May your plunderers be treated the same way,

And all who would devour you be kept at bay.

Over you Your G‑d will rejoice,

As a groom exults in his bride [of choice].

 

May your plunderers be treated the same way. As in Jeremiah 30:15.

And all who would devour you will be kept at bay. As in Isaiah 49:19.

Over you Your G‑d will rejoice. As in Isaiah 62:5.

As a groom exults in the bride. Groom and bride allude to Zeir Anpin and malchut. At present, malchut receives her light from Zeir Anpin, just as the moon receives its light from the sun. But in the future Zeir Anpin will receive from malchut. This will be achieved by virtue of the mitzvot performed by the Jewish people, who are the expression of malchut in this world. This is the meaning of "as a groom exults in the bride."

To read the entire original rhyming translation of Lecha Dodi (without commentary) click here.

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