If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth - a fit retribution ... that it; should be struck speechless, as having abused speech to sing joyous strains in forgetfulness of Zion (Ezek. 3:36; Job 29:10).
If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy - literally, 'if I make, not Jerusalem to ascend above the head of my joy' (cf. Isaiah 2:2).