The Hebrew in Psalm 2:3 that is translated as “bonds” or similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) as magoli or “yokes.” This word is used to refer to two instruments. The first one was used to tie slaves around their necks. It was a beam made out of wood, leather, and sometimes chains placed on the shoulders of the enslaved people. Once slaves were tied to it they could not run away as they were being transported from one place to another. Sometimes it is used to refer to a wooden piece that is used to join two oxen together for plowing or transporting of goods in agricultural and other contexts. When two oxen are tied to the yoke, their movement is controlled by the one who is operating the plow or oxcart. In Chichewa culture, a yoke is a symbol of subjugation, exploitation, and powerlessness. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
couch
stronghold
The Hebrew that is translated in English as “stronghold” is translated in Chichewa with linga. In Chewa culture, the word has its background in the context of war. Before the 1950s, there were a lot of tribal wars. The word “linga” was used to refer to a place, mostly a cave in a mountain or hill, where people were hiding in times of wars. Sometimes they used this place to hide their weapons. This was a safe place to be in times of danger. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
See also fortress.
the poor
The Hebrew that is translated as “the poor” in English is translated in Chichewa as “people without power.” In Chichewa context this refers to those who are in the lower class in terms of both social status and political influence in a community. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
abide in your tent
The Hebrew in Psalm 15:1 that is translated as “abide in your tent” or similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) as “live in your holy place.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
interest
The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “interest” (as in payments for a loan) in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) as chiwongoladzanja which literary means something that stretches the hand. The understanding is that an interest is paid to thank the hand that was stretched out in the process of giving a loan. Since a person gets a loan to be helped from their problems, thanking the hand that has given (stretched out in giving) is considered to be an important way of expressing one’s gratitude. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
keep before me
The Hebrew in Psalm 16:8 that is translated as “keep before me” or similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) with the idiom patsogolo panga which means “my guide.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
broad place
The Hebrew that is translated as “broad place” or similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) as (ku)malo otakasuka or “comfortable place.” This is referring to a place that has more space. The comfort is based on the wideness of space available. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)