Or: introducing the fourth example of an unintentional sin (see verse 2).

With his lips: these words may be left implicit in most languages. Both the verb (utters) and the noun (oath) that follows would clearly imply that the lips or mouth were used in speaking and therefore in committing the sin.

A rash oath: the word oath implies taking God as witness when making a promise and indicating a willingness to accept divine punishment in case the promise is not fulfilled. Each language has its own way of talking about these kinds of serious promises before God; for example, “to raise the hand and swear,” or “to say what cannot be withdrawn,” or simply “to say in the presence (eyes) of God.” The addition of the qualifying word rash (thoughtless or careless) complicates the translation in some languages. It indicates that the promise is made without thinking seriously about what it means. In some cases it may be necessary to use two verbal expressions such as “promise before God, but fail to consider the meaning (or, seriousness) of the matter.”

To do evil or to do good: whether the purpose is good or bad, it is a serious matter to make an oath without thinking.

Any sort of rash oath that men swear: this information is repetitious, but it is added for emphasis. The habits of the receptor language with regard to repetition for emphasis will determine whether or not it should be repeated in translation.

And it is hidden from him: see verse 2.

In any of these: the last two words in the Hebrew text do not fit very well with the preceding word (translated literally “he shall be guilty”). The meaning of these words seems to be that the person will be considered guilty “in either case” (New English Bible); that is, whether the original purpose of the vow was for good or evil. However, Good News Translation and a number of other versions have left these words out, possibly because they are considered to have been picked up from the following verse and mistakenly placed here (see Traduction oecuménique de la Bible note).

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 .