< Banzembo 23 >

1 Nzembo ya Davidi. Yawe azali mobateli na ngai, nakozanga ata eloko moko te.
Yahweh, you [care for] me [like] a shepherd [cares for his sheep]. [So] I have everything that I need.
2 Apemisaka ngai na matiti ya mobesu, mpe amemaka ngai pembeni ya mayi ya kimia.
You [encourage] me [and give me peace]; [you are like a shepherd] who leads [his sheep] to places where there is plenty of green grass [for them to eat], and lets them rest beside streams where the water [is flowing] slowly.
3 Ayeisaka sika makasi ya bomoi na ngai, akambaka ngai na banzela ya bosembo mpo na lokumu ya Kombo na Ye.
You renew my strength. You guide me along the roads that are the right ones [for me] in order that I can honor you.
4 Ata soki nasengeli kokatisa lubwaku oyo etondi na molili ya kufa, nakobanga mabe ata moko te, pamba te ozali elongo na ngai, nzete na Yo ya mobateli ekambaka ngai, mpe lingenda na Yo ebatelaka ngai.
Even when I am walking through very dangerous dark ravines where I might be killed, I will not be afraid of anything because you are with me. You protect me [like a shepherd protects his sheep]. [He uses] his club and his walking stick [to protect them from being attacked by wild animals].
5 Obongisaka mesa mpo na ngai na miso ya bayini na ngai, opakolaka moto na ngai mafuta mpe otondisaka kopo na ngai kino kosopana.
You prepare a [great] feast for me, in a place where my enemies can see me. You [joyfully receive me], [as people joyfully receive the guests they have invited] [by] pouring [olive] oil over their heads. You have given me very many blessings!
6 Solo, na mikolo nyonso ya bomoi na ngai, esengo mpe bolingo na Yo ekobanda kolanda ngai; mpe nakovanda kati na Tempelo ya Yawe kino suka ya bomoi na ngai.
I am certain that you will be good to me and act mercifully toward me as long as I live; and [then, O] Yahweh, I will live in your home [in heaven] forever.

< Banzembo 23 >