large lyre / harp

The musical instrument that is most often translated as “harp” or “large lyre” in English is translated in the following ways:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016: “two stringed instrument” (source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “instruments which have strings to praise you,” “beautiful to-be-listened-to instruments,” or kudyapi (source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Newari: sarəngi (source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Adilabad Gondi: karnaat (source: Adilabad Gondi Back-Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde: zeze (source: Nyakyusa-Ngonde back translation)
  • Mairasi: kecapi (“like a ukulele”) (source: Enggavoter 2004)
  • Natügu: “ukulele” (source: Brenda Boerger in Open Theology 2016, p. 179ff. )
  • Cherokee: “musical instrument made of suspended wires” (source: Bender / Belt 2025, p. 16)

In the UBS Helps for Translators‘ Human-made Things in the Bible (original title: The Works of Their Hands: Man-made Things in the Bible) it says the following:

Description: The exact identification of the nevel is very problematic. Some take it to be a kind of harp. The harp consisted of a neck projecting out of a soundbox. Strings were stretched from the extremity of the neck down its length and into the sound box. The body of the harp was made of wood and its strings of animal intestines (perhaps from sheep). The number of strings varied.

Others place the nevel in the category of lyres, where the strings are stretched over top of and parallel to the soundbox. While this is the interpretation preferred here, we will discuss the harp-type of instrument, since the identification is problematic and many translations have preferred “harp” for nevel.

Usage: The strings were plucked either with the fingers or with a thin piece of ivory or metal to give a resonating sound, probably in a lower register than that made by the kinor.

Translation: In several Psalms (33.2; 92.3; 144.9), the nevel is linked to the Hebrew word ‘asor, which could indicate it was “ten-stringed.”

Some degree of cultural adaptation must be made in the translation of these stringed instruments since cultures differ from each other in the shape, the number of strings, and the function of their instruments. Translators will have to select an equivalent instrument in the receptor language. In most passages the most accurate translation for nevel will be “guitar” or some equivalent medium-sized stringed instrument on which the strings are stretched over a sound box and are plucked.

In those passages where nevel and kinor appear together it is recommended that the translator use an instrument that can vary in size and then render the two words as “large and small X,” for example, “large and small guitars.” Alternately, it may be possible to select two stringed instruments that are similar in construction but different in size, for example, “guitar and lute.” It is also possible to say “large and small stringed instruments” or to combine the two, saying “stringed instruments.”

Psalms 33:2: “Praise the LORD with the lyre” (New Revised Standard Version, updated edition) contains two major translation problems. The first problem is that in many languages, the phrase “with the lyre” must be changed into a verb phrase or clause; for example, the whole line may be rendered “Praise the LORD by playing music on the lyre” or “Make music with the lyre, and praise the LORD.” The second problem, which applies also to the second line of this verse, is the terms to be used for the musical instruments here. In languages in which there are several stringed instruments, translators may use one of the smaller ones for kinor (“lyre”) and a larger one for nevel (“harp” in New Revised Standard Version, updated edition). In languages where there is little or no choice, they should use the known local stringed instrument for the kinor, and a more generic expression for the nevel. Where there are no known stringed instruments, it will often be necessary to say “small instruments with strings” for kinor and “large instruments with strings” for nevel.

Harp (source: Knowles, revised by Bass (c) British and Foreign Bible Society 1994)

Quoted with permission.

complete verse (Psalm 23:5)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 23:5:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “You prepare food for me
    while my enemies are seeing.
    You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Chichewa interconfessional translation, 1999:
    You prepare food for me, as my enemies look on.
    You welcome me well by anointing my head with oil,
    you fill my cup to overflowing.” (Source: Wendland 1998, p. 148f.)
  • Chichewa poetic translation in the traditional ndakatulo genre to encourage oral and musical performances:
    “Talk about food, ha! I’m a what-can-the-child-cry-for.
    You’ve prepared me a feast, my enemies can just STARE! [tong’oo! — an ideophone, i.e. a literary device that expresses what is perceived by the five senses]
    My cup of blessings is full-up BRIM-BRIM-BRIMMING! [ideophone nde-nde-nde!]
    At your home you’ve welcomed me with two hands.” (Source: Ernst Wendland)
  • Kupsabiny:
    “You prepared for me a banquet,
    in the presence of my enemies.
    You anointed me with oil of honour
    and filled my cup until it over flowed.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Adilabad Gondi:
    “While my enemies are watching, you served a feast to me.
    Having applied oil on my head, you provide hospitality to me.
    You fill into my bowl/cup more than I need.” (Source: Adilabad Gondi Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “You will prepare a feast for me, in the presence of my enemies
    You have anointed my head with oil,
    My cup overflows.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “You (sing.) prepare me a feast while my enemies are-staring.
    You (sing.) poured oil on my head to honor me.
    And you (sing.) satisfied me with drinks.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru:
    “God has prepared a feast (lit. very big meal) for me before the eyes of people who hate me in order for them to see. And God welcomes me like a guest who has great authority coming to visit. Good things, blessings, he gives me like liquid that overflows (lit. liquid full greater than level).” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “You had prepare for me big feast
    in middle of my enemies.
    You smear my head with the oil of blessing,
    and you allowed my cup filled up until it overflow.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Unaniandalia chakula,
    mbele ya maadui zangu.
    Unanipaka mafuta kichwani pangu,
    kikombe changu kinarefuka.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “You prepare a great feast for me, in a place where my enemies can see me.
    You joyfully receive me, as people joyfully receive the guests they have invited
    by pouring olive oil over their heads.
    You have given me very many blessings!” (Source: Translation for Translators)

complete verse (Psalm 23:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 23:6:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “Indeed, pleasant (things) and unchanging love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
    and I will dwell in the House of Jehovah
    forever.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Chichewa interconfessional translation, 1999:
    “Truly, your good things and your love
    will stay with me all the days of my life.
    I will live in your House my whole life long.” (Source: Wendland 1998, p. 148f.)
  • Chichewa poetic translation in the traditional ndakatulo genre to encourage oral and musical performances:
    “Surely, the good things from your unchangeable love,
    They really follow after me [my] whole life down here.
    From inside your holy house, Chauta, I never leave it,
    My work is to serve you right up until FOREVER-EVER! [muyayaya! — an ideophone, i.e. a literary device that expresses what is perceived by the five senses]” (Source: Ernst Wendland)
  • Kupsabiny:
    “In truth, your goodness shall follow me,
    and your love shall follow in my life.
    I shall stay in God’s Home(stead) forever.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Adilabad Gondi:
    “For my entire lifetime, your goodness
    and unchanging love will be with me.
    I will stay in Jehovah God’s home (emph.) forever.” (Source: Adilabad Gondi Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “At my every step I know
    You will be loving me and doing me good.
    and I will get to live in the house of the LORD forever.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “Surely [intensifier] your (sing.) goodness and love to me will-continue while I live.
    And I will-dwell/live in your (sing.) house, LORD, forever/[lit. until whenever].” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru:
    “Surely God does good continually for me, and he loves me continually every day every night until the end of my life. And I will live with him forever.” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “Sure, goodness and love will follow me
    in all days of my life.
    Then I will live in
    the House LORD continually.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Kweli neema yako na uzuri wako,
    vitakuja kwangu katika maisha yangu yote.
    Nitakuwa katika nyumba ya Bwana milele na milele.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “I am certain that you will be good to me and act mercifully toward me
    as long as I live;
    and then, O Yahweh, I will live in your home in heaven forever.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

complete verse (Psalm 27:14)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 27:14:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “Wait upon Jehovah;
    be powerful and be courageous
    and wait for Jehovah.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “Be on the lookout for the way of the LORD.
    Have courage, Make your heart strong.
    Be looking for the way of the LORD.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “[You (plur.)] trust in the LORD!
    [You (plur.)] be-firm and do- not -lose hope.
    [You (plur.)] trust only in the LORD!” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru:
    “We must hope in God. We must believe very strongly so our hearts will be brave hoping in him.” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “You (sing.) wait for the LORD!
    You be strong and let your heart to hard,
    then wait for the LORD!” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Adilabad Gondi:
    “Oh my soul, stay courageous,
    waiting with strong faith/trust for Jehovah God.
    Yes, remain with hope/desire, waiting for Jehovah’s way.” (Source: Adilabad Gondi Back Translation)
  • Kupsabiny:
    “You be putting your hope in God!
    Do not be stomach-broken (lose hope), but be firm!
    You be trusting in God always. (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Umtumaini BWANA.
    Uwe jasiri usikate tamaa,
    tena umtegemee BWANA.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “So trust in Yahweh, all of you!
    Be strong and courageous, and wait expectantly for him to help you!” (Source: Translation for Translators)

complete verse (Psalm 68:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 68:19:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “Praises be to the Lord, to God our Savior
    who day by day carries our heavy (things).” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “Praise the LORD,
    He is God, the One who saves us.
    Every day He carries our burdens.
    Sela” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “Praise-be to the Lord, God our (incl.) savior,
    for day-(by)-day he helps us (incl.) with our (incl.) problems.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “We give praise to the Lord, to God our Savior
    who carries our suffering always.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Adilabad Gondi:
    “Give praise to the Lord who is God.
    Every day he bears our load.
    That God is the one who saves us.” (Source: Adilabad Gondi Back Translation)
  • Iranian Persian by Mashallah Rahman Pour Davud and Hakham Musa Zargari, Otzar haTorah (1985):
    “Blessed be the Lord, who endures us daily, and the God of our salvation.”
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Bwana awe anasifiwa kila siku,
    ambaye anatubebea mizigo yetu,
    Mungu ni wokovu wetu.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “Praise the Lord, who helps us carry our heavy loads every day;
    he is the one who saves/rescues us.
    (Think about that!)” (Source: Translation for Translators)

complete verse (Psalm 103:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 103:2:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “Praise Jehovah, you my life,
    and do not forget all his good (things).” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “I will praise the LORD from my inmost heart.
    I will never forget His good works.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “I should greatly/[emphasis marker] praise the LORD,
    and I must not forget how good he (is).” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “My heart, you praise the LORD,
    and you (sing.) do not forget all of his blessing,” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Adilabad Gondi:
    “My soul! Give praise/honor to Jehovah God.
    Don’t forget any merciful deeds he has done.” (Source: Adilabad Gondi Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Ee moyo wangu, umsifu BWANA!
    Usisahau wema wake wote.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “I tell myself that I should praise Yahweh and never forget all the kind things he has done for me:” (Source: Translation for Translators)

complete verse (Psalm 9:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 9:1:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “I will praise you, You Jehovah, with all my heart;
    I will tell about all your wonders.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “O LORD, I praise You from my inmost heart.
    I will keep on telling about all the marvelous deeds that You have done.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Adilabad Gondi:
    “Oh Jehovah God! With my whole heart, I will praise you.
    I will explain about your miraculous deeds.” (Source: Adilabad Gondi Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “I will-thank you (sing.), LORD, with all my heart.
    I will-tell-(of) all your (sing.) amazing deeds.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru:
    “Oh God, I thank and respect you with all my breath. I will tell about all the amazing things you have already done.” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “LORD, I will glorify you in all my heart.
    I will tell people matters which are amazing, which you do.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Ee BWANA, nitakushukuru na moyo wangu wote,
    nitasimulia matendo yako yote matukufu.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)

complete verse (Psalm 23:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 23:1:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “Jehovah is my shepherd,
    I will not lack anything.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Chichewa interconfessional translation, 1999:
    “Chauta [see tetragrammaton (YHWH)] he is my herdsman,
    I will surely not lack a [little] thing, not at all.” (Source: Wendland 1998, p. 148f.)
  • Chichewa poetic translation in the traditional ndakatulo genre to encourage oral and musical performances:
    “Herdsman of mine he’s so good-hearted.
    Chauta is that most famous name of his.
    In him, as for me — I lack nothing, not at all.” (Source: Ernst Wendland)
  • Kupsabiny:
    “God is my guard/keeper,
    I do not lack anything.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)(Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Adilabad Gondi:
    “Due to Jehovah God being my shepherd,
    I will not lack anything.” (Source: Adilabad Gondi Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “The LORD is my Shepherd,
    I will not lack anything.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “You (sing.), LORD, are my shepherd,
    so I will- not -be-lacking (anything).” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru:
    “God cares me. So I don’t lack anything. He cares for me like a keeper ordinarily cares for his sheep.” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “The LORD is my shepherd,
    there will be nothing I want.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Bwana ni mchungaji wangu,
    sipungukiwi kitu chochote.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “Yahweh, you care for me like a shepherd cares for his sheep.
    So I have everything that I need.” (Source: Translation for Translators)