in the months of old

The Hebrew in Job 29:2 that is translated as “in the months of old” or similar in English is translated in Chichewa (interconfessional translation) with the existing proverb “in the time of yesterday’s mother.” (Source: Wendland 1987, p. 131)

One who puts on armor should not brag like one who takes it off

The Hebrew in 1 Kings 20:11 that is translated as “One who puts on armour should not brag like one who takes it off” or similar in English is translated in Chitonga with the existing idiom “A man is a buffalo” (i.e., one cannot brag that he is as strong as a water buffalo until after he has defeated his opponent) and in Chichewa (interconfessional translation) as “You’re as good as your fellow upon the anthill only after you’ve climbed up there yourself.” (Source: Wendland 1987, p. 107)

we have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat

The Greek in Matthew 20:12 that is translated as “we have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat” or similar in English is translated in Chichewa (interconfessional translation) with the existing idiom “we have been broken off [like a twig] with respect to work, and the sun has spent its strength upon us.” (Source: Wendland 1987, p. 131)

make mouths (shoot out lips)

The Hebrew in Psalm 22:7 that verbatim means “they shoot out their lips at me” and is translated as “they make mouths at me” or similar in English is translated in Chichewa (interconfessional translation) with kukwenzula, which denotes a similar grimace, involving a twisting of the mouth (and lips) and is used to sneer at someone.” (Source: Wendland 1987, p. 104)

told them plainly

The Greek in John 11:14 that is translated as “told them plainly” or similar in English is translated in Chitonga with the existing idiom “[then Jesus] smashed the matter [like a gourd].” (Source: Wendland 1987, p. 131)

lay your hand upon your mouth

The Hebrew in Job 21:5 that is translated as “lay your hand upon your mouth” or similar in English is translated in Chitonga with the proverb “grab yourself on the lip” (i.e., in amazement). (Source: Wendland 1987, p. 104)

Tell the man who sent you to me

The Hebrew in 2 Kings 22:15 that is translated as “Tell the man who sent you to me” or similar in English is translated in Chichewa (interconfessional translation) as “Go tell him who has sent you here,” “since a literal rendering of ‘man’ [somebody] would be impolite in this context, especially since the king is being referred to; ‘to me’ is implicit in the locative adverb ‘here.'” (Source: Wendland 1987, p. 135)