Language-specific Insights

crafty

The Hebrew in Genesis 3:1 that is translated as “crafty” or similar in some English is translated in Mwera as ugulumba: “mean, crafty or hypocritical.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

make love

The Hebrew in Genesis 29:21 that is translated as “make love” or similar in English is translated in Mwera as “talk with,” referring to sleeping with someone. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

summer vs. winter

The Hebrew, Ge’ez and Latin that is translated as “summer” and “winter” in English is translated in Chichewa as “dry season” and “wet season.” In Chewa culture, seasons are often defined by the availability of water, which is crucial for agriculture, livestock, and human consumption. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

In Mwera (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext) and in Elhomwe it is translated with a single word — enthawi — that relates to both seasons. (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

In Newari it is translated as “hot time” (summer) and “cold time” (winter) (source: Newari Back Translation).

rained on Sodom and Gomorrah

The Hebrew in Genesis 19:24 that is translated as “rained on Sodom and Gomorrah” in most English translations is translated in Mwera as “burned on Sodom and Gomorrah.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

was gathered to his people

The Hebrew in Genesis 25:8 that is translated as “was gathered to his people” or similar in English is translated in Mwera as “he went and was united with his ancestors.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

harden

The Greek that is translated as “to harden” or similar in English is translated in Mwera as “to become stubborn.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

See also harden heart and hardness of heart..

find water

The Hebrew in Genesis 26:32 that is translated as “we have found water” or similar in English is translated in Mwera idiomatically as “we have met water.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)