For the synonymous terms statutes, ordinances, law and commandment, compare verse 34. These four terms are reduced to two in Good News Translation. Many other languages will be forced to do the same if there are not enough different words bearing this meaning.

Which he wrote for you: In direct speech this would be stated “which I wrote for you.” According to Exo 24.4 and 34.28, it was Moses who did the writing, but Deut 5.22 may be understood to mean that the LORD himself actually wrote on the two tables of stone. In any case, the present text clearly indicates that Yahweh is the subject of the verb wrote, and this should be reflected in the receptor language. The pronoun you is plural here and in the following statements.

You shall always be careful to do: This part of the verse will come more naturally at the beginning of the sentence in many languages and it may be translated as an imperative in certain cases. Revised English Bible begins this verse with “You must faithfully keep….”

You shall not fear other gods: This main theme of the section is repeated from verse 35.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .