And the leaders set a day on which to meet by themselves: In Greek the leaders is simply “they,” but this pronoun clearly refers to Judas and Nicanor. For this clause Contemporary English Version has “Then Judas and Nicanor chose a day to meet privately.”

A chariot came forward from each army: For chariot see the comments on 1Macc 1.17. The Greek does not actually say that a chariot came, although this may well be the meaning. The Greek word for chariot usually refers to a chair. Another word is almost always used for chariot. Good News Bible seems to omit this clause, but is actually combining it with the next clause, on the assumption that no chariots are mentioned. Chariots are not mentioned in the Latin text, only chairs. Some Greek manuscripts read “chair” here, which is the same word translated seats of honor in the next clause. (The Greek words for chariot and seats of honor are similar, and the author may intend a play on the words: diphrax and diphros. Their meaning overlaps some.)

Seats of honor were set in place is literally “they set chairs.” Of honor is not in the Greek, but is implied from context. For seats of honor, Good News Bible has “Ceremonial chairs.” Both Judas and Nicanor would sit in a seat especially made for a person of honor. We recommend Good News Bible as a model for the last sentence of this verse. However, in languages that do not have the passive voice, translators may say “They brought ceremonial chairs out from each camp and set them up.”

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.