The Hebrew that is translated in English versions as “secrets of wisdom” is translated into Sena (Chisena) as pagona nzeru: “where wisdom sleeps,” a natural expression for the origins of wisdom.
long for, yearn for
The Hebrew phrase that is rendered “for his heart yearned for his brother” in English versions is translated into Naro as tcáóa ba nxùrù: “his heart burned.” This implies longing and affection. He was moved.
greater light, lesser light
The Hebrew phrases that are translated as “greater light” and “lesser light” in English versions are translated into Naro as kaia khara x’áà khara which can also be interpreted as “older” and “younger” light. “In combination with ‘chief’ (as translation for the figure ‘to rule’ or ‘to govern’) this makes for a creative solution that communicates the meaning well.”
See also let there be light.
form, nature
The Greek that is translated in English versions as “form” or “nature” (in “though he was in the form / nature of God”) is translated into Naro as the same “color” (tc’úúan) as God. This expression is widely used and generally known in Naro. (See also God’s nature.)
duality vs. plurality (Luke 9:54)
Naro has a dual and plural 3rd person pronoun. What is translated in English as “they said” was translated in Naro with the dual pronoun (“ko”), since the text specifically mentions the names of two disciples only.
our life for yours
The Hebrew that is rendered in English versions as “our life for yours!” (meaning “if you let us live, we’ll let you live”) is translated into Bukusu as “our lives are on you, and your life is on us.”
father, grandfather
The Hebrew phrase that is translated in English as “of Abraham, your father” is translated into Bukusu as “Abraham your grandfather.” In many languages this is a more correct way of expressing the relation between Abraham and Jacob.
See also son vs. grandson.
cast down
The Hebrew phrase that is rendered in English versions as “why are you cast down, O my soul” is translated into Bukusu as “my heart is heavy.” This indicates deep sorrow and trouble.