< Amahubo 23 >
1 INkosi ingumelusi wami, kangiyikuswela.
Yahweh, you [care for] me [like] a shepherd [cares for his sheep]. [So] I have everything that I need.
2 Iyangilalisa emadlelweni aluhlaza; iyangiholela emanzini okuphumula.
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 Ibuyisa umphefumulo wami, ingiholele endleleni zokulunga ngenxa yebizo layo.
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 Yebo, loba ngihamba esihotsheni sethunzi lokufa, kangiyikwesaba okubi, ngoba wena ulami; intonga yakho lodondolo lwakho, khona kuyangiduduza.
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 Uyalungisa itafula phambi kwami ngaphambi kwezitha zami; ugcoba ikhanda lami ngamafutha, inkezo yami iyaphuphuma.
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 Isibili okuhle lesihawu kuzangilandela insuku zonke zempilo yami; njalo ngizahlala endlini yeNkosi kuze kube nininini.
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.