But we, when we arrived in Egypt victorious, accommodated ourselves to their folly and did as was proper, since we treat all nations with benevolence: The Revised Standard Version order for this verse obscures its meaning. It is literally “But we, having accommodated ourselves to their foolishness, and after victory having returned to Egypt, having met every nation benevolently, we did what was proper.” But we, when we arrived in Egypt victorious may be translated “When we returned to Egypt after our victories” (Contemporary English Version) or even “… after defeating my enemies.” Accommodated means “overlooked.” Their folly refers to the action of the Jews in Jerusalem, not in Egypt. Translators should reverse the order of the first two clauses in Revised Standard Version by saying “But I overlooked their foolishness [or, foolish ways]. When I returned to Egypt after my victory, I….” Since we treat all nations with benevolence refers to the kindness that Philopator showed to the ethnic groups (nations) during his expedition into Asia. At the end he makes the short statement that he conducted himself properly all along (did as was proper).

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• “But I overlooked their foolishness [or, the foolish things they did]. After my victory [or, After I had defeated my enemies], when I was on my way back to Egypt, I dealt kindly with the people of every nation I encountered. I did what was right.

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.