‘Kia kaha’ came to my mind, when I encountered ‘be strong’ three times in one verse (Haggai 2:4) in my Bible reading not long ago.

Haggai tells the rebuilding of the temple during the years 520 – 515 B.C.

Haggai 2:4:

• The LORD says to Zerubbabel be strong. Zerubbabel is the son of Shealtiel and the governor of Judah
• The LORD says to Joshua be strong. Joshua is the son of Jehozadak and the high priest.
• The LORD says to all the people still left in the land be strong.

Just as the LORD says to Zerubbabel, Joshua and the people still left in the country be strong, he is also saying to us be strong. So let us be strong.

‘Kia kaha’ came to my mind, because “‘Kia kaha’ is well known in New Zealand English with its correct Maori meaning ‘be strong'”.

I am reading that in the publication called “KAITAIA CONNECT”, I picked up not many days ago, where MAORI LANGUAGE WEEK (9 – 15 September) is also advertised. (Te Wiki O Te Reo Maori)