1Panzizi dzeBhabhironi, Ndipo patakagara pasi, zvirokwazvo tikachema, Pakurangarira kwedu Ziyoni.
1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2Pamikonachando mukati madzo Takaturika mbira dzedu.
2On the willows in its midst, we hung up our harps.
3nekuti ipapo avo vakatitapa vakakumbira kwatiri mashoko orwiyo, Vakatiparadza vakakumbira mufaro, vachiti, Tiimbireiwo rwiyo rweZiyoni.
3For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4Tingaimba seiko rwiyo rwaJehovha Munyika yavatorwa?
4How can we sing Yahweh’s song in a foreign land?
5Kana ndikakukangamwa, iwe Jerusaremu, Ruoko rwangu rworudyi ngarukangamwe umhizha hwarwo.
5If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.
6Rurimi rwangu ngarunamatire kumatadzo angu, Kana ndikarega kukurangarira; Kana ndisingati Jerusaremu Ndiwo mufaro wangu mukuru unopfuura zvose.
6Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you; if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7Rangarirai Jehovha, murove vana vaEdhomu Pamusoro pezuva reJerusaremu; Ivo, vakati, Paradzai, paradzai, Kusvikira panheyo dzaro.
7Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”
8Iwe mukunda weBhabhironi, iwe unobva woparadzwa; Munhu uyo achava nomufaro, achakutsivira Sezvawakatiitira iwe.
8Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.
9Munhu uyo achava nomufaro, achatora pwere dzako Nokudzirovera padombo.
9Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.