concubine

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “concubine” in English is translated in Kutu as “slave made to be his woman” or “female slave he married” and similarly in Makonde, “a slave who is/was a wife.”

In Kwere it is translated as “small wives.” This is the term for subsequent wives when polygamy is practiced among the Kwere. While they enjoy most of the same rights and privileges as the first wife, their status is not necessarily the same. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

In Kalanga it is likewise translated with balongwana or “small wives.” (Source: project-specific notes in Paratext)

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Concubine .

complete verse (Genesis 36:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 36:12:

  • Newari: “Esau’s son, Eliphaz had a concubine [lit.: illegitimate wife] called Timna. From her he also had a son named Amalek. These are the grandchildren that Esau had from Adah.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Elifaz also had a child Amalek with another/[lit. one more] of his wives Timna. They (were) the grandchildren of Esau with Ada.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Esau’s son Eliphaz also had a concubine/female slave whom he took as a secondary wife. Her name was Timna. She gave birth to Amalek. Those six men were grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah.” (Source: Translation for Translators)