Using the metaphor of a ship’s anchor ( nanga ), the hymn addresses spiritual warfare ( shetani kunishambulia ). The anchor reaching heaven ( iliyofika mbinguni ) is a clear allusion to Hebrews 6:19. Notably, the line “Hata kama ninakwenda kinyume, / Hata anifuate tena” (Even if I go the wrong way, he will still follow me) presents a robust pastoral assurance of perseverance, bordering on a non-Calvinist “eternal security” perspective common in Moravian pietism.
Ninayo imani njema, Ishikayo katika damu; Kristo aliyokufa kweli, Ndiye ambao namsifu. Alinilipa deni langu, Kwa kutoa uhai wake; Hivyo sasa nimemwona, Mwenye haki ya mbinguni.
Theological and Liturgical Analysis of Tenzi za Rohoni 7: A Window into Swahili Hymnody tenzi za rohoni 7 lyrics
The beginning and the end of faith, Is Christ who is alive; I will not look at my works, For they are full of sin. My garment is righteousness, With which Jesus clothed me; In him I am blessed, Though I am not yet perfect.
If the world throws me down, And Satan attacks me; I have an anchor in the spirit, That has reached heaven. That anchor is the promises, Of the Lord which he gave me; Even if I go the wrong way, He will still follow me. Using the metaphor of a ship’s anchor (
Sina tena hofu mauti, Maana imekufa mauti; Ukweli wake umenena, Ya kwamba nina uzima. Yesu aliyenijibu, Kwa mateso yake makali, Ameniachia shangwe, Ili nisifu jina lake.
Ee Bwana, uwe na sifa, Kwa rehema zako sikuzote; Umeyafuta makosa yangu, Kwa sababu ya Mwanao. Sasa natazama mbele, Hadi nifikie zioni, Pale nitakapokuona, Ee Mwokozi, uso kwa uso. 3. English Translation Stanza 1 I have a good faith, Holding fast to the blood; Christ who truly died, He is the one I praise. He paid my debt fully, By giving his own life; Thus now I have seen him, The one who has righteousness from heaven. Ninayo imani njema, Ishikayo katika damu; Kristo aliyokufa
Mwanzo na mwisho wa imani, Ni Kristo aliye hai; Sitatazama matendo yangu, Maana yamejaa dhambi. Nguo yangu ni uadilifu, Aliyo nifunika Yesu; Kwake mimi ni mwenye heri, Ingawa si bado kamili.