Whoever sacrifices to any god is literally “a sacrificer to the gods [ʾelohim].” As mentioned earlier, the word ʾelohim is plural in form and is the usual term for the one true God. But the context must always determine the meaning of this word, which here refers to all other gods. In 20.3 the word “other” is added, but the text does not have it here. In some languages, however, it may be necessary to add it in order to distinguish the false or small gods from the true God. (See the comment on “god” at 12.12.) Sacrifices in this context means “kills an animal to offer to….”

Save to the LORD only is literally “except to Yahweh alone.” This phrase clarifies the possible confusion over ʾelohim in the first part, and it identifies Yahweh as Israel’s ʾelohim. Some scholars believe this phrase was not in the original text, and Hebrew Old Testament Text Project recommends that it not be included. Most translations, however, include it for clarity.

Shall be utterly destroyed is literally “he will be devoted.” It is one word in the Hebrew (cherem) that refers to a “solemn ban” (Revised English Bible) under which a person or thing was placed. To be placed under or “devoted” to this cherem required being set apart either for sacred use or for total destruction. (See Lev 27.28-29.) In this context, of course, it means that the person must be “put under the curse of destruction” (New Jerusalem Bible). Translator’s Old Testament has “shall be committed to total destruction.” Contemporary English Version has “Death is the punishment for offering sacrifices to any god except me.” Good News Translation changes the passive to active.

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 .