Lyrics
Verse
Yako majina mengi
(Many names exist)
Yenye sifa nyingi
(Praiseworthy names)
Ila jina la Yesu limepita majina yote
(But the name of Jesus is above all names)
Chorus
Jina hili la kuaminiwa
(The trustworthy name)
Jina hili la kutegemewa
(The dependable name)
Jina hili ni ngao na nguzo ya mataifa
(This name is the shield and pillar of the nations)
Jina hili la kuheshimiwa
(The glorious name)
Jina hili la kuinuliwa
( The exalted name)
Jina hili ni ngao na nguzo ya mataifa
(This name is the shield and pillar of the nations)
Bridge
Ukiliita
(If you call upon)
Ukiliita, ukiliita lina msaada
(Will succour, when you call upon)
Ukilitaja
(If you profess)
Ukilitaja, ukilitaja lina msaada
(Will succour, when you profess)
Ukiliamini
(If you believe it)
Ukiliamini, ukiliamini lina msaada
(Will succour , if you believe it)
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Jina Yesu” by Neema Gospel Choir and Paul Clement is a Swahili song about the name of Jesus, with English lines in parentheses beside the Swahili. It begins by saying that there are many names with much praise, but the name of Jesus has surpassed all names. That claim is close to Philippians 2:9-10, which speaks of the name above every name.
The verse then describes the name with several titles: trustworthy, dependable, glorious, and exalted. It also calls the name a shield and pillar of the nations. These titles echo Proverbs 18:10, which speaks of the name of the Lord as a strong tower.
The closing section promises help for those who call upon the name, speak it, or believe in it. The repeated pattern of “ukiliita,” “ukilitaja,” and “ukiliamini” (if you call, speak, or believe) makes it easy to sing together. The song stays focused on trusting the name of Jesus.
Related Scripture
- Philippians 2:9-10 The name above every name
- Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord as a strong tower
- Romans 10:13 Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved