Amahubo 137

1 Emifuleni yeBhabhiloni sahlala phansi khona, yebo sakhala inyembezi, lapho sikhumbula iZiyoni.

By the rivers of Babylon [Confusion], there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion [Mountain ridge, Marking].

2 Amachacho ethu sawaphanyeka eminyezaneni phakathi kwayo.

On the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.

3 Ngoba khonapho abasithumbayo basicela amazwi engoma, labasimotshayo bacela injabulo besithi: Sihlabeleleni enye yezingoma zeZiyoni.

For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion [Mountain ridge, Marking]!”

4 Singahlabela njani ingoma yeNkosi elizweni lemzini?

How can we sing Adonai’s song in a foreign land?

5 Uba ngikukhohlwa, Jerusalema, isandla sami sokunene kasikhohlwe ubungcitshi.

If I forget you, Jerusalem [City of peace], let my right hand forget its skill.

6 Ulimi lwami kalunamathele elwangeni lwami, uba ngingakukhumbuli, uba ngingaphakamisi iJerusalema phezu kwentokozo yami enkulu.

Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you; if I don’t prefer Jerusalem [City of peace] above my chief joy.

7 Khumbula, Nkosi, ngabantwana bakoEdoma, ngosuku lweJerusalema, abathi: Dilizani, dilizani, kuze kube sesisekelweni sayo.

Remember, Adonai, against the children of Edom [Red], the day of Jerusalem [City of peace]; who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”

8 Ndodakazi yeBhabhiloni, ozabhujiswa, ubusisiwe ozaphindisela kuwe isenzo osenze kithi.

Daughter of Babylon [Confusion], doomed to destruction, he will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.

9 Ubusisiwe ozabamba asakaze abantwana bakho edwaleni.

Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.