And you shall make of these is literally “and you [singular] shall make it.” The “it” functions as a direct object, along with the anointing oil to which it refers. Of these refers to the ingredients mentioned in verses 23-24 and sounds better in English. A sacred anointing oil, literally “oil of anointing of holiness,” means that the oil will be “holy” and will be used only for anointing. One may also express this as “Make a sacred [or, taboo] oil for anointing…,” and in languages that must show an object or goal for the verb “anointing,” one may join this verse to verse 26 and translate: “… Make a sacred oil for anointing [or, dedicating] the sacred tent, ….”

Blended as by the perfumer is literally “a mixture of a mixture, work of a mixer.” The same root word, which has the associated meaning of blending spices, is used in three different forms. The perfumer therefore would be one who is skilled in the mixing and blending of spices to make “perfume” (Good News Translation). Translator’s Old Testament has “a blended perfume such as a perfumer would make,” and New American Bible has “perfumed ointment expertly prepared.” Good News Translation loses some of the emphasis by reducing the phrase to “mixed like perfume.” A holy anointing oil it shall be simply repeats the exact words for a sacred anointing oil, with the added emphasis it shall be.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .