The first part of verse 18 presents a condensed version of the essential content of verses 15b and 16a. The only real difference is in the absence of any mention of repayment with interest. However, this does not necessarily mean that there was no repayment with interest in this case. Verse 18b, on the other hand, develops further the thought of verse 16b, emphasizing especially the unintentional nature of the sin committed (which he committed unwittingly). This detail is omitted in Good News Translation but should be retained in the receptor language if possible.

Guilt offering: or “repayment offering” as in Good News Translation, since compensation had to be paid. See verse 15 and compare also verse 7.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .