peace (being at peace)

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated into English as “peace” (or “at ease”) is (back-) translated with a variety of idioms and phrases:

In American Sign Language it is signed with a compound sign consisting of “become” and “silent.” (Source: Yates 2011, p. 52)


“Peace” in American Sign Language (source )

See also peace (absence of strife).

Paul (icon)

Following is a Russian Orthodox icon of Paul the Apostle from the first quarter of the 18th century (found in Kizhi monastery, Karelia, Russia).

Orthodox Icons are not drawings or creations of imagination. They are in fact writings of things not of this world. Icons can represent our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints. They can also represent the Holy Trinity, Angels, the Heavenly hosts, and even events. Orthodox icons, unlike Western pictures, change the perspective and form of the image so that it is not naturalistic. This is done so that we can look beyond appearances of the world, and instead look to the spiritual truth of the holy person or event. (Source )

go in peace

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “go in peace” into English is an idiomatic expression of farewell which is translatable in other languages as an idiomatic expression as well: “go with sweet insides” (Shilluk), “rejoice as you go” (Central Mazahua), “go in quietness of heart” (Chol), “go happy” (Highland Puebla Nahuatl), “being happy, go” (Central Tarahumara), or “go and sit down in your heart” (Tzeltal).

complete verse (Acts 16:36)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 16:36:

  • Uma: “Hearing this, the head of the jail said to Paulus and Silas like this: ‘A command came from the rulers, telling me that you are to be freed. So, go and take-care / have-a-good-trip [traditional leave-taking].'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “The guard told this to Paul. He said, ‘The officials have sent word commanding that you be set free. So come out and may you have a good journey.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And then the watcher of the prison told this to Paul, and he said, ‘The Roman officials have commanded that you and Silas be set free, and you can go now, they say, but it is necessary that there is no trouble.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “So the guard said to Pablo, ‘The judges say that you (plural pronoun but singular meaning) and Silas are to be released. Go then, but please keep-quiet in leaving.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “And then the overseer told what had been said, saying to Pablo-and-companion, ‘The highest officials have sent some people saying to release you now. Therefore go happily now for you are free.'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)