Accordingly, since we choose that this nation also be free from disturbance: The connector Accordingly may be rendered “So” or “Therefore.” Good News Bible expresses also as “like the other nations in my empire,” which is its meaning.

Our decision is that their temple be restored to them: For our decision is that, Good News Bible has “I hereby decree that.” This English expression immediately gives its context an official, formal, legal-sounding air that is appropriate to this situation. It means “with the statement I am now making, I decree.” In languages that do not have the passive voice, translators may render this whole clause as “I have decided to give their temple back to them.”

And that they live according to the customs of their ancestors may be expressed as “and to let them follow the customs of their ancestors.”

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.