1

When Sion’s bondage God turn’d back,

as men that dream’d were we.

2

Then fill’d with laughter was our mouth,

our tongue with melody:

They ’mong the heathen said, The Lord

great things for them hath wrought.

3

The Lord hath done great things for us,

whence joy to us is brought.

4

As streams of water in the south,

our bondage, Lord, recall.

5

Who sow in tears, a reaping time

of joy enjoy they shall.

6

That man who, bearing precious seed,

in going forth doth mourn,

He doubtless, bringing back his sheaves,

rejoicing shall return.