Lyrics
Verse 1
Ni tabibu wa karibu; tabibu wa ajabu;
na rehema za daima; ni dawa yake njema.
Chorus (x2)
Imbeni, malaika, sifa za Yesu Bwana;
pweke limetukuka jina lake Yesu.
Verse 2
Hatufai kuwa hai, wala hatutumai,
ila yeye kweli ndiye atupumzishaye.
Verse 3
Dhambi pia na hatia ametuchukulia;
Twenendeni na amani hata kwake mbinguni.
Verse 4
Huliona tamu jina, la Yesu kristo Bwana,
yuna sifa mwenye kufa asishindwe na kufa.
Verse 5
Kila mume asimame, sifa zake zivume;
Wanawake na washike kusifu jina lake.
Verse 6
Na vijana wote tena, wampendao sana,
waje kwake wawe wake kwa utumishi wake.
Credits & Song Information
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
In “Ni Tabibu wa Karibu,” Daniel Sifuna presents Jesus as the physician who draws close, a healer whose medicine is mercy. The Swahili lyrics praise His name as uniquely exalted, inviting angels to join the chorus of worship. Human worth and human hope are set aside; rest comes only from Christ Himself. The song connects healing with atonement: sin and guilt have been carried away by Jesus, opening a peaceful path toward heaven.
Even the sweetness of His name is celebrated, with the striking line that though He died, death did not overcome Him. The final verses broaden the call to praise—men, women, and young people who love Him are summoned to take up His service. The overall movement is from personal need to corporate worship, from helplessness to peace, and from the cross to eternal rest. The song’s message aligns with New Testament portraits of Christ as the one who heals, forgives, and reigns, though the lyrics do not develop a specific scriptural narrative.
Related Scripture
- Isaiah 53:5 "By His wounds we are healed."
- Revelation 5:11-13 Angels and every creature joining the chorus of worship around the throne.