mule

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated with “mule” in English is translated in Swahili with nyumbu which also is a homonym for “wildebeest,” potentially causing confusion.

In Kutu it is translated with “big donkey” because there is no other adequate term in Kutu. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

In the Hausa Common Language Ajami Bible it is translated jakin-doki or “donkey-horse,” since mules are also not known in Nigeria. (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

Translation commentary on Ezekiel 27:14

Beth-togarmah exchanged for your wares horses, war horses, and mules: The region of Beth-togarmah (compare Moffatt “Armenia”) was located to the east and north of Tubal, extending toward the Caspian Sea. Known for its horse-breeding, this region exported horses to Tyre. The Hebrew word for war horses actually means “horsemen” (King James Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), but most translations think it refers to different kinds of horses, for example, “chariot horses” (New Living Translation, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch), “cavalry [steeds]” (NJKV, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, Anchor Bible), or “chargers” (Jerusalem Bible/New Jerusalem Bible). But it is better to follow the Hebrew and assume that the riders came with the horses when they were sold to Tyre, that is, “horses and their riders.” For horses in general, see the comments on 17.15. Mules are a cross between a male donkey and a female horse. They are valuable as beasts of burden. In those cultures where mules are unknown, it may be necessary to use a borrowed word or a descriptive phrase, such as “animals called mules” or “animals [like horses] that carry heavy loads.” A model for this verse is:

• The people of Beth-togarmah traded horses and their riders and animals that carry heavy loads for your goods.

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .