The breastpiece: this item is described in detail in Exodus 28.15-29 and 39.8-21. It is a square piece of material with pockets or pouches in which the Urim and the Thummim (see below) were placed. It may possibly be rendered “the sacred pouch” (Moffatt) or “the pockets over the heart.”

On him: in some languages this may be too vague or may lead the reader to believe that the breastpiece is placed on top of his head. In such cases it is better to say “he placed the breastpiece on his chest” or “… over his heart,” or something similar.

The Urim and the Thummim: see Exodus 28.30. As the Good News Translation footnote indicates, these two objects were somehow used by the priest to find out the will of God (see, for example, Num 27.21; 1 Sam 14.41; 28.6). In most versions the two words are simply transliterated, but Moffatt renders the meaning quite adequately with “the sacred lots.” Other languages may have to say “the lots of God.” In either case it is advisable to include a footnote explaining the meaning in greater detail.

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 .