Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 137:3:
- Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
“for the people who captured us into slavery requested us that we sing songs.
Our persecutors wanted songs of celebration;
they said, ‘Sing for us one of the songs of Zion!’” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation) - Newari:
“Those who had captured us caused us to sing songs,
Those who torment us say,
"Sing a joyful song for us!"
They say "Sing us a song of Zion!"” (Source: Newari Back Translation) - Hiligaynon:
“The ones (who) captured us (excl.) made- us (excl.) -to-sing.
They commanded us (excl.) to entertain them.
They said, ‘[You (plur.)] sing us (excl.) a song about Zion!’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation) - Laarim:
“for the people who ruled us asked us that, ‘You sing songs.’
They really wanted our songs of joy,
and said to us, ‘You sing the songs of Zion!’” (Source: Laarim Back Translation) - Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
“Kwa maana huko ambao walitushika katika utumwa,
wakataka tuwaimbie nyimbo.
Ambao walitudhihaki wakataka kwamba tuwafurahishe,
wakasema, ‘Tuimbieni wimbo mmoja wa katika Sayuni.’” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation) - English:
“The soldiers who had captured us and taken us to Babylonia told us to sing for them;
they told us to entertain them/make them happy, saying,
‘Sing for us one of the songs that you previously sang in Jerusalem!’” (Source: Translation for Translators)
