So Moses cut two tables of stone like the first is literally “and he carved two tablets of stone like the first ones.” Moses is not named until the second clause. The same words are used in verse 1. (See the comment there.) And he rose early in the morning means “early the next morning” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). The idea of “rising” need not be made explicit, since it is understood in connection with the following verb. It should be clear that the “stone tablets” (Good News Translation), or “flat stones” (Contemporary English Version), were prepared the day before.

And went up on Mount Sinai uses the same word “to ascend.” (See the comment at verses 2 and 3.) As the LORD had commanded him adds the word had, since the context clearly indicates the pluperfect. (See the comment at 33.5.) And took in his hand two tables of stone is literally correct, with hand in the singular and no definite article for the “stone tablets.” New International Version makes both adjustments: “and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.” New American Bible is more natural, “taking along the two stone tablets.” Good News Translation combines the actions of he rose, went up, and took into one verb, “and early the next morning he carried them up Mount Sinai” (similarly Contemporary English Version).

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 .