If a ransom is laid on him is a literal translation that means “If a ransom is imposed on the owner” (New Revised Standard Version). Since this is an exception to the death penalty in verse 29, it is helpful to begin with “However” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). The ransom here means “an indemnity” (Durham), “a money payment” (Revised English Bible), or “a fine” (Good News Translation). To be laid on him means “is demanded of him” (New International Version).

Then he shall give means that “he must pay” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). For the redemption of his life is literally “ransom [money] of his life,” but it may be easier to translate the noun as a verb, “in order to redeem [Good News Translation ‘save’] his life.” Whatever is laid upon him is literally “all that is laid upon him.” This means “whatever is demanded” (New International Version), “the full amount required” (Good News Translation), or “by paying whatever fine is demanded” (Contemporary English Version). In languages that do not have the passive voice, one may say “the owner must pay whatever fine they demand,” where “they” refers to the arbitrators or judges.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .