The Greek that is translated as “building up” in many English versions is translated in Chol with a term that specifically indicates to make others better (here and elsewhere, in their faith in Christ). (Source: Robert Bascom)
In Huehuetla Tepehua it is translated as “have more confidence in Christ,” in Chicahuaxtla Triqui as “cause that their hearts grow strong with reference to the way of God,” in Yatzachi Zapotec as “to become stronger in their faith,” and in Central Tarahumara as “so that they can believe better yet.” (Source: Waterhouse / Parrott in Notes on Translation October 1967, p. 1ff.)
The Greek in Acts 7:59 that is translation as “receive my spirit” in English is translated as “receive me” in San Mateo del Mar Huave, as “take up [referring to a living thing] my spirit” in Chichimeca-Jonaz, or as “take my heart” in Lalana Chinantec. (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
The Greek in Acts 18:24 that is often translated as “eloquent” in English is translated as “very fluent speaker” in San Mateo del Mar Huave, as “preached well” in Isthmus Mixe and Lalana Chinantec, as “had a beautiful way to talk” in Morelos Nahuatl, and as “really able to speak” Chichimeca-Jonaz. (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
The Greek in Romans 3:25 that is translated as “sacrifice of atonement,” “expiation,” or “propitiation” in English is translated as “substitute in paying for our sins” in Tzeltal, as “God arranged for him to (die and) take away sin” in Hopi, and “God gave him (to die in order) to pardon us” in Sayula Popoluca. (Source: Waterhouse / Parrott in Notes on Translation October 1967, p. 1ff.)
In Ajië, it is translated by a term which referred to a leaf used in traditional religion to heal a wound after the proper sacrifices had been made. (Source: Smalley 1991, p. 57 and Clifford 1992, p. 83ff.)
See also propitiation / atoning sacrifice, expiation, and atonement.
The Greek that is translated as “council” or “Council” in English is (back-) translated in a variety of ways:
The Greek in Acts 12:22 that is translated as “voice of a god” in English is translated as “God is speaking” in Lalana Chinantec, as “that one who is addressing us is God” in Teutila Cuicatec, or as “this is the word of God” in Tepeuxila Cuicatec. (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
The Greek in Acts 24:1 that is translated as “spokesman,” “orator,” or “lawyer” in English is translated as “person who takes out the word of them” in Lalana Chinantec, as “settler” in Isthmus Mixe, as “one who speaks for another in court” in Xicotepec De Juárez Totonac, as “accuser” in Eastern Highland Otomi, or as “one who brings charges” in Highland Popoluca. (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
The Greek in Acts 7:26 that is translated into English as “tried to reconcile them” or similar is translated as “wanted to calm the fight” in Coatlán Mixe, as “tried to fix their hearts” in Eastern Highland Otomi, as “wanted to join them in friendly fashion” in Metlatónoc Mixtec, and as “wanted that they come out good with peace” in Tepeuxila Cuicatec. (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
