Said to Moses: see 4.1.

Take …: this single verb has seven different objects in Hebrew as reflected in Revised Standard Version. In most languages this type of construction is too heavy, and it may be impossible to use the same verb with all the various objects mentioned in this verse (human beings, animals, and inanimate objects). Good News Translation divides it into two parts and adds the verb “bring.” Bible en français courant cuts it three ways and uses three different verbs. In some languages it may be necessary to reorder the objects and group the inanimate objects together (garments, oil, basket) instead of having them separated by the mention of the two rams. In addition the Hebrew verb does not necessarily imply that the subject (Moses) must personally perform the action of bringing the various items to the entrance of the Tent. So in some languages a causative or some other form may be used. For example, “Send Aaron and his sons…” or “Make Aaron and his sons go to the entrance….” One may also consider using a verb like “call” or “convoke.”

Note also that Good News Translation has taken information from verse 3, “to the entrance of the Tent of my presence,” and shifted it forward for the sake of clarity. This may be advisable in a number of other languages.

With him: this simply indicates that Aaron and his sons are taken together at this point. These words may be left implicit in many languages.

The garments: the word “vestments,” used in several English versions, implies that these were special garments for use in some sort of religious ceremony. But this is hardly common language. The definite article here implies that some specific articles of clothing are intended. The need for some clarification is seen in the fact that the ancient Greek version adds “his,” and theVulgate adds “their.” But the reference is to the clothing of both Aaron and his sons (see Exo 28). In this case it may be better to say “priestly garments” (as in Good News Translation) or “sacred clothing” rather than simply “the clothing.”

The anointing oil: see Exodus 30.22-33.

The bull … and the two rams: see Exodus 29.1-3.

The sin offering: see 4.3-12.

The basket of unleavened bread: or “the basket containing bread without yeast.” (See chapter 2, especially verse 11.)

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 .