And let the cost of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and fortifying it round about, and the cost of rebuilding the walls in Judea, also be paid from the revenues of the king: Offering to pay for the rebuilding of a Temple was one thing, but offering to pay for fortifications was quite another. It is hard to believe that Demetrius would ever have allowed the refortification of Judean cities if he could have helped it, let alone pay for the work. It may have been an extravagant, unrealistic offer like this that caused the Jews to reject Demetrius’ terms (verse 46). Good News Bible translates this verse well, but possible simpler models are:

• Likewise, the expenses for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and all its fortifications shall be paid by the royal treasury. This applies also to the walls of the other cities in Judea.”

• Likewise, I will pay for the cost of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and its fortifications [or, towers]. This applies also to….”

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.