Moses: Good News Translation has the pronoun “he,” but since the LORD has been mentioned in the previous verse, there may be some confusion on the part of the reader. Consequently the noun may be preferable in many languages.

Draw near to the altar: the perspective of the speaker (Moses) is very important in the translation of this verse. The use of the Revised Standard Version expression, or the New English Bible “Come near,” will imply in some languages that the speaker is already present and is requesting the other person to join him. This, however, is clearly not the case. It was forbidden that any person who was not a priest should approach the altar (Num 18.3). So the receptor-language translation must not leave the impression that Moses is standing at the altar as he speaks. Verbs like “Go to…” or “Approach…” are preferable to “Come…” or Draw near….

Your sin offering and your burnt offering: on these two types of offerings, see 4.3-12 and 1.4. The use of the possessive pronouns at this point in some languages will clearly indicate the ones who are offering the sacrifices. However, in other languages they may be confusing, since all sacrifices belong to God (or to whatever being they are offered to). Good News Translation has simply omitted the pronouns. In certain other versions they are used but do not really make much sense. The pronouns translated your are singular in Hebrew, but the addition of and for the people indicates that there is more involved here than individual atonement. The solution to the problem may lie in the handling of the following phrase.

For the people: the Septuagint, followed by New English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and Moffatt, has rather “for your household (or, family).” Then it is supposed that the next clause, where the words of the people appear, refers to another sacrifice for the entire community. Although HOTTP does not recommend this, it does have the advantage of giving some sense to the use of the pronouns in your sin offering and your burnt offering.

And: the conjunction introducing the final sentence of this verse will depend on how the above textual problem has been solved. If the Septuagint reading, “for your family,” is adopted, a stronger transition will be needed. The four versions mentioned above as following the Septuagint all have “then.”

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 .