bewildered

The Greek that is translated as “bewildered” or similar in English is translated in the Catholic Mandarin Chinese Sigao version with a historical Chinese idiom: cānghuáng shīcuò (倉皇失措 / 仓皇失措) or “panicked and at a loss.” (Source: Toshikazu S. Foley in Hong Kong Journal of Catholic Studies, 2011, p. 45ff.)

conquer

The Greek that is translated as “conquer” or similar in English is translated in the Catholic Mandarin Chinese Sigao version with a historical Chinese idiom: bǎizhàn bǎishèng (百戰百勝 / 百战百胜) or “unbeatable,” lit. “100 battles, 100 victories.” (Source: Toshikazu S. Foley in Hong Kong Journal of Catholic Studies, 2011, p. 45ff.)

mighty / make room in heart / kindness / patience

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “eagerness,” “wish,” “own accord,” “gladly,” “willingly” or similar in English is translated in the Catholic Mandarin Chinese Sigao version with a historical Chinese idiom: kuānhóng dàliàng (寬宏大量 / 宽宏大量), lit. “generous, a great amount.”

The Protestant Mandarin Chinese Union Version uses the same idiom in 2 Corinthians 7:2. (Source: Toshikazu S. Foley in Hong Kong Journal of Catholic Studies, 2011, p. 45ff.)

love for one another / beloved and lovely

The Greek that is translated in English as “love for one another” or “beloved and lovely” is translated in the Catholic Mandarin Chinese Catholic Sigao version translate this with a historical Chinese idiom: huíxīn zhuǎnyì (相親相愛 / 相亲相爱) or “close and loving.” (Source: Toshikazu S. Foley in Hong Kong Journal of Catholic Studies, 2011, p. 45ff.)

See also brotherly love.

speaking with tongues

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The Greek that is often translated as “speaking with tongues” in English is translated these ways:

  • Uma: “speak with languages from the Holy Spirit” (source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “speak languages that are not understood by the people” (source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “speak in languages which [the speakers] do not know” (source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “speak different languages that [the speakers] haven’t studied” (source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Teutila Cuicatec: “speaking other different languages”
  • Lalana Chinantec: “speaking in other people’s Chinantec”
  • Eastern Highland Otomi: “speaking strange languages” (source for his and two above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
  • Indonesian Alkitab Terjemahan Lama version (publ. 1958): “speak the language of the spirit” (bahasa roh) — “which leaves a strong impression that this is a mystical experience.” (Source: Ekaputra Tupamahu in: Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2018, 41/2, p. 223ff.)

In most Protestant Mandarin Chinese translations, the term fāngyán (方言) or “dialect / regional language” is used. The widely-used Catholic Sigao translation uses yǔyán 语言 (語言) or “language” instead. (See also W. Chong in Religions 2024, 15, p. 288ff. )

In the German New Testament translation by Berger / Nord (publ. 1999) it is translated as in den Sprachen der Engel reden or “speaking in the language of angels.” The translators explain (p. 104): “According to Jewish understanding, angels primarily spoke Hebrew. The ‘languages’ of angels are specific texts (such as songs). This is not related to a formal knowledge of language.” Note that in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 14 (from verse 26 on) and in Acts 2:4, Berger / Nord use “foreign language” instead.

In the German translation by Fridolin Stier (1989) it is translated as “speaking with ecstatic tongues” (mit verzückten Zungen reden).

dispute / gossip / mutter

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “dispute,” “gossip,” “mutter” or similar in English is translated in the Catholic Mandarin Chinese Sigao version and the Protestant Union Version with a historical Chinese idiom: yìlùn fēnfēn (議論紛紛 / 议论纷纷), lit. “discuss, one after another.” (Source: Toshikazu S. Foley in Hong Kong Journal of Catholic Studies, 2011, p. 45ff.)

puffed up / proud / exalt oneself

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “exalt oneself,” “puffed up,” “proud, “haughty” or similar in English is translated in the Catholic Mandarin Chinese Sigao version with a historical Chinese idiom: wàng zì zūn dà (妄自尊大) or “ridiculous self-importance (lit. “presumptuously exalt”).” (Source: Toshikazu S. Foley in Hong Kong Journal of Catholic Studies, 2011, p. 45ff.)

See also exalt oneself / self-important.