The instructions given in this verse are to be fulfilled before going into the Most Holy Place. Many languages may require the same kind of adjustment as Good News Translation has made, introducing these instructions and clearly indicating that these events take place before going into the Most Holy Place. Note that Good News Translation also reminds the reader of the origin of these guidelines by adding “Then the LORD gave the following instructions.” This is not a part of the Hebrew text but is clearly implied.

The sequence of events is not altogether clear in verses 3 and 4, but probably the change of clothing mentioned here takes place before the actual bringing of the bull and ram required in the previous verse.

Holy linen coat: the modern understanding of the word coat is not adequate here. This is a longer garment like a robe. It is made of linen. And this also presents translation problems in languages where this type of material is not known. It is made of the stalks of flax, which were dried, split, and woven into cloth. The other articles of priestly clothing were also made of this same material. See 8.7.

Linen breeches: see 6.10

Linen girdle: see 8.7.

Linen turban: see 8.9.

While the text has the descriptive adjective linen with each of the four nouns, this repetition may be unnatural in some languages. In those cases it may be better to have a summary statement at the end of the list, indicating that “All these garments must be made of linen.” Or this information may even be included in the summary statement at the end of the verse, saying “holy linen garments.”

Holy garments: this expression is intended to summarize the above mentioned articles of clothing. Special care should be taken to avoid the meaning “clean clothes.” On the term holy, see 2.3. Note that Good News Translation has translated in this context “priestly garments.”

Bathe his body in water: literally “wash his flesh in water.” The words in water will probably be unnecessary in many languages. And since the bathing must be done before putting on the priestly clothing, it may be better to state this first in the receptor-language translation, as has been done 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 .