The Greek that is translated as “humble” or “humble mind” in many English versions is translated into Eastern Arrernte as the appropriate and correct behavior in kinship relationships.
See also humble / lowly.
complete verse (2Tim. 2:20-21) / Natügu
“Instead of the unnatural picture of some dishes being for noble use and others for ignoble, [the Natügu translators] used a related picture which is much more meaningful in the culture: ‘In our way, when a big man comes to our house, we give him very nice food, in our honouring him. But when we stay alone, we don’t habitually eat food like that given to him. And this is the talk-picture that we must follow. And we also will be like that good food if we purify ourselves from those bad things. Because it is we who are chosen to help our Lord. So, we are already prepared to do very nice things.'”
Most High
The Greek that is translated as “(God) the Most High” in English is translated in Sa’a as “God, the Surpassing One.” (Source: Carl Gross)
In Eastern Highland Otomi it is “he the completely glorified God-” in San Mateo del Mar Huave it is “Father God who is high in heaven” in Teutila Cuicatec “God who has such tremendous authority,” in Chichimeca-Jonaz “he who is the native of the highest place,” and in Palantla Chinantec it is “the Big God Himself.” (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
have mercy on me
The Greek that is translated in English as “have mercy on me” is translated in Roviana as (Tuna Devita,) tataru nau, mamu toka nau!: “(Son of David,) love me, help me!” (source: Carl Gross) and in Mairasi as (Dautuer tatnem,) omorafainenyo!: “(Daud’s Child,) desire my face (=love me)” (source: Enggavoter 2004).
See also mercy.
the ends of the earth
The Greek that is translated as “the ends of the earth (or: world)” is translated in Bilua as “the bottom of the sky” (= horizon) (source: Carl Gross) and in Western Highland Purepecha as “beyond the horizon” (source: Nida 1947, p. 158).
See also to the ends of the earth.
which (the commandment) is true in him and in you
The Greek that is translated as “which (the commandment) is true in him and in you” in many English versions is translated into Eastern Arrernte as “this commandment is straight because Christ himself told it to us. You also show that the commandment is straight because you show love to each other.”
condemn
The Greek that is translated as “whenever our thoughts condemn us” or similar in English is translated in Owa as “point at our eye.”
became dazzling white
The Greek that is translated as “became dazzling white” in English is translated in Sa’a with “a specially-coined, but old word for what happened to Jesus at the transfiguration. It means ‘gloriously changed to be bright and shiny and totally unlike anything else at all.’ It is used only for Jesus’ transfiguration, and then, by extension, for what will happen to us at our resurrection. The word is ‘nu’e’ — an awful lot meaning packed into just four letters!”
See also snow (color).
fight the good fight of the faith
The Greek that is translated in English as “fight the good fight of the faith” is translated in Warlpiri as “following Jesus without fatigue.”
do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind
The Greek that is translated in English as some form of “do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” is translated into Bilua as “you must not follow this generation’s behavior, but you must allow God in your heart that he make you new in your life and thinking.”
abide in him, and he in them
The Greek that is translated as “abide in him, and he in them” in many English versions is translated into Eastern Arrernte as “become one/united with God.”
coals
The Hebrew that is translated as “(glowing) coals” in English is translated in Owa as “stones of parrot offspring” (due to the fact that parrots are red!).