UnguJehova wena
Isiphephelo sam’ nguwe
Ungumelusi wam’ wena
Ukuthula kwam’ nguwe
UnguJehova wena
Isiphephelo sam’ nguwe
Ungumelusi wam’ wena
Ukuthula kwam’ nguwe
Ungumthokozisi wena
Ukuphila kwam’ nguwe
Ungenzel’okuhle wena (Njalo, Njalo)
El Shaddai Adonnai nguwe
Ungumthokozisi wena
Ukuphila kwam’ nguwe
Ungenzel’okuhle wena (Njalo, Njalo)
El Shaddai Adonnai nguwe
Ungumthokozisi wena
Ukuphila kwam’ nguwe
Ungenzel’okuhle wena (Njalo, Njalo)
El Shaddai Adonnai nguwe
El Shaddai Adonnai nguwe
El Shaddai Adonnai nguwe
El Shaddai Adonnai nguwe
El Shaddai Adonai
El Shaddai Adonai Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Benjamin Dube's song "El Shaddai Adonai" is a profound expression of worship and trust, drawing on powerful Hebrew names for God to articulate a personal relationship of faith. The title itself, combining "El Shaddai" (God Almighty, All-Sufficient) and "Adonai" (Lord, Master), immediately establishes a tone of reverence for God's supreme power and authority. The lyrics, primarily in Zulu, convey a series of declarations identifying God as the source of essential aspects of the believer's life, creating a deeply intimate and dependent portrayal of the divine-human connection.
The song unfolds with repeated affirmations beginning "UnguJehova wena," meaning "You are Jehovah," grounding the declaration in God's revealed name. This is followed by specific attributes: "Isiphephelo sam' nguwe," translating to "You are my refuge," portraying God as a safe haven. "Ungumelusi wam' wena," identifies God as "my shepherd," evoking imagery of guidance, care, and provision. "Ukuthula kwam' nguwe" declares "You are my peace," recognizing God as the source of tranquility and inner calm. These lines collectively establish God as the foundational provider of security, guidance, and peace.
Building upon these core attributes, the lyrics further emphasize God's active role in the believer's well-being. "Ungumthokozisi wena" means "You are the one who brings joy" or "makes happy," highlighting God as the origin of true gladness. "Ukuphila kwam' nguwe" declares "You are my life," expressing complete dependence on God for existence and vitality. The consistent nature of God's benevolence is stressed with "Ungenzel'okuhle wena (Njalo, Njalo)," translating to "You do good things for me (Always, Always)." This constant goodness culminates in the powerful refrain, "El Shaddai Adonnai nguwe," affirming that the Almighty, All-Sufficient Lord is the one who embodies all these life-giving roles.
The impact of "El Shaddai Adonai" was significantly amplified with the release of its official video on February 16, 2015. Videos of Benjamin Dube's performances often capture a dynamic and worshipful atmosphere, which enhances the song's message and allows viewers to connect with the communal expression of faith it represents. The visual element complements the lyrical content, presenting the song not just as a personal declaration but as a shared experience of acknowledging God's greatness and goodness.
The themes present in "El Shaddai Adonai" are strongly rooted in biblical scripture. The idea of God as a refuge is seen in passages like Psalm 91:2, while God as a shepherd is famously depicted in Psalm 23:1 and John 10:11. God being the source of peace is a promise found in Philippians 4:7 and John 14:27. Recognizing God as the bringer of joy and the source of life aligns with scriptures such as Psalm 16:11 and John 14:6. The unwavering truth that God does good things is a consistent theme throughout the Bible, for instance in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 23:6. The use of the names Jehovah, El Shaddai (Genesis 17:1), and Adonai reflects a deep connection to the historical and theological understanding of God's character and power as revealed in the Old Testament.
