The structure of this verse is somewhat awkward in Revised Standard Version. Translators should remember that their translations are to follow the natural structure of their own language and not imitate the structure of Revised Standard Version or Good News Translation.

Where they kill …: the most reliable Hebrew texts have “where he slaughters….” But the pronoun is indefinite and has a passive meaning (see verses 4 and 5 above). On the translation of the verb kill as “slaughter,” see 1.5.

Sin offering: see 4.14.

Burnt offering: see 1.3.

The holy place: this most probably does not refer to the “Holy Place” just outside the “Most Holy Place.” It would be unthinkable that an animal should be slaughtered in the sanctuary itself. This expression probably refers to “that sacred place where animals are usually killed.” Jerusalem Bible renders the expression “that spot inside the sacred precincts where victims … are immolated.” See the discussion at 6.26 and 10.17

For: Good News Translation clarifies the meaning of this transition word, using the phrase “He must do this because….” A similar clarification may be necessary in the receptor language.

It is most holy: see 2.3. As is frequently the case with the use of this phrase, it seems almost to be supplied later as an afterthought. However, it serves as an emphatic reminder of the special nature of the action described.

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 .