Nisi Dominus Frusta

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.    --Psalm 127:1
The coat of arms for Edinburgh, Scotland.

Above the anchor is the motto ‘NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA’ associated with Edinburgh since 1647. The interpretation is ‘Except the Lord in Vain’ and is a normal heraldic contraction of a verse from the 127th Psalm.