Nisi Dominus

If the Lord has not built the house,

in vain will those who build it toil.

If the Lord does not protect the city,

those who keep it watch in vain.

It is vain for you

to rise before light.

Get up after you sit down,

you who eat the bread of pain.

The Lord will to his beloved give it in their sleep.

Lord's gift are the children,

His grace is

the fruit of the womb

The Lord will to his beloved give it in their sleep.

Lord's gift are the children,

His grace is

the fruit of the womb (3 times).

Like arrows

in the hand of the mighty,

so are the children of exiles.

Blessed the man

who met his wish of them.

He will not be muddled

when he treat with his enemies

at the gate.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, and now, and ever shall be, and unto the ages of ages.

Amen.

Translated by Pietro Lignola at https://lyricstranslate.com/en/rv-608-nisi-dominus-if-lord-has-not.html