tinkling (Isaiah 3:16)

The Hebrew in Isaiah 3:16 that is translated as “tinkling” in English is translated in Newari as “causing a chəməchəmə sound” (source: Newari Back Translation).

elders of Israel (Judah)

The Hebrew that is translated as “elders of Israel (or: Judah)” in English is translated in Newari as “religion teachers (dharmaguru) of Israel (or: Judah)” (source: Newari Back Translation).

does me no good

The Hebrew in Esther 5:13 that is translated as “does me no good” or similar in English is translated in Newari as “my heart is not content” (source: Newari Back Translation).

Ancient One / Ancient of Days

The Aramaic that is translated as “Ancient One” or “Ancient of Days” in English is translated in Newari as “Ever-Living One” (source: Newari Back Translation).

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)