And the holy sanctuary, which he had formerly plundered: See 2Macc 5.16. All of this verse is part of Antiochus’ vow except for this clause, which is another remark from the author. If possible, translators should place it within parentheses since Antiochus would not say the holy sanctuary, which refers to the Temple.

He would adorn with the finest offerings: The finest offerings does not refer to animal sacrifices; it refers to expensive gifts that Antiochus would give to make the Temple beautiful. We may render this clause as “I’m going to fill the temple with expensive gifts” (Contemporary English Version) or “I will give magnificent gifts to make their temple beautiful.”

And the holy vessels he would give back, all of them, many times over: For the holy vessels, see the comments on 1Macc 4.49. This clause may be translated “and return those sacred dishes, so there will be more of them than ever before” (Contemporary English Version) or even “I will give back all the holy [or, taboo] objects [or, utensils] I took—all of them! And I will give many more!”

And the expenses incurred for the sacrifices he would provide from his own revenues may be expressed as “I will pay for all the sacrifices with my own money” (similarly Contemporary English Version).

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.