Those who are registered are also to be branded on their bodies by fire with the ivy-leaf symbol of Dionysus: The ivy leaf was the symbol of Dionysus (see 2 Macc 6.7). Branding with the symbol of Dionysus had long been part of the worship of Dionysus, and Philopator himself was probably so branded. The branding here is thought of not so much as punishment by inflicting pain, although it certainly would. Instead, it is thought of as forcing the Jews to bear on their bodies forever the mark of a pagan god. So a possible model here is “Jews who are listed will also have the symbol of Dionysus, an ivy leaf, burned onto their skin.”

And they shall also be reduced to their former limited status: During the reign of Ptolemy II, known as Philadelphus (285–246 B.C.), the Jews were given the rights of all citizens. Philopator’s decree revokes those rights. This clause may be rendered “They will no longer have the rights of citizens” or “They will once again be regarded as they were before they were given citizenship.”

This verse ends the text of the inscription (except for verse 30b), and indentation should stop at this point.

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.