And when he could not endure his own stench, he uttered these words may be rendered “When he got to the point that he could not bear his own stink, he finally said.”

It is right to be subject to God, and no mortal should think that he is equal to God: With these words Antiochus admits his sin of pride. It is right to be subject to God may be rendered “A person must submit to [or, obey] God. That is only right [or, That is the right thing to do].” No mortal should think that he is equal to God may be translated “No human being should imagine himself to be as great as God” or “Human beings should never imagine themselves to be as great as God.” There is actually considerable textual evidence for saying “No human being should ever appear arrogant.” This is the reading found in Kappler and Hanhart’s text. Rahlfs has the reading followed by Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible, which we prefer.

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.