And also connects this verse with the command in verse 21. In English the word also does not seem natural here, since this is a continuation of the warning. So Good News Translation has “Even the priests,” meaning that the warning must be given to the priests as well as to the people. Since the priests were not yet appointed (see 28.1), this reference may seem out of place. But in the total context of the book, this refers to Aaron and his sons.

Let the priests … consecrate themselves is literally “the priests … will make themselves holy.” This is made stronger in New Revised Standard Version (and others): “Even the priests … must consecrate themselves.” Some (including Good News Translation) have “must purify themselves.” Revised English Bible has “must hallow themselves,” and New American Bible has “must sanctify themselves.” (For consecrate see also verse 10.) Who come near to the LORD is literally “the ones stepping up unto Yahweh.” This refers to “priests who are accustomed to approach the LORD” (Translator’s Old Testament), or “who do have access to Yahweh” (New Jerusalem Bible). Since Yahweh is still speaking, Good News Translation has “who come near me.” Another way to express this is “the priests who come near me must make themselves ritually pure….” However, Contemporary English Version has “Only the priests may come near me.” The thought is evidently that it has already been stated in verse 21 that the people are not allowed to approach Yahweh. But as for the priests, if they purify themselves, they may come near.

Lest has the meaning of “or else,” as in verse 21. The LORD break out upon them means that he will punish them in some way. Translator’s Old Testament has “if they do not, he will attack them,” and New American Bible has “else he will vent his anger upon them.” Good News Translation simply has “or I will punish them.”

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• Only the priests may come near me, but they must first make themselves ritually pure. If they don’t, I will punish them.

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 .