Mattathias now blesses his sons, so translators may begin a new paragraph.

Then he blessed them: Blessed means that he called upon God to do good things for his sons. In some languages it will be necessary to make this clear; for example, this clause may be rendered “He asked Heaven [or, the One in Heaven] to do good things for his sons.”

And was gathered to his fathers means that he died. Compare Gen 25.8; 49.33. “He died” states the meaning but does not carry the force of the author’s statement, however. The author obviously avoids a clear statement about Mattathias’ death, but informs us of the death indirectly, in almost tender terms that would have conveyed to his reader a sense of fulfillment. In English gathered to his fathers is not a familiar idiom, but still understandable and effective. Translators should attempt to find some way to avoid saying simply “he died” (which occurs in the next verse). Some may be able to say “joined his ancestors in death,” or a common euphemism such as “passed away” may be acceptable.

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.