Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Isaiah 40:19:
- Kupsabiny: “God is not like an idol
that a craftsman has formed
covering it with gold
and beautified it with silver.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation) - Newari: “An idol is made by a craftsman.
The goldsmith covers it with gold [lit wraps gold on it],
then [he] makes a silver chain for it.” (Source: Newari Back Translation) - Hiligaynon: “(Is it) to the little-gods/false-gods which are-made by a carpenter, and overlaid with gold and decorated with silver chains?” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
- English: “What I proclaimed, I did not speak secretly
or hide what I was saying by speaking in a dark place.
When I spoke to the descendants of Jacob,
I did not tell them
‘It will be useless for you to seek for/pray to me!’
I, Yahweh, speak only what is true and what is right.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
