Language-specific Insights

break the bow of Israel

The Hebrew in Hosea 1:5 that is translated as “break the bow of Israel” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “reduce the military strength of Israel.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

I will keep watch

The Hebrew in Habakkuk 2:1 that is translated as “I will keep watch” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “I won’t sleep.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

lie in his bosom

The Hebrew in 2 Samuel 12:3 that is translated as “lie in his bosom” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “holding on chest” to avoid any possible misunderstanding with bestiality, plus the phrasing also communicates affection. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

Why do you keep looking at one another?

The Hebrew that is translated as “Why do you keep looking at one another?” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “Why do you keep looking at one another, sitting (around)?” (Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

prostitute oneself / play the prostitute

The Hebrew that is translated as “prostitute oneself” or “play the prostitute” in English is translated in Vidunda as “(practice) sexual immorality.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

steadfast love

The Hebrew that is translated as “steadfast love,” “lovingkindness” (Goldingay 2018: “commitment”) or similar in English is translated in a number of ways:

  • Vidunda: “love of enduring” (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
  • Bura-Pabir: “love which cannot be-changed” (hyirkur na a palidzi wa)
  • Hausa Common Language Bible “his love without changing” (kaunarsa marar canjawa) (source for this and above: Andy Warren-Rothlin)
  • Elhomwe: “love that does not finish” (echikondi yoohisintheya) (source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
  • Nyamwezi: chelu, combining “love,” “faithfulness,” “loyalty,” and “kindness” (source: James Lundeen)
  • Newari: dayāmāyā (दयामाया), a compound word made from two Sanskrit-derived terms: dayā (दया) or “compassion, mercy, kindness” and māyā (माया) or “love, affection” (source: Newari Back Translation)

In Pijin tinghevi long or “think heavy about” is used. “The Pijin expression ‘think heavy about’ is very much within the domain of committed relationships. The relationship between father and child, husband and wife, God and His people. There is a very strong element of ‘loyalty’ in this expression.” (Source: Bob Carter)

See also mercy and pain-love.

refuge / shelter

The Hebrew that is translated as “shelter” or “refuge” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “place to run to.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

abomination

The Hebrew that is translated as “abomination” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “hated thing” and in Kwere as zitibusa which means “evil” but also something that causes horror or disgust and revolts people. (Source for both: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

in Ngambay it is nékɔb or “taboo.” (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

See also detestable in the sight of God and holy.