The Greek in Luke 2:22 that is translated as “present” in English is translated in Elhomwe as “show.” (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
Language-specific Insights
divination
The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “divination” or similar in English is translated in Elhomwe as edduwelle or “to know about the future” (source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext) and in Bariai as “magic” (source: Bariai Back Translation).
See also spirit of divination and practice divination.
kiss his feet
The Hebrew in Psalm 2:12 that is translated as “kiss his feet” or similar in English is translated in Elhomwe with “bow down.” “‘To embrace’ (or ‘kiss’) when defeated would not be appropriate in Llomwe culture.” (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
In the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) it is not translated with the term for the mouth-to-mouth kiss which is done in private for people in a romantic relationship. Rather, it is kissing of either the feet or hands by someone of lower status. This kind of kiss is for expression of respect, submission, and apology. Mostly, the people whose feet or hands are kissed are those with authority such as chiefs, elders, and religious leaders. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
See also kissed (his feet).
bronze vessel
The Hebrew in Leviticus 6:28 that is translated as “bronze vessel” in English is translated in Elhomwe with “metal pot,” since bronze is not known. (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
thistles
The Hebrew in Genesis 3:18 that is translated as “thistles” in English is translated in Elhomwe as epullathi or “bitter fruit” (which cannot be eaten). (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
See also thorns.
bronze bars
The Hebrew in 1 Kings 4:13 that is translated as “bronze bars” or similar in English is translated in Elhomwe with “doors locked with iron bars.” Bronze is not known in Malawi. (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
hair shaved
The Greek in 2 Corinthians 11:6 that is translated as “hair shaved” in English is translated in Elhomwe as “shave up the skin.” (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
opened its mouth to receive blood
The Hebrew in Genesis 4:11 that is translated as “opened its mouth to receive (your brother’s) blood” or similar in English is translated in Elhomwe as “the soil drank (your brother’s) blood.” “The soil drinking blood” was a common expression during the wartime in neighboring Mozambique . (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)