Now …: in some languages a transition word should be used here to indicate that a new subject is being taken up or that a new story is about to be told. In other languages the section heading and the beginning of a new paragraph will be adequate.

The sons of Aaron: according to Exodus 6.23 Aaron also had two other sons (also mentioned in verse 6 below). So the translation should not give the impression that these were his only sons. Some translators may prefer “two of Aaron’s sons.”

Censer: this object used in the priestly liturgy is mentioned more than twenty times in the Old Testament. It was probably a shallow metal container, most likely made of bronze, with a handle—something like a modern frying pan or a shovel used to transport coals or ashes. It comes from a root which means “to carry fire.” Such a utensil was used for carrying live coals from the altar, but also to contain incense to be placed on the sacred fire. It is this second function that is in focus in this verse (see also Num 16.6). In some languages it may be advisable to state explicitly “the pans in which they burned incense.”

Put fire in it: depending on the habits of the receptor language, one may have to say “burning coals” or “something burning,” since fire by itself may be impossible.

Incense: the writer does not specify whether this is the incense described in Exodus 30.34-38 or some other type. In any case it was certainly a powdery substance (not a liquid) which gave off a pleasant odor when burned. (See comments on 2.1.)

Unholy fire: the Hebrew word translated unholy literally means “foreign,” “alien,” or “strange” (compare King James Version). It was “unauthorized” (New International Version and New Jerusalem Bible), or “illicit” (New English Bible), or “unlawful” (Jerusalem Bible). In Numbers 16 it was considered illegal for lay persons (people who were not priests) to make such offerings to the LORD. But this passage indicates that it may happen that even the sons of Aaron could perform actions that are not legally correct. The meaning is further explained in the following words, “because the LORD had not commanded them to present it.” Bible en français courant speaks of the use of “ordinary incense, not conforming to what had been prescribed.”

Before the LORD: some commentators see in this expression a slight difference in meaning from “to the LORD.” But most versions take the two as being essentially synonymous. Compare 1.3.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .