Banzembo 127

1 Nzembo ya Salomo. Nzembo ya mobembo mpo na kokende na Tempelo ya Yawe. Soki Yawe atongi ndako te, batongi ndako bazali kosala mosala ya pamba; soki Yawe akengeli engumba te, bakengeli bazali kosala na pamba.

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes in vain.

2 Ezali na pamba nde, bino mpe, bolamukaka na tongo makasi, bolalaka noki te mpe bosalaka makasi mpo na kozwa bilei; pamba te Nzambe apesaka bilei yango kaka na balingami na Ye, wana bazali nanu kolala pongi.

In vain you rise early, and finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.

3 Bana bazali libula kowuta na Yawe, mpe kobota bana ezali lifuti.

Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.

4 Ndenge makonga ezali kati na maboko ya mobundi bitumba, ndenge wana mpe bana oyo moto aboti na bolenge na ye bazali.

Like arrows wielded by warriors, are the children of youth.

5 Esengo na moto oyo atondisi makonga kati na ebombelo na ye ya makonga! Akokufa soni ata moke te tango akosamba elongo na banguna na ye na ekuke ya engumba.

Happy the man who has filled his quiver full of them. He will not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.