1 Much have they afflicted me from my youth, May Israel now say; 2Much have they afflicted me from my youth, Yet have they not prevailed against me. 3The ploughers ploughed up my back; They made long their furrows; 4But the LORD was righteous; He cut asunder the cords of the wicked. 5Let all be driven back with shame Who hate Zion! 6Let them be as grass upon the house-tops, Which withereth before one pulleth it up; 7With which the reaper filleth not his hand, Nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom! 8And they who pass by do not say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!"