The phrases that are translated as “clean animals” and “unclean animals” in English: The first draft into Maan had “animals not cursed” and “cursed animals,” which did not express correctly the idea of ritually pure and impure animals. So it was changed to “animals accepted by God for sacrifices” and “animals not accepted by God for sacrifices.”
In Kwere it is translated as animals “which are eaten” vs. “which are not eaten.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
In Makonde is is translated as halali and halamu, derived from the Arabic halal (حلال) and haram (حرام), used for permitted and and forbidden animals in Islam. The Makonde speakers are 90% Muslim and this was chosen because these are widely understood terms and because many of the permitted (clean) foods of Judaism and Islam match. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
The Hebrew in Psalm 38:3 that is translated as “there is no health in my bones” or similar in English is translated in Kwere with the idiom “my bones are bursting.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
The Hebrew in 1 Samuel 16:12 that is translated with “ruddy” in English is translated in Mandinka as “light-skinned.” “‘Light-skinned’ could be considered a cultural equivalent. Although there are a few people with reddish skin in Mandinka, this is not an attractive trait. The UBS Handbook (A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel by R.L. Omanson and J. Ellington) suggests that ‘ruddy’ may have referred to the hair, but medical people know that reddish hair is a sign of malnutrition.” (Source: Rob Koops)
In Vidunda it is translated as “healthy/strong” and in Kwere as “powerful” (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext).
See also ruddy (Song of Songs 5:10).
The Hebrew in Leviticus 15:8 that is translated as “spit” in English is translated in Kwere with a term that implies “spitting with disgust,” the same term that is used in Matthew 26:67, when Jesus is spat on. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
The Hebrew in Judges 18:7 that is translated as “living securely” or similar in English is translated in Kwere as “without fear.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
See also securely.
The Hebrew in 2 Chronicles 15:5 that is translated as “to go or come” or similar in English is translated in Kwere as “to go here and there.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
The Hebrew in Psalm 92:14 that is translated as “they are always green and full of sap” or similar in English is translated in Kwere as “they will have moisture and many leaves.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
The Hebrew in Leviticus 19:26 that is translated as “practice divination” (or: “augury”) in English is translated in Kwere as sekemulole bawo or “look at the board,” a Kwere idiom for divination including various ways of telling the future or determining causes for misfortune. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
See also divination.
