Lyrics
Verse 1
Pwamba wenye imara, kwako nitajificha!
maji hayo na damu, yaliyotoka humu,
hunisafi na dhambi, hunifanya mshindi
Verse 2
Kwa kazi zote pia, sitimizi sheria.
nijapofanya bidii, nikilia nakudhii,
hayaishi makosa: Ndiwe wa kuokoa.
Verse 3
Sina cha mkononi, Naja Msalabani;
Nili tupu, nivike; Ni mnyonge, nishike;
Nili mchafu naja, Nioshe nisijafa.
Verse 4
Nikungojapo chini, nakwenda kaburini;
nipaapo Mbinguni, na kukwona enzini;
roho yangu na iwe rahani mwako wewe.
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Meaning & Inspiration
“Mamba Wenye Imara” presents Christ as the secure refuge for a sinner who cannot satisfy God’s law through personal effort. Its images of water and blood, cleansing, nakedness, weakness, and the cross form a confession of complete dependence on divine mercy. The singer approaches with empty hands and asks to be clothed, held, washed, and saved. That language closely echoes the gospel emphasis that salvation is received rather than earned.
The final stanza carries this trust from earthly life through death and into God’s presence. The rock image may be connected with Psalm 18:2, where the Lord is named as rock and deliverer, while the admission that diligent works cannot fulfill the law aligns with Ephesians 2:8–9. As a Swahili rendering of the classic hymn “Rock of Ages,” the song retains the hymn’s sober movement from guilt to refuge. Its repeated appeal is simple: Christ alone is the hiding place, cleansing source, and hope of final rest.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 18:2 The psam names the Lord as rock, refuge, and deliverer.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation is God’s gift, rather than the result of human works.