The Hebrew in Psalm 37:14 that is translated as “draw the sword and bend their bows” or similar in English is translated in Makonde as “draw the sword and aim their bows.” “The Makonde said it just doesn’t fit the context to say they have drawn their swords, but then they’re still stringing their bows [which is the original meaning in the Hebrew]. Everyone translates it as aim here, so maybe that is a possible meaning as well. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific notes in Paratext)
Language-specific Insights
there is no soundness in my flesh
The Hebrew in Psalm 38:3 that is translated as “there is no soundness in my flesh” or similar in English is translated in Makonde idiomatically as “there is no healthy place in my body.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific notes in Paratext)
I will make him a helper as his partner
The Hebrew in Genesis 2:18 that is translated as “I will make him a helper as his partner” or similar in English is translated in Zaramo as “I will make for him someone who resembles him” and in Makonde as “I will make him a helper who will be suitable for him.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
See also as his partner.
curds
The Hebrew in Genesis 18:8 that is translated as “curds” in English is translated in Makonde as ntindi or “yoghurt.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
In Elhomwe it is translated as “old milk.” “Milk” is translated as “fresh milk.” (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
boldness
The Greek that is typically translated as “boldness” in English is often translated in the Protestant Mandarin Chinese Union Version with an existing Chinese proverb: tǎnrán wújù (坦然无惧) or “calm and fearless.” (Source: Zetzsche)
In Makonde it is translated as “being strong in heart.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific notes in Paratext)
See also the boldness we have in him.