1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat; and wept when we remembered Sion.

2 We hung our † Gr. organs, or, instruments. harps on the willows in the midst of it.

3 For there they that had taken us captive asked of us the words of a song; and they that had carried us away asked a hymn, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Sion.

4 How should we sing the Lord's song ‡ Gr. on in a strange land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

6 May my tongue cleave to my throat, if I do not remember you; if I do not prefer Jerusalem as the chief of my joy.

7 Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, § Gr. empty, empty. rase it, even to its foundations.

8 Wretched daughter of Babylon! blessed shall he be who shall reward you as you have rewarded us.

9 Blessed shall he be who shall seize and dash your infants against the rock.