Waiata 23

1 He himene na Rawiri. Ko Ihowa toku hepara; e kore ahau e hapa.

Yahweh, you [care for] me [like] a shepherd [cares for his sheep]. [So] I have everything that I need.

2 Ko ia hei mea kia takoto ahau ki nga wahi tarutaru hou: e arahi ana ia i ahau ki te taha o nga wai ata rere.

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 Ko ia hei whakahoki ake i toku wairua: e arahi ana ia i ahau i nga ara o te tika, he whakaaro ki tona ingoa.

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 Ae, ahakoa haere ahau i te awaawa o te atarangi o te mate, kahore he kino e wehi ai ahau: no te mea kei toku taha koe; ko tau rakau, ko tau tokotoko, ko ena hei oranga ngakau moku.

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 E taka ana e koe he tepu ki toku aroaro i te tirohanga a oku hoariri, e whakawahia ana e koe toku matenga ki te hinu, purena tonu taku kapu.

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 He pono e aru i ahau te pai me te atawhai i nga ra katoa e ora ai ahau, a ka noho ahau ki te whare o Ihowa ake tonu atu.

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.