Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 1:2:

• Kankanaey: “However this earth, it was not arranged/put-in-order while also nothing could-be-seen, because it-was-dark and submerged by strong waves. But the Spirit (Ispirito) of God was there seeing (connotes watching-over, being in charge).” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
• Newari: “The earth was empty and without shape. Everywhere above the deep ocean, it was dark. The Spirit of God was moving about above the ocean.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
• Hiligaynon: “The earth previously still had no form and still was empty. The water that was-covering the earth was-engulfed with darkness. And the Spirit of God was-moving above the water.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
• English: “When he began to create the earth, it was shapeless and completely desolate/chaotic. Darkness covered the deep water that surrounded the earth. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the water.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
• Swedish Bibel 2000: “The earth was desolate and empty; the abyss was covered by darkness, and a wind from God sweeped over the water.” (Source: Richard Pleijel in Journal of the Bible and its Reception, March 2025 )