And the LORD said to Moses: See the comments on verse 6. The conjunction And may be rendered “So” (New Revised Standard Version, New International Version) or “Then.” The generic verb said may be translated “replied” (New Living Translation) in this context.

Take Joshua the son of Nun: In some languages a literal translation of the verb Take could refer to a physical picking up (and carrying) of Joshua. If so, it is better to use the verb “choose” or even “appoint” (from verse 15). For Joshua the son of Nun, see 11.28.

A man in whom is the spirit: The Hebrew word for spirit (ruach) already occurred in Moses’ reference to “the God of the spirits of all flesh” in verse 16 (see also 11.17, 29). There is no clear indication that this word refers to a separate being here (see also Deut 34.9), so there is no need to capitalize spirit and write “Spirit,” as in New Living Translation and ESV. The definite article the is not in the Hebrew text, so the spirit may be rendered “a spirit from God,” “some power” (Nouvelle Bible Segond), or “a spirit of leadership.” For this whole clause Revised English Bible has “a man powerful in spirit.” Good News Bible says simply “a capable man,” which seems rather weak by comparison. In some languages the word spirit may refer to possession by an ancestral spirit or even to some malevolent spirit in this context. If so, a figurative substitute such as “strong heart” (Chewa) may be used instead.

And lay your hand upon him refers to a public gesture by which power and authority of leadership are symbolically transmitted or transferred. As mentioned at 8.10, translators may have to specify on what part of Joshua’s body Moses had to lay his hand. If so, they may say “and place your hand on his head” (similarly Good News Bible).

Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .