This verse corresponds to verses 2b and 4, where the birth of a male child is considered.

But: since there is a contrast between what happens after the birth of a son and the birth of a daughter, it is a good idea to include a transition word in the receptor language at this point. Several versions begin a new paragraph at this point to indicate that a different subject is being considered (Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, and New Jerusalem Bible).

A female child: literally “a female.” In many languages it will be more natural to use a term meaning “daughter,” as in Good News Translation.

Two weeks: this is the plural form of the same word translated in verse 2 as “seven days” or “a week.” The birth of a daughter required the doubling of the time period.

As in her menstruation: see verse 2. Here the comparison cannot be with the length of time, but only on the consequences of her uncleanness. For this reason it may be better to restructure as follows: “she is unclean as during her monthly period, but for twice as long (or, for two weeks, or, for fourteen days).”

For sixty-six days: this period is also twice as long as required after the birth of a son. Since it is in addition to the fourteen days already mentioned, it may be better to say “sixty-six more days,” 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 .