For how shall it be known is literally “And in what will it be known then.” The word for “then” is not translated, for it usually goes along with an interrogative pronoun in the sense of “how then?” As such it tends to emphasize the force of this rhetorical question, which means “It will not be known [if you do not go with us].” That I have found favor in thy sight is the same expression used in verse 13. (See the comment there.) I and thy people emphasizes that Moses includes the Israelites along with himself as having found Yahweh’s favor. Good News Translation may be clearer: “How will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me.”

Is it not in thy going with us begins another rhetorical question that continues to the end of the verse. New Revised Standard Version and others change it to a statement instead. It means “It is in your going with us.” In other words, Moses is saying “People will not know that you are pleased with us unless you yourself go with us.” Contemporary English Version has a conditional clause followed by a statement: “But if you do go with us, everyone will know that you are pleased with your people and with me.”

So that we are distinct is literally “and we will be treated differently.” The same word is used in 8.22, where Revised Standard Version has “set apart.” Translator’s Old Testament says it clearly: “If you go with us, both I and your people will be different.” Good News Translation has “Your presence with us will distinguish us.” From all other people is simply “from all the people,” but the addition of other is understood. That are upon the face of the earth is literal. Good News Translation leaves out the face of: “from any other people on earth.” Translator’s Old Testament is even more natural: “from every other nation in the world.”

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• But if you do go with us, everyone will know that you are pleased with your people and with me. The fact that you are with us will show that we are different from any other nation in the world.

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 .