Verses 16-20 in Hebrew present a number of different types of problems: the text itself is unclear, and there are significant differences when compared with other passages describing this ritual. But it is essential that the translator understands that no one should attempt to harmonize this passage with others dealing with the same subject. The text must be translated as it stands.

Now… : some versions take the first part of this sentence as a relative clause and begin with “When Moses asked…” (New International Version, Moffatt, An American Translation). Others have “Then Moses asked…” (New Jerusalem Bible; compare also New Jerusalem Bible). The translator should simply seek the most natural means of moving on to the account of a new event and use it here.

Diligently inquired: the verb used here seems to indicate that an investigation has taken place by means of questioning or by inward reflection. It has been variously translated “inquired” (New International Version, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible), “made a careful search for” (Moffatt and An American Translation), and “made a searching inquiry” (New English Bible). There is no indication exactly whom Moses may have interrogated, and as the Moffatt and An American Translation rendering indicates, the verb may mean that he actually looked for the goat. But most versions translate inquired or some other verb indicating the asking of questions. In those languages that require an object for the verb “to ask,” the translator will probably have to say “asked several people” or “asked someone.”

Behold: this interjection appears in two other places in this paragraph (verses 18 and 19) but nowhere else in Leviticus. It usually calls attention to some fact on which action is required or on which some conclusion is based. It is impossible to translate in many languages, but the meaning is approximated with the use of an exclamation point at the end of the sentence (New Jerusalem Bible, An American Translation, and Moffatt). Other languages may have particles of a similar nature that convey this idea. However, they may be placed in a different position in the sentence.

It was burned: it may be clearer in some cases to say “the meat of the animal had already been burned.” And where the passive must be avoided, “someone had burned the meat.”

The sons of Aaron who were left: this information is redundant (see verse 12) and may be omitted if the repetition is unnatural in the receptor language.

Saying: the verb “to say” is rather weak in this context. What follows is a question, which at least requires the verb “to ask.” But given the strong emotion expressed in the question, it may be more appropriate to use a verb like “demanded,” as in Good News Translation.

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 .