Accept this sacrifice on behalf of all thy people Israel and preserve thy portion and make it holy: To speak of God accepting a sacrifice refers to the sacrifice being offered in such a way that it accomplishes its purpose of worshiping or thanking God or asking for God’s forgiveness. In many languages accept this sacrifice will seem impolite or too abrupt. If so, translators may say “Lord, please accept this sacrifice [or, these animals that we have sacrificed].” Thy portion refers to Israel as God’s special people. In this context the word holy does not mean “pure” or “sanctified,” but rather “belonging to God” or “dedicated to God.” So thy portion and holy are very similar in meaning. Preserve thy portion and make it holy may be translated “protect your people Israel and make them truly your own people.”

Alternative models for this verse are:

• We offer this sacrifice for all of Israel, your own special people. In doing this, we ask you to keep us safe, and make us a holy nation [or, a nation that is truly yours].

• Lord, please accept this gift [or, these animals] that we have sacrificed for all of Israel, your own special people. We ask you to protect us, and make us truly yours [or, your own people].

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.