The Revised Standard Version footnote indicates that some manuscripts do not have this verse, but it should be included; in our opinion, a textual note is not necessary.

Then the high priest Simon, facing the sanctuary … : The connector Then introduces an action that goes on while Philopator was walking toward the Temple sanctuary in the previous chapter. So in some languages it will be helpful to begin this verse with “While King Philopator walked toward the Temple sanctuary, the High Priest….” The high priest Simon was Simon II, the son of Onias.

Bending his knees means Simon knelt on the ground.

And extending his hands probably means his hands were extended outward, toward the sanctuary.

With calm dignity distinguishes Simon from all the other priests and the people, who were making such a racket. This phrase translates a single Greek adverb. Anderson says “with due reverence.” Contemporary English Version and Hadas have simply “calmly,” which we think is effective, since it makes the desired contrast between Simon’s dignified action and the frantic crowd. It seems to us, however, that the Greek can be more naturally understood with “calmly” modifying “prayed” (so Contemporary English Version).

A possible model for this verse is:

• While King Philopator was walking toward the Temple sanctuary, Simon, the High Priest, turned to face it. He knelt down, stretched out his hands, and calmly prayed this prayer:….

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 3-4 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2018. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.