1 B y the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down; yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.

2 O n the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

3 F or 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!”

For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that made us wail mirth, Sing us of the songs of Zion.

4 H ow can we sing Yahweh’s song in a foreign land?

How should we sing a song of Jehovah's upon a foreign soil?

5 I f I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

If I forget thee, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget;

6 L et 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.

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to my palate: if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

7 R emember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”

Remember, O Jehovah, against the sons of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, Lay bare, Lay bare, down to its foundation!

8 D aughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.

Daughter of Babylon, who art to be laid waste, happy he that rendereth unto thee that which thou hast meted out to us.

9 H appy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.

Happy he that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the rock.