But Menelaus, already as good as beaten, promised a substantial bribe to Ptolemy son of Dorymenes to win over the king: As good as beaten (literally “having been left behind”) is an English idiom meaning that there was no doubt that Menelaus would lose his case. Good News Bible begins this verse with “When Menelaus saw that he was losing the case….” Goldstein has “Menelaus had all but lost the contest….” New American Bible reads “But Menelaus, seeing himself on the losing side….” Contemporary English Version is also helpful with “When Menelaus realized that he was going to be punished….” Promised a substantial bribe may be rendered “offered a huge bribe.” Ptolemy son of Dorymenes was a friend of the king (see 1Macc 3.38). To win over the king may be translated “to influence the king to say he was innocent” (Contemporary English Version).

An alternative model for this verse is:

• Menelaus was certain that he would lose the case. So he promised Ptolemy son of Dorymenes a lot of money [as a bribe] if he would convince the king to find him innocent [or, to acquit him; or, decide in his favor].

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.