So that by doing this he might be saved from death: The connector so is better rendered “If.” For languages that do not have the passive voice, the first half of this verse may be translated “If he did this, he would not have to die.”

And be treated kindly on account of his old friendship with them may be rendered “They wanted him to treat him well because they had been his friends for many years.”

Here are alternative models for this verse:

• If he did this, he would not have to die. They were old friends, and they wanted him to be treated well [or, to treat him well].

• “If you do this, they won’t kill you. We have been your friends for many years. So please let us do this favor for you.”

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.