Whereas certain pestilent men have gained control of the kingdom of our fathers: The king’s letter begins with a series of subordinate clauses introduced by the connector Whereas; these clauses run through verse 4. Only in verse 5 do the main clauses come, beginning with “now therefore.” Most translators will want to break this long sentence into smaller ones. Good News Bible does this by beginning with “As you know” (Good News Bible) and inserting a paragraph break at verse 5. Another possible beginning is “I am sure that you know that.” Certain pestilent men refers to Trypho and his followers. For pestilent men, see the comments on 1Macc 10.61. Good News Bible says “traitors,” which fits this context. Other possible renderings are “scoundrels” (New Jerusalem Bible), “villains” (New American Bible), and even “rebels” (Contemporary English Version). By saying our fathers, the king refers to himself in the plural; Good News Bible uses the singular “my ancestors,” which many translators will find more natural. An alternative model for this whole clause is “I am sure that you know that some traitors [or, rebels] have taken control of my ancestors’ kingdom” or “… taken control of the lands that my ancestors used to rule.”

And I intend to lay claim to the kingdom may be expressed as “I intend [or, I plan] to take back those lands again.”

So that I may restore it as it formerly was may be rendered “so that I can make them [the lands] great again.”

And have recruited a host of mercenary troops: For mercenary troops, see the comments on 1Macc 4.35. A host of mercenary troops may be rendered “a large army of mercenary troops” (Good News Bible) or “a huge number of foreign soldiers.”

And have equipped warships: “Fitted out” (Good News Bible) is a technical expression used in English when speaking of boats or ships. The warships Antiochus fitted out were probably troop ships; they were primarily designed to move large numbers of soldiers by sea. It is not likely that Trypho had a navy to defend against these ships.

Alternative models for this verse are:

• I am sure that you know that some traitors [or, rebels] have taken control of my ancestors’ kingdom. I intend to claim the kingdom as my own, so that I can make it as great as it once was [or, make it great again]. I have also hired a huge number of soldiers and made ships ready for war.

• I am sure that … have taken control of the lands that my ancestors used to rule. I intend to take those lands back, so that I can make them great again. I have also hired a large army of mercenaries and have fitted out warships.

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.