cloud / sky

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “cloud” or “sky” in most English translations is translated in Mwera with only one term: liunde. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

See also heaven and sky.

The pillar of clouds (image)

Hand colored stencil print on momigami by Sadao Watanabe (1982).

Image taken with permission from the SadaoHanga Catalogue where you can find many more images and information about Sadao Watanabe.

For other images of Sadao Watanabe art works in TIPs, see here.

Translation commentary on Exod 13:22

Did not depart from before the people means “did not withdraw, give way, or fail to be present.” Revised English Bible has “never left its place in front of the people,” but this should not suggest that the pillar never moved. (See verse 21.) This may be said positively, “was always in front of the people” (Good News Translation).

Contemporary English Version combines verses 21 and 22, summarizing the content of verse 22 with the phrase “at all times”:

• During the day the LORD went ahead of his people in a thick cloud, and during the night he went ahead of them in a flaming fire. That way the LORD could lead them at all times, whether day or night.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .