Good News Bible has a paragraph break here, which we do not recommend.
He sent envoys to Demetrius the king, saying: It is appropriate to begin this verse with “From there” as Good News Bible does, meaning from the city of Seleucia. The Greek text refers to envoys taking the message to Demetrius, but Good News Bible mentions only the message. This is quite appropriate, and translators may focus on either with no danger. As in the previous chapters, it will be helpful to indent the message (so Contemporary English Version).
Come, let us make a covenant with each other: Most languages will not need the word Come; it is only a polite way of introducing Ptolemy’s message. It is not an invitation for Demetrius to actually come to him. In this context covenant refers to an “agreement” (Contemporary English Version) or “treaty” (Good News Bible); see the comments on 1Macc 1.11. In some languages with each other will need to be included, but in many others the phrase may be omitted. This whole clause may be rendered “I would like to propose that you and I make a treaty” or simply “Let’s make a treaty.”
And I will give you in marriage my daughter who was Alexander’s wife, and you shall reign over your father’s kingdom: The clause my daughter who was Alexander’s wife reflects a textual problem. Some Greek manuscripts read “was,” but others have it in the present, which is obviously more appropriate. Most readers will find helpful the explanation Good News Bible builds into its translation, saying “My daughter is now Alexander’s wife, but I will take her back.” This only anticipates what is clearly said in verse 12. However, Contemporary English Version‘s model is also helpful: “my daughter Cleopatra, the wife of Alexander.” You shall reign over your father’s kingdom is a promise that Ptolemy would support Demetrius in his claims to the kingdom over the claims of Alexander. The father of Demetrius was Demetrius~I, who died in battle (1Macc 10.50). The younger Demetrius went to Syria to claim his father’s kingdom (1Macc 10.67).
We propose the following model for this verse:
• From there King Ptolemy sent the following message to Demetrius:
“I would like to propose that you and I make a treaty. My daughter is now Alexander’s wife, but I will take her back and give her to you. You will rule your father’s kingdom.
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.