‘Karibu na Wewe‘ is the 27th hymn in the Nyimbo za Injili book by Evangel Publishing House in Nairobi, Kenya. The book’s publisher aims for it to be a medium of blessings to individuals and people (congregations) who desire to worship and praise God at home, in educational institutions, and churches.
Karibu an Wewe Lyrics [Nyimbo za Injili 27]
1 Karibu na Wewe,
Mungu wangu;
Karibu zaidi,
Bwana wangu.
Siku zote niwe
Karibu na Wewe,
Karibu zaidi
Mungu wangu.
2 Mimi nasafiri
Duniani,
Pa kupumzika
Sipaoni,
Nilalapo niwe
Karibu na Wewe,
Karibu zaidi
Mungu wangu.
3 Yote unipayo
Yanivuta;
Pa kukaribia
Nitapata;
Na nielekezwe
Karibu na Wewe,
Karibu zaidi
Mungu wangu.
4 Na kwa nguvu zangu
Nikusifu;
Mwamba, uwe maji
Ya wokovu;
Mashakani niwe,
Karibu na Wewe,
Karibu zaidi
Mungu wangu.
5 Na nyumbani mwa juu,
Baba yangu,
Zikikoma hapa
Siku zangu,
Kwa furaha niwe
Pamoja na Wewe,
Karibu kabisa
Mungu wangu.
Equivalent Hymn (English Translation):
Nearer my God, to Thee
1 Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
2 Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.
3 Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.
4 Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
5 Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.
Background
Composition and Inspiration
The hymn ‘Karibu na Wewe’ (‘Nearer my God, to Thee’) was written by Sarah Flower Adams, an English poet and actress, in 1841. She wrote the hymn to accompany a sermon based on the story of Jacob’s Ladder that is recorded in Genesis 28:11-19.
Therefore, Adams’s inspiration came from the biblical story of Jacob’s dream, as alluded to earlier. In this passage, Jacob dreamt of a ladder reaching heaven, with angels ascending and descending because the passage symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth. The hymn, consequently, reflects Jacob’s yearning for a closer connection (communion) with God, even in times of difficulty.
Additionally, Sarah contributed 13 hymns to a collection titled “Hymns and Anthems,” where “Nearer, My God, to Thee” first appeared. Her sister, Eliza Flower, initially composed a tune for the hymn, but it’s most commonly sung to the tune “Bethany,” composed by Lowell Mason in 1856. Other tunes, like “Horbury” by John Bacchus Dykes, are also used.
Nearer my God, to Thee
“Nearer my God, to Thee” gained widespread recognition, particularly after it was reportedly played as the RMS Titanic sank in 1912. This event cemented its place in popular culture, even being used during the funerals of important people, like US presidents.
The hymn explores themes of spiritual longing, acceptance of hardship, and the belief that even in difficult times, one can draw closer to God. The words resonate with people experiencing grief, loss, or any kind of personal trial, and the hymn remains a powerful expression of faith and a testament to the enduring power of hope.
No wonder this is a beloved hymn that has resonated with people across generations. Its themes of faith, perseverance, and the desire to draw closer to God have made it a staple in religious and secular settings alike.
