Parallel Verses
Holman Bible
A Solomonic song of ascents.
its builders labor over it in vain;
unless the Lord watches over a city,
the watchman stays alert in vain.
New American Standard Bible
A Song of Ascents, of Solomon.
Unless the Lord
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord
The watchman keeps awake in vain.
King James Version
{A Song of degrees for Solomon.} Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
International Standard Version
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor uselessly. Unless the LORD guards the city, its security forces keep watch uselessly.
A Conservative Version
Unless LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless LORD guards the city, the watchman wake but in vain.
American Standard Version
Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.
Amplified
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.
Bible in Basic English
If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.
Darby Translation
{A Song of degrees. Of Solomon.} Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:
Julia Smith Translation
Song of ascensions to Solomon. If Jehovah shall not build the house, they building it, in it labored in vain. If Jehovah shall not watch the city, he watching, watched in vain.
King James 2000
[A song of ascents. Of Solomon.] Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain that build it: unless the LORD keeps the city, the watchman wakes, but in vain.
Lexham Expanded Bible
Unless Yahweh builds a house, its builders labor at it in vain. Unless Yahweh guards a city, a guard watches in vain.
Modern King James verseion
A Song of degrees for Solomon. Unless Jehovah builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless Jehovah keeps the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
{A song of the stairs} Except the LORD build the house, their labour is but lost that build it. Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
NET Bible
A song of ascents, by Solomon. If the Lord does not build a house, then those who build it work in vain. If the Lord does not guard a city, then the watchman stands guard in vain.
New Heart English Bible
Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.
The Emphasized Bible
If, Yahweh, build not the house, in vain, have the builders of it toiled thereon, If, Yahweh, watch not the city, in vain, hath the watchman kept awake:
Webster
A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain.
World English Bible
Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.
Youngs Literal Translation
A Song of the Ascents, by Solomon. If Jehovah doth not build the house, In vain have its builders laboured at it, If Jehovah doth not watch a city, In vain hath a watchman waked.
Themes
Alertness » Who watches in vain
Cities » Protected at night by watchmen
Dependence » Human weakness renders men dependent upon God
Protection » Of God, is » Indispensable
The Providence of God » Man's efforts are vain without
Watchmen » Were stationed » In the streets of cities
Topics
References
Hastings
Word Count of 20 Translations in Psalm 127:1
Images Psalm 127:1
Prayers for Psalm 127:1
Verse Info
Context Readings
The Blessing Of The Lord
1 A Solomonic song of ascents.
its builders labor over it in vain;
unless the Lord watches over a city,
the watchman stays alert in vain.
working hard to have enough food—
yes, He gives sleep to the one He loves.
Phrases
Cross References
Psalm 33:16-18
a warrior will not be delivered by great strength.
Proverbs 16:9
but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 21:30-31
will prevail against the Lord.
1 Corinthians 3:7
So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
1 Chronicles 28:10
Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.”
1 Chronicles 28:20
Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous,
1 Chronicles 29:19
Give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and to carry out all Your commands, Your decrees, and Your statutes,
Psalm 78:69
like the earth that He established forever.
Psalm 120:1
A song of ascents.
and He answered me.
Psalm 121:1
A song of ascents.
Where will my help come from?
Psalm 121:3-5
your Protector will not slumber.
Psalm 122:1
A Davidic song of ascents.
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 123:1
A song of ascents.
the One enthroned in heaven.
Psalm 124:1
A Davidic song of ascents.
let Israel say—
Psalm 126:1
A song of ascents.
we were like those who dream.
Ecclesiastes 9:11
Again I saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift,
Jeremiah 51:12
against the walls of Babylon;
fortify the watch post;
set the watchmen in place;
prepare the ambush.
For the Lord has both planned and accomplished
what He has threatened
against those who live in Babylon.
Zechariah 2:4-5
He said to him, “Run and tell this young man: Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls because of the number of people and livestock in it.”
1 Corinthians 3:9-15
For we are God’s coworkers.
1 Chronicles 22:10-11
He is the one who will build a house for My name. He will be My son, and I will be his father. I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
Psalm 72:1
Solomonic.
and Your righteousness to the king’s son.
Psalm 125:1
A song of ascents.
It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.
Song of Songs 3:3
I asked them, “Have you seen the one I love?”
Song of Songs 5:7
They beat and wounded me;
they took my cloak
the guardians of the walls.
Isaiah 21:5-12
Eat and drink!
Rise up, you princes, and oil the shields!
Isaiah 27:3
I water it regularly.
I guard it night and day
so that no one disturbs it.
Isaiah 56:10
they know nothing;
all of them are mute dogs,
they cannot bark;
they dream, lie down,
and love to sleep.
Isaiah 62:6
I have appointed watchmen on your walls;
they will never be silent, day or night.
There is no rest for you,
who remind the Lord.
Jeremiah 51:31
and herald to meet herald,
to announce to the king of Babylon
that his city has been captured
from end to end.
Ezekiel 33:2-9
“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land select a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,
1 Corinthians 15:14
and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is without foundation, and so is your faith.
Galatians 4:11
I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.