Following are a number of back-translations of Matthew 1:1:
Uma: “This is a list/order of those whom Yesus Kristus was descended from. Yesus was the descendant of King Daud, the descendant of Abraham.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
Yakan: “These are the names of the ancestors of Isa Almasi. This Isa Almasi was a descendant of Da’ud and Da’ud was a descendant of Ibrahim.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
Western Bukidnon Manobo: “This is the telling of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is a descendant of long ago King David, David was a descendant of Abraham.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “This is the list of the ancestors of Jesu Cristo the descendant of David and descendant also of Abraham.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Tagbanwa: “These are the ancestors of Jesu-Cristo who came from the descendants of David, whose forefather was none other than Abraham.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Tenango Otomi: “Here is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, the one who is the descendant of David. And this David is the descendant of Abraham.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)
Bariai: “This book (lit. leaf) talks of Iesus Kristus’ lineage/history from his ancestors. Iesus was a family member [descended] from Devit, and Devit was a family member [descended] from Abraam.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
Mairasi: “These are the ancestors of Yesus Kristus, Who is Daud’s child, [and] Abraham’s child.” (Source: Enggavoter 2004)
Hiligaynon: “These are the ancestors of Jesus-Christ who was the descendant of David. This David was the descendant of Abraham.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “This is the record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, the descendant of King David and of Abraham, from whom all we Jews have descended.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
Following are a number of back-translations of Luke 19:36:
Noongar: “As Jesus was sitting on the donkey, people put their clothes on the road in front of him.” (Source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
Uma: “When Yesus passed by riding that donkey, the people spread out their shirts/clothes in the middle of the road, as a sign of their honor.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
Yakan: “While they were on their way, the people spread their clothes on the road he was passing.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And then, because people wanted to show their great respect for Jesus, they spread out on his way their cloaks.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “When he was then riding, there were others who spread [diff. word] their outer clothes on the road to thereby-praise him.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Tagbanwa: “Jesus continued on to Jerusalem riding now. What the people did was, they were spreading out their cloaks on the trail, as a sign of their respecting/honoring and welcoming Jesus.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Bariai: “He walked and went, and the crowd arranged their long clothing on the road.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
Kupsabiny: “As Jesus was moving/riding, some people removed their outer clothes and spread them on the road as they went along.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Mairasi: “He Himself rode on the donkey then passed by then the people spread out their garments on the path to magnify His Name.” (Source: Enggavoter 2004)
Hiligaynon: “As he is-riding going to Jerusalem, the people spread-out their cloaks/clothes on the road as honor to him.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
Following are a number of back-translations of John 1:8:
Uma: “Yohanes, it was not he who was that light. The reason he came was to spread that light to all people.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
Yakan: “Yahiya was not this light. But his mission/purpose for coming here was to tell about the light.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
Western Bukidnon Manobo: “As for this John, he is not the one who is that light, but rather he is the one who explains who the light is.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “Juan was not the light itself, but rather the one who came to confirm/verify concerning the light.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Tagbanwa: “It isn’t that he was the one who was the light. He was caused-to-be-a-person because he would be testifying about this light.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Tenango Otomi: “John is not that one who opens the hearts of the people.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)
Ojitlán Chinantec: “John was not the one who illuminates people. He came to point out that one.”
Yatzachi Zapotec: “It wasn’t John who brought light, but rather he came speaking about the person who brings light for mankind.” (Source for this and above: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.)
Hiligaynon: “Juan was not the light, but-rather he came/arrived to tell who is the light.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
Mairasi: “He himself was not that Light. But for the purpose of testifying about that Light he came.” (Source: Enggavoter 2004)
Bariai: “He wasn’t that light, but he came to expound talk about that light.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
Kupsabiny: “John came and told the people concerning/about that light, but that light was not him.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 2:2:
Uma: “Suddenly they heard something making noise from the sky, like the blowing of a big wind. That noise was audible all over in their meeting house.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
Yakan: “Suddenly there was a sound from the sky like the sound of a strong wind. And that sound entered the house where they were sitting.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And taking them by surprise was a very loud noise which they heard coming from heaven that was like the roaring of a very strong wind. This noise reverberated there inside the house where they were gathered.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “When that was so, they suddenly-heard a loud-noise from heaven like a rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where-they -were-gathered.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Tagbanwa: “Suddenly/unexpectedly there was a sound they heard coming from heaven/sky, like the sound of a strong wind, and the house where they were gathered was enveloped in that sound.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Isthmus Mixe : “Then the air suddenly made a loud noise in the house where they were sitting. It started making the noise from the sky.”
Chuj: “Just then, something sounded from heaven, like a wind very angrily it sounds. Very angrily (loudly) it sounded entering into the house where they were sitting.” (Source for this and one above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
Hiligaynon: “While they are-gathering together, suddenly there was a roar which came from heaven the-same as a strong wind, and now only roaring-noise was what they heard inside the house where they are-gathering.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
Mairasi: “Right while they were sitting there they heard a roar like that of a strong wind coming down from the sky. The house in which they sat pressed down on them with the roar.” (Source: Enggavoter 2004)
Bariai: “Suddenly, they heard something like a very great wind roaring from heaven and coming, and then its sound filled the house in which they were sitting.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
Kupsabiny: “Before long, some noise came from above like a whistling whirlwind and that noise covered all the house.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Following are a number of back-translations of Luke 19:37:
Noongar: “When Jesus was approaching Jerusalem on the road going down the Mount of Olives, a crowd of Jesus’ disciples, they started celebrating and praising God because of everything they had seen Jesus doing.” (Source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
Uma: “Close to the town of Yerusalem, at the bottom/descent of Olive mountin, all his many followers began to praise God. They made-a-loud-noise carried by their joy because of all the surprising things they had seen.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
Yakan: “When Isa came close to Awrusalam, there at the slope of the hill Jaitun, all the crowd of his disciples gave thanks to God and praised him loudly because of the powerful deeds they had seen Isa doing.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And as they were going down the Mount of Olives because they were already near to the town of Jerusalem, all of those disciples of his who were with him, they were very joyful and they praised God loudly because of all they had seen of the miracles which Jesus did.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “When they arrived across-from Jerusalem where-the road -descended from the mountain Olivo, great was the happiness of his many disciples, and they began to raise (lit. make-strong) their voices in praising God because of the many amazing things they had seen.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Tagbanwa: “When Jesus was now near Jerusalem going down the Hill of Olibo, that crowd of people were really noisy-and-excited now. They were praising God because of all the amazing things which they had observed.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Bariai: “It came about that he went close to the road which climbs down Oliv hill, and then very many of his disciples were happy. They thought about the many miracles which they saw, and so they shouted to lift up God’s name.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
Kupsabiny: “When they got to a descending point on Mountain of Olives, the multitude began praising God with joy. They all kept singing because of the wonders that Jesus had done.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Mairasi: “Right then when Yesus was about to arrive over there at Yerusalem, over there on the descending path from Zaitun [Olive] hill then many people who followed Him already hooted glorifying Great Above One exalting His name and saying ‘That’s good! [Thanks!]’ to Him because of those impossible things which with their own eyes they had already seen happen. ” (Source: Enggavoter 2004)
Hiligaynon: “And when he is coming-down from the Mount of Olives, his followers are-joyful and are-shouting praise to God because of the miracle that they have-seen.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
Following are a number of back-translations of John 1:9:
Yatzachi Zapotec: “The light of God has arrived in this world, to enter into the hearts of mankind; and it shines for all of them.”
Huehuetla Tepehua: “The one who is the true one, who can give understanding, came here to this earth. He gives understanding to the minds of all men.”
Alekano: “The father of light, who enlightens the people all over, appeared and remained on earth.”
Lalana Chinantec: “The rays of the real Light were beginning to shine, causing the path on which all men walk to become lit.” (Source for this and above: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.)
Uma: “That Word, He was the true light that shone on the hearts of all people, He arrived in the world.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
Yakan: “This true light, that means the Word, has come here already to the world giving light to the thoughts/minds of all mankind.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
Western Bukidnon Manobo: “At that time Christ arrived here on the earth, that true light. He is the one who illumines the minds of all mankind.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “The proper/real light, it was the one who came to the earth to go illuminate (the particle ‘go’ is commonly used with verbs of motion such as ‘come’) the minds of all people.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Tagbanwa: “That one who really is this light, who gives light to all people, he was now arriving here under the heavens/sky.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Tenango Otomi: “That one who came to the earth is truly the one who opens the hearts of the people.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “Jesus-Christ is the one who is the true light that arrived here in the world and lightens/enlightens the mind/thinking of all the people.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
Mairasi: “That is the true Light which already arrived in this world to brighten people.” (Source: Enggavoter 2004)
Bariai: “And the true light which gives light to all people, that’s just was descended and came to the earth.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
Kupsabiny: “That light of truth came to the world so that it could bring light to every person.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 1:2:
ChichewaMawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero translation, 2002/2016:
“But his delight is in the laws of Jehovah
and in his laws he meditates day and night.” (Source: Chichewa Back Translation)
Newari:
“But he rejoices in the law of the Lord.
Night and day he meditates on His law.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon:
“Instead, he (is) happy in following the teachings that (come) from the Lord,
and he meditates on these day-(and)-night.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
Eastern Bru:
“But that person, he is very happy/delighted with the law of God only.
And he spends time thinking about the book of that law all night and all day.” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
Laarim:
“But, he will rejoice in the Law of Lord,
and he thinks the Law of Lord day and night.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
“Bali sheria za Bwana ndizo ambazo zinampendeza,
anaziwaza mchana na usiku.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
English:
“Those whom God is pleased with delight in doing the things that he has instructed/taught us to do.
They read and think about Yahweh’s requirements, day and night.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
Following are a number of back-translations of Matthew 7:7:
Uma: “‘Ask of God, he will give it to us (incl.). Search for our (incl.) needs to God, we (incl.) will receive them. Don’t stop asking for the door to be opened, God will open the door for us (incl.).” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
Yakan: “‘Ask and you will be given, seek and you will find, ask to be let in and it will be opened to you.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
Western Bukidnon Manobo: “Keep on asking from God and he will give to you. Keep on looking, and he will cause you to find what you are looking for. Keep on calling, and he will open the door for you.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “Jesus also said, ‘You should always be making-requests to God, and he will give you what you are requesting. Continue also to search and you will find what you are looking for. You should persist also in knocking and the doorway will be opened for you to enter.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Tagbanwa: “‘Persist with your (pl.) requesting from God because it’s certain you will be given to. Persist with your searching for what you need from him, for he will help you be able to find it. Plead to be allowed to enter his presence, for he really will respond-favorably.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Tenango Otomi: “God will give you what you need. Ask for what you want. Concerning what you hunt for (need), you will find it. When you knock on the door in calling to God, it will be opened for you.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)
Kuwaataay: “‘Pray, and you will be given; seek, and you will obtain; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Source: Kuwaataay Back Translation)
Kupsabiny: “Jesus went on to say that, ‘When you ask, you are given, when you look for something, you get, and when you knock, it will be opened to you.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Bariai: “Iesus spoke again like this, ‘Be asking God, and then he will give to you (pl.). Be searching for whatever thing from God, and then you will find it. Knock on the door, and then God will open to you.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
Mairasi: “You must/should make requests, eventually [someone] will give [what you requested] to you guys. Look [for something], eventually you will find what you guys sought. Knock [and] call eventually the door will be opened for you guys.” (Source: Enggavoter 2004)
Hiligaynon: “You ask it from God and he will give to you. You continue to come-near to him about your needs and you will be the recipients of it. You to God and he will-answer you.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
