Following are a number of back-translations of Hebrews 4:12:

• Uma: “For God’s Word(s) are words that are alive and powerful, sharper than a sword that is sharp on both sides. For like a sword pierces to the joints of the bones and the marrow [lit., brains] of the bones, so also God’s Word(s) pierces to our heart and soul. God’s word examines our thinking and the purposes in our hearts.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
• Yakan: “God’s word/message is powerful and can give everlasting life. God’s word/message is figuratively like a sharp kalis (two edged sword) but its sharpness exceeds that of a kalis because it goes all the way through even into one’s liver and one’s soul. And God’s word/message makes known as to what is in the thoughts and liver of mankind.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
• Western Bukidnon Manobo: “The power of the word of God is very great because it can give life forever. It is like a sword that has two sharp edges and the word of God is sharper than that sword because it pierces into even our thinking, our breath, our purpose, and it shows us what God is thinking about it.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
• Kankanaey: “Because the word of God is living, because it is powerful and it has results. It is sharper than the sharpest sword with two edges which can-be-used-to-slash as-far-as the joints of the bones and their marrow. Because the word of God is able-to-enter the mind and spirit, and it is able to distinguish everything that is in a person’s mind, even his hidden plans and desires.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
• Tagbanwa: “Because, as for the word of God, it is no joking-matter. It can do much. You (sing.) could say that it is really alive and sharp. What it’s like is, sharper than a double edged bladed-weapon. It penetrates even the mind/inner-being and mind/thinking of a person. Therefore no matter what a person’s motive is or what he is intending/wanting to do, this word of his can really dig it out.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
• Tenango Otomi: “God’s word supremely has the power to work in the person’s thoughts. It is like a sword which is very sharp and has two edges, thus is the word which God speaks. Because the word passes even into the person’s thoughts to be seen as to whether they are good or bad.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)