Then: most English versions retain some sort of connecting word here, but Good News Translation and New English Bible have left the transition implicit. Naturalness in the receptor language should be the determining factor in deciding how to handle this.

The anointing oil: since this verse does not otherwise mention anointing, some versions have preferred to translate here “the holy (or, sacred) oil” (Bible en français courant).

The blood: see verse 24.

Note that the order of the sprinkling is different in Good News Translation, where “Aaron and his sons” are mentioned together, and “their clothes” is a combined expression for both garments. Translators should consider which is the most logical and natural order in their own language.

On the altar: the location of the anointing oil is not specified here. Grammatically the phrase which was on the altar refers only to the blood. But the two liquids were mixed and then sprinkled on the priests and their clothing.

Sprinkled …: this ritual established a special relationship between the priests (and their clothing) and the altar. From this point on only they were allowed to approach the altar and to present the sacrifices brought by the people of Israel. Only they could serve as intermediaries between God and the worshiping community.

It: referring to the mixture of the oil and blood. In some languages a plural pronoun may be required. In others it may be better to say more explicitly “the mixture,” or simply “the oil and the blood.”

So: this introduces a kind of summary statement. Good News Translation has “In this way.” But Moffatt and Wenham have “then…,” indicating more of a continuation of action.

He consecrated …: the verb used here comes from the root meaning “to set apart” or “to make holy.” See 2.3. In some languages it may be better to translate “he set them apart with their clothing to serve God” or “he made them and their clothing special in the presence of God.”

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 .