The Hebrew and Ge’ez that is translated as “ancestors” in English is translated in Kwere as “deceased ancestors” because the word for “ancestor” can also mean “grandfather.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
Language-specific Insights
Your thoughts are very deep
The Hebrew in Psalm 92:5 that is translated as “Your thoughts are very deep” or similar in English is translated in Kwere as “There is no one who knows/understands the things that you think.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
ruddy
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).
spit
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)
living securely
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.
to go or come
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)
they are always green and full of sap
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)
practice divination
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.