In Hebrew, verses 3-5 constitute one long sentence, but this should be broken down into shorter and simpler sentences in the receptor language. Verses 3-4 together form one part of the law forbidding the killing of a sacrificial animal anywhere other than at the entrance of the Tent of the LORD’s presence. HOTTP provides a long discussion of the textual problem in these two verses. The Greek Septuagint and the Hebrew of the Samaritan Pentateuch have a longer text which adds the words “to make it a burnt offering, or peace offerings or shared offerings, so as to be accepted, as a pleasing odor….” These words come immediately after “… tent of meeting….” This reading is recommended by HOTTP but is not adopted by any major modern version. Translators may therefore wish to follow the traditional text and, if necessary, add a simple footnote stating that the longer text exists.
Any man of the house of Israel: that is, any member of the tribe of Israel, or more simply “any Israelite.”
Kills: this Hebrew verb, sometimes translated “slaughter” (Exo 29.16), suggests the usual mode of killing for sacrifice, which included cutting the throat of the animal to be offered and allowing its blood to drain out. In those cultures where this practice is customary, the translator should use the corresponding technical terms, provided they are well known. Where no such technical terms exist, a more generic formulation may be used.
An ox … a lamb … a goat …: see 7.23.
In the camp … outside the camp …: this entire construction is a rather awkward way of saying “any place other than at the entrance of the Tent.”
Tabernacle: this term literally means “dwelling place” and is synonymous with the “tent of meeting,” as in 8.10 and 15.31. The translation should therefore probably be the same, in order to avoid confusing the reader or hearer.
Bloodguilt shall be imputed to that man: this should probably be restructured in most languages. Some possibilities are “that man shall be considered guilty of spilling blood,” or “they [indefinite] shall count that man guilty of shedding blood,” or “they shall hold him responsible for pouring out blood.”
Cut off from among his people: see 7.20. New Jerusalem Bible translates here “that man will be outlawed from his people.” Other possible translations are “he shall be isolated” or “his people shall have nothing more to do with him.”
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 .