A nation of stern countenance: these foreigners are fierce-looking (New Revised Standard Version “grim-faced,” New Jerusalem Bible “grim of face”). In other words “They are merciless,” “ruthless” (Good News Translation), or “won’t show mercy” (Contemporary English Version).

Not regard the person of the old or show favor to the young: they show no respect for anyone; they have pity on no one.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .