1 We were sitting by the rivers of Babylon. 1 We cried when we remembered what had happened to Zion.
2 On the nearby poplar trees 2 we hung up our harps.
3 Those who held us as prisoners asked us to sing. 3 Those who enjoyed hurting us ordered us to sing joyful songs. 3 They said, "Sing one of the songs of Zion to us!"
4 How can we sing the songs of the Lord 4 while we are in another land?
5 Jerusalem, if I forget you, 5 may my right hand never be able to play the harp again.
6 If I don't remember you, 6 may my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth so I can't sing. 6 May it happen if I don't consider Jerusalem 6 to be my greatest joy.
7 Lord, remember what the people of Edom did 7 on the day Jerusalem fell. 7 "Tear it down!" they cried. 7 "Tear it down to the ground!"
8 People of Babylon, you are sentenced to be destroyed. 8 Happy are those who pay you back 8 for what you have done to us.
9 Happy are those who grab your babies 9 and smash them against the rocks.
