in 3 parts
1When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.
2Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “Yahweh has done great things for them.”
3Yahweh has done great things for us, and we are glad.
4Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev.
5Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
6He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.
Key verses
When Yahweh 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, “Yahweh has done great things for them.”
The joy is so great that the return seems unreal. It overflows in singing, and becomes a testimony before the nations.
Yahweh has done great things for us, and we are glad.
The people take up for themselves what the nations say: God has done great things. Remembering what God has done feeds gratitude.
Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev.
The prayer asks for renewal again. The streams of the Negev, dry for part of the year, suddenly fill: an image of restoration coming back.
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.
Sowing while weeping is an act of faith: you put in the ground what cost you dearly. The psalm promises that a harvest of joy follows, without saying when it will come.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 126
What does Psalm 126 mean?
It is a song of joy for the return of the captives of Zion from exile, followed by a prayer for a new restoration. It ends with the promise that those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. The message: God's joy follows the tears of those who persevere.
What does it mean to sow in tears and reap in joy?
The verse draws on the image of a sower scattering seed while weeping, for example in a time of famine. It says that the pain is not wasted: a harvest of joy follows. The text does not say when, or in what form. It invites us to keep sowing in faith rather than promising a specific result.
Who wrote Psalm 126?
The title says it is a song of ascents and names no author. The psalm recalls the return of the captives to Zion, which often places it after the exile in Babylon, but the text does not specify the event. It was one of the songs of pilgrims going up to Jerusalem.
How do you pray with Psalm 126?
Begin by reminding God of one specific thing he has done for you, as in verses 1 to 3. Then ask him for renewal in a situation that is still dry (verse 4). Finish with verses 5 and 6, presenting to him what you are sowing today with difficulty: a prayer, a service, a relationship.
Articles quoting Psalm 126
- 20 Bible Verses for a New Baby in Japan: Welcoming a Gift from God
- 16 Christian Wedding Anniversary Messages for Parents and Grandparents
- Luke 8: Jesus Crosses the Storm for One Man
- Matthew 13: Leave the Harvest to the Son of Man
- Mark 10: Crying Out Like Bartimaeus in God’s Presence
- Psalm 133: Unity, Where God Sends the Blessing
World English Bible translation — public domain.