The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Psalms 137

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Psalms chapter 137 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.” — the complete text of all 9 verses is below, free to read online.

1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2Upon the willows in the midst thereof we hanged up our harps.

3For there they that led us captive asked of us words of song, and our tormentors asked of us mirth: 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion.'

4How shall we sing HaShem'S song in a foreign land?

5If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

6Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I remember thee not; if I set not Jerusalem above my chiefest joy.

7Remember, O HaShem, against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem; who said: 'Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.'

8O daughter of Babylon, that art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that repayeth thee as thou hast served us.

9Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the rock.

9 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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