The Greek and Hebrew that are translated as “(become) pregnant” in English is rendered as “got belly” (Sranan Tongo and Kituba) as “having two bodies” (Indonesian), as “be-of-womb” (Sinhala), as “heavy” (Balinese), and as “in-a-fortunate-state” (Batak Toba). (Source: Reiling / Swellengrebel)
In Kafa it is translated as “having two lives.” (Source: Loren Bliese)
In Mairasi it is translated as “have a soul [ghost].” (Source: Enggavoter, 2004)
The name that is transliterated as “Elizabeth” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language through the relationship with Mary, i.e. “Mary’s cousin.” (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff.)
See also Mary (mother of Jesus) and Zechariah.
Following are a number of back-translations of Luke 1:24:
- Nyongar: “Later, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and stayed inside the house for five months.” (Source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
- Uma: “Not long from there, Elisabet really did get pregnant. For the length of five months Elisabet did not appear from inside her house, and she said,” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
- Yakan: “Not long after, Elisabet his wife was pregnant and for five months Elisabet did not go outside.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
- Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And it wasn’t very long after that, that his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. And for five months after that Elizabeth did not go outside of the house.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
- Kankanaey: “It wasn’t long and his wife Elizabet became-pregnant, and she confined-herself in their house for five months.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
- Tagbanwa: “It truly wasn’t long till Elisabet who was his wife conceived. Well, for the space of five months Elisabet was only in the house.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)