She encouraged each of them in the language of their fathers: For the language of their fathers, see the comments on verse 8. Good News Bible says “their native language,” which is good, but we may say simply “their own language.” This phrase may also be rendered “the language of their ancestors” or “their ancient native language.” This would imply not only that Antiochus could not understand her, but also that she was using the language of Moses and the Law.

Filled with a noble spirit: Good News Bible omits this clause. It may be rendered “She was an extraordinary [or, noble/impressive] woman.”

She fired her woman’s reasoning with a man’s courage, and said to them: The Greek verb translated fired has nothing literally to do with fire. Its basic meaning is “arouse.” The writer says this woman combined the finest qualities associated with both sexes. In this context her woman’s reasoning is the love of the mother for her children, so we may translate she fired her woman’s reasoning as “She loved her children.” The Greek word for courage usually means “emotion,” “spirit,” or “nerve.” It takes on the meaning of courage from the context. A man’s courage is the kind of bravery expected in battle. This phrase may be rendered “the fearlessness [or, daring] of a man [or, a soldier].” It is possible to avoid the sexual expressions altogether by saying “she spoke to them with tender love, but with heroic [or, great] courage.”

An alternative model for this verse is:

• This woman was truly an extraordinary [or, impressive] person. She loved her children as a mother should, but she was extremely brave. She encouraged each of her sons in their ancient native language, and said….

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.