Zion’s Captives Restored

A song of ascents.

When the LORD restored the captives of Zion,[fn]

we were like dreamers.[fn]

2 

Then our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with shouts of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The LORD has done great things for them.”

3 

The LORD has done great things for us;

we are filled with joy.

4 

Restore our captives,[fn] O LORD,

like streams in the Negev.

5 

Those who sow in tears

will reap with shouts of joy.

6 

He who goes out weeping,

bearing a trail of seed,

will surely return with shouts of joy,

carrying sheaves [of grain].