When the sun is down: this may either mean “at sunset,” “when the sun goes down” (New Jerusalem Bible, New English Bible) or “after sunset” (see Good News Translation). Probably the most accurate rendering is that of New Jerusalem Bible “As soon as the sun sets….”

And afterward: or better, “only then…,” or “not until that time….”

Because such are his food: this food comes from the offerings of the people of Israel and is the principal source of income for the priests. It does not belong to any priest personally but rather to the entire priestly family. In order to avoid giving the impression of personal ownership, it will be necessary in some languages to state more clearly “because this food belongs to the family of priests” or something similar.

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 .