But the man who is clean and is not on a journey …: But (literally “And”) renders well the Hebrew waw conjunction since it introduces a contrast here. This verse deals with people who are able to celebrate the Passover but decide not to do so. These people contrast with those mentioned in verses 10-12. The man is better translated “anyone” (New Revised Standard Version) or “any of you” (Good News Translation) since not just males are in view here (compare verse 10). For who is clean and is not on a journey, see verse 10.

Yet refrains from keeping the passover means the person does not celebrate the Passover. For keeping the passover, see verse 2.

That person shall be cut off from his people: This clause probably means that such a person should be “excluded” (Bible en français courant) or “expelled” (Bijbel in Gewone Taal, De Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling) from the community. Scholars are not certain whether this clause actually refers to execution, so this more specific sense should not be expressed. Nije Fryske Bibeloersetting translates “exterminated,” but adds in a footnote that it is not certain what sense is in view here: the death penalty, expulsion from the community, or premature death. Good News Translation renders this clause as “you shall no longer be considered my people,” which is too indirect and wordy.

Because he did not offer the LORD’s offering at its appointed time gives the reason why this person must be expelled. See verse 7.

That man shall bear his sin means this person will suffer because of his or her sin (compare 5.31). Good News Translation says “You must suffer the consequences of your sin.”

Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .