An outsider: the word here may be understood as “stranger” (King James Version). But its basic meaning is “other” or “different.” Here the meaning is certainly “one outside a priest’s family” (New International Version). Several versions, including New Jerusalem Bible, render it “lay person.” New English Bible says “no unqualified person.” And Good News Translation gives the same meaning in a more positive way, with “Only a member of a priestly family….”

A sojourner of the priest’s or a hired servant: that is, someone visiting in the home of the priest or a person hired by the priest to work for him. Other provisions had to be made for such persons who were not actually a part of the priestly family. The first word may be rendered “guest” or “someone who lives for a time with the priest.” The second term may be translated “someone who is paid to do a task (or, to work) for the priest.”

A holy thing: that is, the offerings given to God by the people of Israel.

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 .