In verses 6-8 instructions are given for Levites who may go to the sanctuary and there serve for a while as priests. They are to be given the same as their fellow Levites who serve there permanently.

In verse 6 the words and he may come when he desires stresses the strong desire that motivates a Levite to go to the sanctuary. The Hebrew phrase is, literally, “all the desire of his being”; so Revised English Bible has “if he comes in the eagerness of his heart.” The text says more than the simple “if he wants to go” or “if he decides to go.” Something like “any Levite who sets his heart on going” will be a better alternative. Notice should be taken of the point of view of the writer (and reader) in the use of the verb come; a translator should be aware of what the text implies, and may decide that “go” is better. For a comment on Levite see 12.12.

The place which the LORD shall choose: as always, the central sanctuary (see 17.10).

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• If a Levite sets his heart [or, desires] to leave his home town and go [or, come] to the place where the LORD chooses to be worshiped, he may do this.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .