But the Jews … : The connector But may be omitted or rendered “meanwhile” (Contemporary English Version).

At their last gasp, since the time had run out is more economically translated by Hadas as “drawing their last brief breath.” This expression is a small exaggeration, since the Jews continued to pray. Another possible model is “realized that time had run out, and they had little time to live.”

Stretched their hands toward heaven describes the usual posture of prayer.

And with most tearful supplication and mournful dirges implored the supreme God to help them again at once: The two phrases most tearful supplication and mournful dirges mean substantially the same thing. The people cried deeply as they prayed. For the supreme God, see the comments on 3 Macc 1.9.

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• The Jews, meanwhile, realized that time had run out, and they had little time to live. They stretched their hands to heaven in prayer, crying and moaning, and begged God Most High once again to come help them.

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.