1. Ndipo ufalme wa mbinguni utakapofanana na wanawali kumi, waliotwaa taa zao, wakatoka kwenda kumlaki bwana arusi.
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Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2. Watano wao walikuwa wapumbavu, na watano wenye busara.
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Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
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3. Wale waliokuwa wapumbavu walizitwaa taa zao, wasitwae na mafuta pamoja nao;
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Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
4. bali wale wenye busara walitwaa mafuta katika vyombo vyao pamoja na taa zao.
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but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
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5. Hata bwana arusi alipokawia, wote wakasinzia wakalala usingizi.
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But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6. Lakini usiku wa manane, pakawa na kelele, Haya, bwana arusi; tokeni mwende kumlaki.
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And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'
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7. Mara wakaondoka wanawali wale wote, wakazitengeneza taa zao.
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Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
8. Wale wapumbavu wakawaambia wenye busara, Tupeni mafuta yenu kidogo; maana taa zetu zinazimika.
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And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
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9. Lakini wale wenye busara wakawajibu, wikisema, Sivyo; hayatatutosha sisi na ninyi; afadhali shikeni njia mwende kwa wauzao, mkajinunulie.
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But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'
chorus
10. Na hao walipokuwa wakienda kununua, bwana arusi akaja, nao waliokuwa tayari wakaingia pamoja naye arusini; mlango ukafungwa.
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And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
outro
11. Halafu wakaja na wale wanawali wengine, wakasema, Bwana, Bwana, utufungulie.
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Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!'