Steal: some commentators see this as having a more restricted meaning, having to do with the seizing of a person to make him a slave. But almost all versions take it as having a more general meaning. It is the same word as used in Exodus 20.15. The alternative may be dealt with in a footnote if necessary, stating that the word translated “steal” may mean “abduct,” “kidnap,” or “enslave.”

Nor deal falsely, nor lie: the two Hebrew verbs here are very similar in meaning. They serve to reinforce each other rather than to explain basic differences in meaning. So it is probably not a good idea to set them off as two separate and distinct laws, as is done in New International Version.

To one another: literally “a man to (or, against) his fellow.” Compare 6.3, where the same word is translated “neighbor.” Good News Translation leaves the object implicit, but this may not be possible or desirable in many other languages. In some languages one may wish to say “compatriot” or “fellow citizen.”

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 .