Those Who Sow in Tears

Verses 1–3 · remembered laughter and a present drought

1. ^{verse 1}When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers.
2. ^{verse 2}Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
3. ^{verse 3}The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Verses 4–6 · hope that tears sown will become a harvest of joy

1. ^{verse 4}Restore our captives, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
2. ^{verse 5}Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
3. ^{verse 6}He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.