1
Wimbo ulio bora, wa Sulemani.
This is Solomon’s Song of Songs.
2
Kubusu na anibusu kwa kinywa chake. Maana pambaja zako zapita divai;
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine.
3
Manukato yako yanukia vizuri; Jina lako ni kama marhamu iliyomiminwa; Kwa hiyo wanawali hukupenda.
The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you.
4
Nivute nyuma yako, na tukimbie; Mfalme ameniingiza vyumbani mwake. Tutafurahi na kukushangilia; Tutazinena pambaja zako kuliko divai; Ndiyo, ina haki wakupende.
Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you.
5
Mimi ni mweusi-mweusi, lakini ninao uzuri, Enyi binti za Yerusalemu, Mfano wa hema za Kedari, Kama mapazia yake Sulemani.
I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
6
Msinichunguze kwa kuwa ni mweusi-mweusi, Kwa sababu jua limeniunguza. Wana wa mamangu walinikasirikia, Waliniweka niwe mlinzi wa mashamba ya mizabibu; Bali shamba langu mwenyewe sikulilinda.
Do not stare because I am dark, for the sun has gazed upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have neglected.
7
Nijulishe, ee mpendwa wa nafsi yangu, Ni wapi utakapolisha kundi lako, Ni wapi utakapolilaza adhuhuri. Kwa nini niwe kama aliyefungiwa kidoto, Karibu na makundi ya wenzako?
Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions?
8
Usipojua, wewe uliye mzuri katika wanawake, Shika njia uzifuate nyayo za kondoo, Na kuwalisha wana-mbuzi wako Karibu na hema za wachungaji.
If you do not know, O fairest of women, follow the tracks of the flock, and graze your young goats near the tents of the shepherds.
9
Mpenzi wangu, nimekulinganisha Na farasi katika magari ya Farao.
I compare you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots.
10
Mashavu yako ni mazuri kwa mashada, Shingo yako kwa mikufu ya vito.
Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.
11
Tutakufanyizia mashada ya dhahabu, Yenye vifungo vya fedha.
We will make you ornaments of gold, studded with beads of silver.
12
Muda mfalme alipoketi juu ya matakia, Nardo yangu ilitoa harufu yake.
While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.
13
Mpendwa wangu ni kama mfuko wa manemane Ukilazwa usiku maziwani mwangu.
My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.
14
Mpendwa wangu ni kama kishada cha hina, Katika mizabibu huko Engedi.
My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi.
15
Tazama, u mzuri, mpenzi wangu, U mzuri, macho yako ni kama ya hua.
How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves.
16
Tazama, u mzuri, mpendwa wangu, Wapendeza, na kitanda chetu ni majani;
How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how delightful! The soft grass is our bed.
17
Nguzo za nyumba yetu ni mierezi, Na viguzo vyetu ni miberoshi.
The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are fragrant firs.