But if you will not do so: This clause introduces the negative outcome (the “curse” part) if the conditions in verses 20-22a are not met. Good News Translation makes the sense of the adverb so explicit by rendering this clause as “But if you do not keep your promise” (similarly Contemporary English Version).

Behold renders the Hebrew word hinneh. Here it highlights Moses’ warning that follows, so it may be translated “surely,” “truly,” or “I warn you that” (Good News Translation).

You have sinned against the LORD: In many languages it will be more natural to use the future tense here, for example, “you will be sinning against the LORD” (Good News Translation, New International Version).

And be sure your sin will find you out is literally “and know your sin that will find you.” Be sure renders an imperative Hebrew verb in the plural. Bible en français courant translates it “know it well,” New Century Version has “know for sure,” and Good News Translation says “Make no mistake about it.” Good News Translation renders your sin will find you out as “you will be punished for your sin,” and De Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling is similar with “you will undergo the consequences of your sin.” New International Readers Version has “your sin will be discovered. It will be brought out in the open.” These models remove the personification of sin. But in other languages it may be possible to keep the imagery; for example, Chewa has “your sin will follow after you” (which is similar to a local proverb to that effect). The Hebrew word for sin is singular, but the Peshitta and the Samaritan Pentateuch use the plural word “sins.”

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 .