On the eighth day: on the day following the seven days of the ceremony of ordination described in chapter 8, the service was to continue and reach its climax as the newly ordained priests took office and began to perform their duties. Some commentators feel that the Good News Translation rendering “The day after…” indicates too much of a break between the previous events and those described in the following verses. It may be possible to say “On the eighth day of the ceremony” or “Eight days after the beginning of the ceremony,” since in most languages it is unwise to begin a new section and a new chapter without some connection with the previously described ceremony.

Called: the context seems to indicate the need for a verb that is a bit more solemn than simply “call.” If there is a common language equivalent to “convoke” or “summon,” or “formally invite” in the receptor language, it may be appropriate here.

The elders: a technical term referring to those having authority or holding positions of leadership. In most cultures around the world age is still associated with authority and wisdom. The Hebrew term actually means “the beards” or “the bearded ones.” So a word indicating age and at the same time leadership may be used. However, in order to avoid indicating only age, it may be wise in some languages to say “respected leaders” 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 .