The sealed deed … the open copy: Two copies of the deed were made on separate papyrus rolls; one was sealed to protect the contents of the contract, while the other remained open for reference. They were placed together in a clay jar and stored (verse 14). Many cultures have something similar to a deed of purchase, but in those that do not, translators can say “the papers stating that I owned the land, the one that was closed up with my mark and the one that was open for people to read.”

Containing the terms and conditions: This phrase is omitted from the Septuagint, and some translators place it at the end of the verse with the meaning “in accordance with the requirements of the law” (Jerusalem Bible) or “according to rule and law” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Hebrew Old Testament Text Project believes it to be an early addition. Nevertheless, most versions do retain it, usually with the meaning “which showed the price and conditions of the sale.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .