Waiata 121

1 He waiata; he pikitanga. Ka anga atu oku kanohi ki nga maunga; no reira nei te awhina moku.

A song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. I look to the hills—but is that where my help comes from?

2 No Ihowa te awhina moku, no te kaihanga o te rangi, o te whenua.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

3 E kore ia e tuku i tou waewae kia nekehia; e kore tou kaitiaki e moe.

He will not let you fall; he who watches over you won't fall asleep.

4 Ina, e kore te kaitiaki o Iharaira e parangia, e moe.

In fact he who watches over you doesn't take naps or fall asleep.

5 Ko Ihowa tou kaitiaki, ko Ihowa tou whakamarumaru i tou matau.

The Lord keeps watch over you; the Lord protects you; he stands right beside you.

6 E kore koe e pakia e te ra i te awatea, e te marama ranei i te po.

The sun won't hurt you during the day, nor the moon at night.

7 Ma Ihowa koe e tiaki i roto i nga kino katoa; mana e tiaki tou wairua.

The Lord will protect you from all kinds of evil; he will keep you safe and sound.

8 Ma Ihowa e tiaki tou haerenga atu, me tou haerenga mai aianei a ake tonu atu.

The Lord will look after you when you leave, and when you return, now and forever.