Most High

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The Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin, or Greek that is translated as “(God) the Most High” or “Most High God” in English is translated in various way:

  • Eastern Highland Otomi: “he the completely glorified God”
  • San Mateo del Mar Huave: “Father God who is high in heaven”
  • Teutila Cuicatec: “God who has such tremendous authority”
  • Chichimeca-Jonaz: “he who is the native of the highest place”
  • Palantla Chinantec: “the Big God Himself”
  • Xicotepec De Juárez Totonac: “God who has authority over all”
  • Estado de México Otomi: “most exalted God”
  • Isthmus Mixe: “God who is in heaven”
  • Teutila Cuicatec: “God who has a great rule” (source for this and above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
  • Sa’a: “God, the Surpassing One” (source: Carl Gross)
  • Elhomwe: Mulluku Muullupalli or “God the Great” (source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
  • Chichewa: Wammwambamwamba: A name of God. While this word is difficult to translate into English, its sense implies that God is highly above everything in his power and greatness. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

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)

complete verse (Psalm 91:9)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 91:9:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “For you have chosen the One in the Highest to be your dwelling place;
    you have accepted Jehovah to be your refuge.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “You have made the LORD your master
    and the LORD Most High your protector.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “Because you (sing.) have-made the LORD, the Most High God [linker] my protector, a refuge/one-to-go-for-help,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “If you allow God Almighty to be your home,
    even the LORD who is a place I hide,” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Kweli umemfanya BWANA kuwa kimbilio lako,
    umemuweka Mungu mkuu kuwa makao yako.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “If you allow Yahweh to protect you,
    if you trust God Almighty to shelter/take care of you,” (Source: Translation for Translators)