For is the particle ki, which must always be translated according to the context. Note the variety of interpretations: “After” (Good News Translation), “Indeed” (Durham), “Since” (New American Bible). (See the comment at verse 13.) I will cast out nations before you is similar to verse 11, but a different verb is used. Cast out translates the verb meaning to “dispossess” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “drive out” (New International Version). Revised Standard Version and New Revised Standard Version translate the same word as “destroy” in 15.9. And enlarge your borders is literally “and I will cause to become wide your [singular] territory,” and this will be a helpful model for many translators. New Jerusalem Bible has “I shall … extend your frontiers.”

Neither shall any man desire your land is literally “and a man shall not crave your [singular] land.” The same word is used for “covet” in 20.17. (See the comment there.) It is not clear whether your land refers to individual property or to the country as a whole. Both are probably intended. Good News Translation has “no one will try to conquer your country,” and Revised English Bible has “there will be no danger from covetous neighbours.” Yahweh is here promising protection of property in the people’s absence. So Contemporary English Version has “Then no one will try to take your property when….” But another way to express this is “No one will try to take the land that you [plural] own while….” This allows for both meanings—“private property” or “country.”

When you go up is literally “in your [singular] ascending.” To appear before the LORD your God refers back to the command of verse 23. This suggests a later time when the Israelites were settled in the promised land, and the males were all to go up to Jerusalem three times in the year. The context implies that these three times were to be “during the three festivals” (Good News Translation) mentioned in verses 18 and 22. However, since the three festivals have just been mentioned in previous verses, Contemporary English Version has “these three times each year.” This is also a possible model. Since all the men would be away from their homes at the same time, their land would certainly be vulnerable.

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 .