complete verse (Psalm 128:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 128:6:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “and may you have life so that you will see your grandchildren.
    Peace be with Israel.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “May you even see your children
    and great grandchildren.
    May there be peace in Israel!” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “And may-it-be that you (plur.) will-see your (plur.) grandchildren.
    May-it-be that the situation of Israel (be) only good.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “would you really live long to see the children of your children.
    Would peace stays among the people of Israel.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Uje uwaone na wajukuu wako,
    amani iwe na Israeli.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “I desire that you will live many years, long enough to see your grandchildren.
    I desire/ hope that things will go well for the people in Israel!” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Psalm 128:5 - 128:6

The blessing pronounced in these verses seems to be given in Jerusalem itself (for Zion as a name for the Temple or for the city, see 2.6). In some languages from Zion may require additional information to prevent misunderstanding; for example, “May the LORD who lives in his Temple bless you” or “May the LORD bless you from his Temple in Zion.” In verse 5b, instead of see the prosperity of Jerusalem, New Jerusalem Bible and New English Bible translate “share the prosperity of Jerusalem” (see Briggs). All the days of your life comes at the end of verse 5; New International Version places it after the prayer in line a; this is possible and may be followed.

The final wish (verse 6) is that the man live long enough to see his grandchildren. Long life and descendants are considered a blessing from God, as is true in many cultures today.

For the final Peace be upon Israel, see 125.5.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .