He must not multiply horses for himself: this is a most unnatural use of the English language. New International Version has “The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself.” These are horses used in war; the king is not to have a huge cavalry, as Solomon subsequently had (see 1 Kgs 10.26-29; 2 Chr 1.16; 9.28). In cultures where horses are unknown, we may say something like “animals named ‘horse’ ” at this first occurrence of the term. An illustration of this animal should also be included.

Cause the people to return to Egypt in order to multiply horses: the Hebrew text is not completely clear. Most translations, like Good News Translation, take this to mean that the king is not to send people to Egypt to buy horses; but in a footnote Good News Translation gives an alternative rendering, “send people to Egypt in exchange for horses.” This rendering, which is favored by some, seems to mean sending slaves to Egypt in exchange for horses; or it can mean sending mercenary soldiers. The Hebrew says “on account of [or, for] horses.” It is suggested that the rendering chosen by Good News Translation and most other modern translations be followed.

The LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again’: this same statement is made in 28.58, but there is no record of Yahweh having made this promise. In some languages indirect speech will be preferable, as in Good News Translation.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .