In our downfall this audacious and profane man … : Simon’s prayer now becomes specific. In our downfall may be rendered “Since we are now so weak and helpless.” This audacious and profane man refers to Philopator, who is about to profane the Temple by entering it. We may render this phrase as “this arrogant and godless man” or “this arrogant man who doesn’t worship you.”

Undertakes to violate the holy place on earth dedicated to your glorious name means Philopator has taken it on himself to enter and desecrate the sacred Temple, which was set aside for worshiping God in his glory. So we may begin this phrase with “is determined to enter the most sacred [or, taboo] place on earth….” Violate means “make unfit for worship.” This idea may be placed at the end of the verse (see the model below). Dedicated to your glorious name may be rendered “which has been built to worship you in your greatness.” As in verse 9, your … name refers to God himself, not just his name.

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• Since we are now so weak [or, helpless], this arrogant and godless man is determined to enter this most sacred [or, holy/taboo] place on earth where we worship you in your greatness, and make it unfit for worship.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 3-4 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2018. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.