The Hebrew in Isaiah 45:11 that is translated as “its Maker” in English is translated in Newari as “the Shaper of Israel” (source: Newari Back Translation).
Language-specific Insights
cosmetic treatments
The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “cosmetic (or: beauty) treatments” in English is translated in Newari as “(giving of) grooming materials” (source: Newari Back Translation).
a pole fifty cubits high
The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “a pole fifty cubits high” in English is translated in Newari as “a pillar 25 meters high to facilitate hanging” (source: Newari Back Translation).
terrified me (Daniel 7:15)
The Aramaic in Daniel 7:15 that is translated as “terrified me” or similar in English is translated in Newari as “made me feel my heart beat” (source: Newari Back Translation).
See also terrified / afraid.
I will set my face against them (Ezekiel 15:7)
The Hebrew of Ezekiel 15:7 that is translated in English as “I will set my face against them” is translated in Taita with an existing idiom: “I will look at them badly” (= in anger). In Newari it is translated as “I will face my face against them” (source: Newari Back Translation).
See also I will set my face against you.
do not profit (Isaiah 44:9)
The Hebrew in Isaiah 44:9 that is translated as “do not profit” or similar in English is translated in Newari as “not even worth a single stitch” (source: Newari Back Translation).
a mill or an upper millstone
The Hebrew in Deuteronomy 24:6 that is translated as “a mill or an upper millstone” in English is translated in Newari as “either lower or upper millstones.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
See also millstone (illustration).
complete verse (1 Kings 1:4)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 1:4:
- Kupsabiny: “The young girl was very beautiful. She used to stay with the king and would take care of him. But the king did not sleep with (have sexual intercourse with) that young girl.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
- Newari: “She was very beautiful. She took care of the king and served him. The king, however, did not have intercourse with her.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
- Hiligaynon: “Abishag was very beautiful, and she became the one-who-takes-care of the king. But the king never touched/(had-sexual-relations-with) her.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
- English: “She was truly very beautiful. She took care of the king, but the king did not have sexual relations with her.” (Source: Translation for Translators)