He embittered many kings: The Greek verb rendered embittered means “to make bitter” or “to make angry.” Many kings is an overstatement (compare 1Macc 2.48), but Judas did face opposition from Antiochus~IV, Antiochus~V, and Demetrius~I. This line may be rendered “He caused many kings to become angry,” “He infuriated many kings,” or even “Many kings became furious because of his success.”

But he made Jacob glad by his deeds: The name Jacob is a poetic figure of speech referring to the Jewish people. Good News Bible uses the more common name “Israel.” For the whole line it has “but brought joy to the people of Israel.” Another possible model is “but caused the people of Israel to rejoice.”

And his memory is blessed for ever: Compare Psa 112.6; Pro 10.7; Sir 45.1; 46.11. Good News Bible is good here, but other possible models are “Let us honor his memory forever” and “May he be remembered and honored forever.”

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.