Luka 1
1 Kwa kuwa watu wengi wamekaa ili kuandika habari za mambo yaliyotukia katikati yetu,
As you know, many others have attempted to put down in writing the things that have been fulfilled that involve us.
2 kama vile yalivyokabidhiwa kwetu na wale waliokuwa mashahidi walioyaona na watumishi wa Bwana,
They based their accounts on evidence from the earliest eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word,
3 mimi nami baada ya kuchunguza kila kitu kwa uangalifu kuanzia mwanzo, niliamua kukuandikia habari za mambo hayo, ewe mtukufu Theofilo,
and so I also decided that since I have followed these things very carefully from the beginning, it would be a good idea to write out an accurate account of all that happened.
4 ili upate kujua ukweli kuhusu yale uliyofundishwa.
I have done this dear Theophilus so you can be certain that what you were taught is completely reliable.
5 Wakati wa Herode mfalme wa Uyahudi, palikuwa na kuhani mmoja jina lake Zekaria, ambaye alikuwa wa ukoo wa kikuhani wa Abiya. Elizabeti mkewe alikuwa pia mzao wa Aroni.
During the time when Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest called Zechariah, who came from the Abijah priestly division. He was married to Elizabeth, who was also descended from Aaron the priest.
6 Zekaria na Elizabeti mkewe wote walikuwa watu wanyofu mbele za Mungu, wakizishika amri zote za Bwana na maagizo yote bila lawama.
They both did what was right before God, being careful to follow all the Lord's commandments and regulations.
7 Lakini walikuwa hawana watoto, kwa sababu Elizabeti alikuwa tasa; nao wote wawili walikuwa wazee sana.
They had no children because Elizabeth wasn't able to have any, and they were both growing old.
8 Siku moja ilipokuwa zamu ya kikundi cha Zekaria, yeye akifanya kazi ya ukuhani Hekaluni mbele za Mungu,
While Zechariah was serving as a priest before God, on behalf of his priestly division,
9 alichaguliwa kwa kura kwa kufuata desturi za ukuhani, kuingia Hekaluni mwa Bwana ili kufukiza uvumba.
he was chosen by lot according to priestly custom to enter the Temple of the Lord and burn incense.
10 Nao wakati wa kufukiza uvumba ulipowadia, wale wote waliokuwa wamekusanyika ili kuabudu walikuwa nje wakiomba.
During the time of offering incense a large crowd of people were praying outside.
11 Ndipo malaika wa Bwana, akiwa amesimama upande wa kuume wa madhabahu ya kufukizia uvumba, akamtokea Zekaria.
An angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
12 Zekaria alipomwona huyo malaika, akafadhaika sana, akajawa na hofu.
When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and became terrified.
13 Lakini malaika akamwambia, “Usiogope, Zekaria, kwa maana Mungu amesikia maombi yako. Mkeo Elizabeti atakuzalia mtoto wa kiume, nawe utamwita jina lake Yohana.
But the angel told him, “Don't be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call him John.
14 Yeye atakuwa furaha na shangwe kwako, nao watu wengi watashangilia kwa sababu ya kuzaliwa kwake.
He will bring you joy and gladness, and many will celebrate his birth.
15 Kwa kuwa atakuwa mkuu mbele za Bwana, kamwe hataonja mvinyo wala kinywaji chochote cha kulevya, naye atajazwa Roho Mtakatifu hata kabla ya kuzaliwa kwake.
He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will refuse to drink wine or other alcoholic drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he's born.
16 Naye atawageuza wengi wa wana wa Israeli warudi kwa Bwana Mungu wao.
He will turn many Israelites back to the Lord their God.
17 Naye atatangulia mbele za Bwana katika roho na nguvu ya Eliya, ili kuigeuza mioyo ya baba kuwaelekea watoto wao, na wasiotii warejee katika hekima ya wenye haki, ili kuliweka tayari taifa lililoandaliwa kwa ajili ya Bwana.”
He will go ahead of the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the fathers back to thinking about their children, and to turn those who are rebellious back to a right understanding—to prepare a people ready for the Lord.”
18 Zekaria akamuuliza malaika, “Jambo hilo linawezekanaje? Mimi ni mzee na mke wangu pia ana umri mkubwa.”
“How can I be sure about this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I'm an old man, and my wife is getting old too.”
19 Malaika akamjibu, akamwambia, “Mimi ni Gabrieli, nisimamaye mbele za Mungu, nami nimetumwa kwako ili nikuambie habari hizi njema.
“I am Gabriel,” the angel replied. “I stand in God's presence, and I was sent to speak to you and give you this good news.
20 Basi sasa kwa kuwa hujaamini maneno yangu ambayo yatatimizwa kwa wakati wake, utakuwa bubu hadi siku ile mambo haya yatakapotukia.”
But since you didn't believe what I told you, you'll become dumb, unable to speak, until the appointed time when my words come true.”
21 Wakati huo watu walikuwa wanamngojea Zekaria nje huku wakishangaa kukawia kwake mle Hekaluni.
Outside the people were waiting for Zechariah, wondering why he was taking so long in the Temple.
22 Alipotoka akawa hawezi kusema nao, wao wakatambua kuwa ameona maono ndani ya Hekalu. Lakini kwa kuwa alikuwa bubu, akawa anawaashiria kwa mikono.
When eventually he came out, he wasn't able to speak to them. They realized he'd seen a vision in the Temple, for though he could make gestures, he was completely dumb.
23 Muda wake wa kuhudumu Hekaluni ulipomalizika, akarudi nyumbani kwake.
After he'd finished his time of service, he went back home.
24 Baada ya muda usio mrefu, Elizabeti mkewe akapata mimba, naye akajitenga kwa miezi mitano.
Some time later his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She stayed at home for five months.
25 Akasema, “Hili ndilo Bwana alilonitendea aliponiangalia kwa upendeleo na kuniondolea aibu yangu mbele ya watu.”
“The Lord has done this for me,” she said, “now that he's taken away my disgrace in the eyes of others.”
26 Mwezi wa sita baada ya Elizabeti kupata mimba, Mungu alimtuma malaika Gabrieli aende Galilaya katika mji wa Nazareti,
In the sixth month of her pregnancy God sent the angel Gabriel to a young girl called Mary who lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee.
27 kwa mwanamwali bikira aliyekuwa ameposwa na mtu mmoja jina lake Yosefu wa nyumba ya Daudi. Jina la huyu mwanamwali bikira ni Maria.
She was engaged to a man named Joseph.
28 Naye malaika akaja kwake akamwambia: “Salamu, wewe uliyebarikiwa, Bwana yu pamoja nawe!”
The angel greeted her. “You are very privileged,” he told her. “The Lord is with you.”
29 Maria akafadhaishwa sana na maneno haya, akajiuliza moyoni, “Salamu hii ni ya namna gani?”
Mary was very puzzled at what he said, and wondered what this greeting meant.
30 Ndipo malaika akamwambia, “Usiogope, Maria, umepata kibali kwa Mungu.
“Don't worry, Mary,” the angel went on, “for God has shown his graciousness to you.
31 Tazama, utachukua mimba, nawe utamzaa mtoto mwanaume na utamwita jina lake Yesu.
You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You shall call him Jesus.
32 Yeye atakuwa mkuu, naye ataitwa Mwana wa Aliye Juu Sana. Bwana Mungu atampa kiti cha enzi cha Daudi baba yake.
He will be very great, and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never come to an end.” (aiōn g165)
34 Maria akamuuliza huyo malaika, “Maadamu mimi ni bikira, jambo hili litawezekanaje?”
“How is this possible?” Mary asked. “I'm still a virgin.”
35 Malaika akamjibu, “Roho Mtakatifu atakujilia juu yako, nazo nguvu zake Yeye Aliye Juu Sana zitakufunika kama kivuli. Kwa hiyo mtoto atakayezaliwa atakuwa mtakatifu, naye ataitwa Mwana wa Mungu.
He replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. The baby who is to be born is holy, and will be called the Son of God.
36 Tazama, jamaa yako Elizabeti amechukua mimba katika uzee wake, na huu ni mwezi wake wa sita, yeye aliyeitwa tasa.
And Elizabeth, your relative, even she is pregnant in her old age. The woman that people said couldn't have children is already six months pregnant.
37 Kwa maana kwa Mungu hakuna lisilowezekana.”
Nothing is impossible for God.”
38 Maria akasema, “Tazama, mimi ni mtumishi wa Bwana. Na iwe kwangu kama ulivyosema.” Kisha malaika akaondoka, akamwacha.
“Here I am, ready to be the Lord's servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me just as you said.” Then the angel left her.
39 Wakati huo Maria akajiandaa, akaharakisha kwenda katika mji mmoja kwenye vilima vya Uyahudi.
A little while later, Mary got herself ready and hurried up into the hills of Judea, to the town where
40 Akaingia nyumbani kwa Zekaria na kumsalimu Elizabeti.
Zechariah's house was. She called out to Elizabeth as she went in.
41 Naye Elizabeti aliposikia salamu ya Maria, mtoto aliyekuwa tumboni mwake akaruka. Elizabeti akajazwa na Roho Mtakatifu,
As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's voice, the baby jumped for joy inside her. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,
42 akapaza sauti kwa nguvu akasema, “Umebarikiwa wewe miongoni mwa wanawake, naye mtoto utakayemzaa amebarikiwa.
and cried out in a loud voice, “How blessed you are among women, and how blessed will be the child born to you!
43 Lakini ni kwa nini mimi nimepata upendeleo kiasi hiki, hata mama wa Bwana wangu afike kwangu?
Why am I so honored that the mother of my Lord should visit me?
44 Mara tu niliposikia sauti ya salamu yako, mtoto aliyeko tumboni mwangu aliruka kwa furaha.
As soon as I heard you call out in greeting, my baby jumped for joy inside me.
45 Amebarikiwa yeye aliyeamini kwamba lile Bwana alilomwambia litatimizwa.”
How fortunate you are, because you are convinced that the Lord will do what he has promised you!”
46 Naye Maria akasema: “Moyo wangu wamwadhimisha Bwana,
Mary replied, “How I praise the Lord!
47 nayo roho yangu inamfurahia Mungu Mwokozi wangu,
I am so happy with God my Savior,
48 kwa kuwa ameangalia kwa fadhili unyonge wa mtumishi wake. Hakika tangu sasa vizazi vyote vitaniita aliyebarikiwa,
because he decided that I, his servant, was worthy of his consideration, despite my humble background. From now on every generation will say I was blessed.
49 kwa maana yeye Mwenye Nguvu amenitendea mambo ya ajabu: jina lake ni takatifu.
God Almighty has done great things for me; his name is holy.
50 Rehema zake huwaendea wale wamchao, kutoka kizazi hadi kizazi.
His mercy lasts for generation after generation to those who respect him.
51 Kwa kuwa ametenda mambo ya ajabu kwa mkono wake; amewatawanya wale wenye kiburi ndani ya mioyo yao.
With his power he has broken to pieces those who arrogantly think they're so clever.
52 Amewashusha watawala toka kwenye viti vyao vya enzi, lakini amewainua wanyenyekevu.
He tears the powerful down from their thrones, and elevates those who are humble.
53 Amewashibisha wenye njaa kwa vitu vizuri, bali matajiri amewafukuza mikono mitupu.
He fills the hungry with good things to eat, and he sends the rich away empty-handed.
54 Amemsaidia mtumishi wake Israeli, kwa kukumbuka ahadi yake ya kumrehemu
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering him in mercy,
just as he promised our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants for ever.” (aiōn g165)
56 Maria akakaa na Elizabeti karibu miezi mitatu, kisha akarudi nyumbani kwake.
Mary stayed with her for three months and then returned home.
57 Ulipowadia wakati wa Elizabeti kujifungua, alizaa mtoto mwanaume.
The time came for Elizabeth to have her baby and she gave birth to a son.
58 Majirani zake na jamii zake wakasikia jinsi Bwana alivyomfanyia rehema kuu, nao wakafurahi pamoja naye.
Her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had showed her great kindness, and they celebrated together with her.
59 Siku ya nane wakaja kumtahiri mtoto, wakataka yule mtoto aitwe Zekaria, ambalo ndilo jina la baba yake.
Eight days later they came to circumcise the boy. They planned to call him Zechariah after his father.
60 Lakini mama yake akakataa na kusema, “Hapana! Jina lake ataitwa Yohana.”
“No,” Elizabeth said. “He shall be called John.”
61 Wakamwambia, “Hakuna mtu yeyote katika jamaa yako mwenye jina kama hilo.”
“But there's nobody among your relatives who has this name,” they told her.
62 Basi wakamfanyia Zekaria baba yake ishara ili kujua kwamba yeye angependa kumpa mtoto jina gani.
Through gestures they asked Zechariah, the boy's father, what he wanted to call his son.
63 Akaomba wampe kibao cha kuandikia na kwa mshangao wa kila mtu akaandika: “Jina lake ni Yohana.”
Zechariah motioned for something to write on. To everyone's surprise he wrote, “His name is John.”
64 Papo hapo kinywa chake kikafunguliwa na ulimi wake ukaachiwa, akawa anaongea akimsifu Mungu.
Immediately he could speak again, and he started praising God.
65 Majirani wote wakajawa na hofu ya Mungu, na katika nchi yote ya vilima vya Uyahudi watu walikuwa wakinena juu ya mambo haya yote.
All those living nearby were in awe at what had happened, and the news spread throughout the hill country of Judea.
66 Kila aliyesikia habari hizi alishangaa akauliza, “Je, mtoto huyu atakuwa mtu wa namna gani?” Maana mkono wa Bwana ulikuwa pamoja naye.
Everyone who heard the news wondered what it meant. “What will the little boy grow up to be?” they asked, for it was clear he was very special to God.
67 Zekaria, baba yake, akajazwa na Roho Mtakatifu, naye akatoa unabii, akisema:
Zechariah, his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke this prophecy:
68 “Ahimidiwe Bwana, Mungu wa Israeli, kwa kuwa amewajilia watu wake na kuwakomboa.
“The Lord, the God of Israel, he is wonderful, for he has come to his people and set them free.
69 Naye ametusimamishia pembe ya wokovu katika nyumba ya Daudi mtumishi wake,
He has given us a great Savior from the line of his servant David,
as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. (aiōn g165)
71 kwamba atatuokoa kutoka kwa adui zetu, na kutoka mikononi mwao wote watuchukiao:
He promised to save us from our enemies, from those who hate us.
72 ili kuonyesha rehema kwa baba zetu na kukumbuka Agano lake takatifu,
He was merciful to our fathers, remembering his holy agreement—
73 kiapo alichomwapia baba yetu Abrahamu:
the promise that he made to our father Abraham.
74 kutuokoa kutoka mikononi mwa adui zetu, tupate kumtumikia yeye pasipo hofu
He gives us freedom from fear and rescues us from our enemies,
75 katika utakatifu na haki mbele zake, siku zetu zote.
so we can serve him by doing what is good and right for our whole lives.
76 “Nawe mtoto wangu, utaitwa nabii wa Aliye Juu Sana; kwa kuwa utamtangulia Bwana na kuandaa njia kwa ajili yake,
Even though you are only a small child, you will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his way,
77 kuwajulisha watu wake juu ya wokovu utakaopatikana kwa kusamehewa dhambi zao,
providing knowledge of salvation to his people through the forgiveness of their sins.
78 kwa ajili ya wingi wa rehema za Mungu wetu, nuru itokayo juu itatuzukia
Through God's caring kindness to us, heaven's dawn will break upon us
79 ili kuwaangazia wale waishio gizani na katika uvuli wa mauti, kuiongoza miguu yetu katika njia ya amani.”
to shine on those who live in darkness and under the shadow of death, and to guide us along the path of peace.”
80 Yule mtoto akakua na kuongezeka nguvu katika roho; akaishi nyikani hadi siku ile alipojionyesha hadharani kwa Waisraeli.
The boy John grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the desert until the time came for his public ministry to Israel.
