Nevertheless, those of other races paid no heed to their good service to their nation: It is known historically that some Jews were entrusted with important responsibilities in Egypt. For instance, there were Jewish soldiers who helped guard the borders. The conjunction Nevertheless may also be rendered “Yet” (Contemporary English Version) or even “But still.” Those of other races means “other people.” Paid no heed to their good service to the nation may be translated “paid no attention to the good things that the Jews did for Egypt.”

Which was common talk among all may be rendered “everyone knew the Jews were good people.”

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• Yes, everyone knew the Jews were good people, but still, there were people in Egypt who paid no attention to anything good that the Jews did.

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.