Verses 19-27 give the content of Antiochus’ letter. As in Good News Bible, we recommend that translators indent this letter to help the reader see that it is quoted material.

To his worthy Jewish citizens, Antiochus their king and general sends hearty greetings and good wishes for their health and prosperity: There are three elements in this opening to the letter:

Addressee: To his worthy Jewish citizens
Writer: Antiochus their king and general
Greetings: Sends hearty greetings and good wishes for their health and prosperity

Translators should feel free to arrange the order of these elements in any way that seems natural for a letter or oral message in their language. However, they should bear in mind that this is not a casual friendly note, but a formal letter, and the language used in verses 19-20 should especially have a formal air to it. Good News Bible omits the word general, but it should be included (see the model below). In English one possible arrangement for this opening to the letter is:

• “Warm greetings to the Jews, good citizens, from Antiochus, their king and general. I wish you good health and prosperity [or, I hope that you are well and prosperous].

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.