The Greek in Acts 2:15 that is translated as “these are not drunk” or similar in English had to be translated in Tzotzil as “We (excluding you) are not drunk.” A literal translation would be inferring that Peter had not received the Holy Spirit along with the rest who were present in the upper room. (Source: Marion Cowan in The Bible Translator 1962, p. 90 )
you though only a human being are making yourself God
The Greek in John 10:33 that is translated as “you, though only a human being, are making yourself God” or similar in English is translated in Huixtán Tzotzil as “You mistakenly think that you are God.” Huixtán Tzotzil frequently uses the verb -cuy to express “to mistakenly think something” from the point of view of the speaker. (Source: Marion M. Cowan in Notes on Translation 20/1966, pp. 6ff.)
I did not come to call the righteous - but sinners
The Greek that is translated in English as “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” is translated in Martu Wangka as “I came to the earth to teach bad people who are like those sick ones so that they can hear the Father’s word and become his relatives. I didn’t come for the good people — no.” (Source: Carl Gross)
In El Nayar Cora it is translated as “I came not to call those who think they language are good people, but those who think they are sinners.” (Source: B. Moore / G. Turner in Notes on Translation 1967, p. 1ff.)
In Huixtán Tzotzil, the first part is “those who mistakenly think their hearts are straight.” Huixtán Tzotzil frequently uses the verb -cuy to express “to mistakenly think something” from the point of view of the speaker. (Source: Marion M. Cowan in Notes on Translation 20/1966, p. 6ff.)
not with plausible words of wisdom
The Greek in 1 Corinthians 2:4 that is translated as “not with plausible words of wisdom” or similar in English is translated in Huixtán Tzotzil as “I did not force you like people do, those who mistakenly think they are wise.” Huixtán Tzotzil frequently uses the verb -cuy to express “to mistakenly think something” from the point of view of the speaker. (Source: Marion M. Cowan in Notes on Translation 20/1966, pp. 6ff.)
rhetorical questions (John 7:48)
During the translation of the New Testament into Huixtán Tzotzil, translation consultant Marion Cowan found that questions where the answer is obvious, affirmative rhetorical questions, as well questions raising objections tended to cause confusion among the readers. So these are rendered as simple or emphatic statements.
Accordingly, John 7:48 reads “Not one has believed of the authorities or of the Pharisees.”
Source: Marion Cowan in The Bible Translator 1960, p. 123ff.
he has claimed to be the Son of God
The Greek in John 19:7 that is translated as “he has claimed to be the Son of God” or similar in English is translated in Huixtán Tzotzil as “he mistakenly thinks he is God’s Son.” Huixtán Tzotzil frequently uses the verb -cuy to express “to mistakenly think something” from the point of view of the speaker. (Source: Marion M. Cowan in Notes on Translation 20/1966, pp. 6ff.)
He catches the wise in their craftiness
The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “He catches the wise in their craftiness” or similar in English is translated in Huixtán Tzotzil as “Those who mistakenly think they are wise even if they mistakenly think they will not be found out, they will be found out by God.” Huixtán Tzotzil frequently uses the verb -cuy to express “to mistakenly think something” from the point of view of the speaker. (Source: Marion M. Cowan in Notes on Translation 20/1966, pp. 6ff.)
rhetorical questions (John 18:35)
During the translation of the New Testament into Huixtán Tzotzil, translation consultant Marion Cowan found that questions where the answer is obvious, affirmative rhetorical questions, as well questions raising objections tended to cause confusion among the readers. So these are rendered as simple or emphatic statements.
Accordingly, John 18:35 reads “Pilate said to him, I am not a Jew.”
Source: Marion Cowan in The Bible Translator 1960, p. 123ff.