We do not recommend the paragraph break of Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible here since this verse continues the proclamations concerning Simon and his descendants.

And none of the people or priests shall be permitted to nullify any of these decisions or to oppose what he says: The provision ensures that Simon’s authority cannot be contested. In languages that do not have a passive voice, we may translate “(8) No priest or any other person may ever change [or, annul] any of these decisions, and they must obey his orders.”

Or to convene an assembly in the country without his permission: The purpose for this proclamation is to stifle any potential opposition to Simon. The Greek word for assembly refers to a political meeting in this context. In the country means “anywhere in the land,” not in the country as opposed to the city.

Or to be clothed purple or put on a gold buckle: See the previous verse.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• (8) No priest or any other person may declare any of these measures invalid [or, change any of these decisions], and they must obey his orders. They may not call a meeting anywhere in the country without his permission, or wear purple robes with the gold shoulder buckle.

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.