And now, you who hate insolence, all-merciful and protector of all … : An unusual series of vocatives begins this verse, which is literally “And now, insolence-hater, most-merciful one, everyone’s protector….” The introductory phrase And now is better rendered “So,” and may be placed at the beginning of the clause reveal yourself quickly (so Contemporary English Version). You who hate insolence may be translated “You hate arrogant [or, proud] behavior” or “You hate pride and boasting” (Contemporary English Version). All-merciful and protector of all may be rendered “You are very merciful and will protect all of us.”

Reveal yourself quickly to those of the nation of Israel is talking about revealing God’s power to the people of Israel (see Contemporary English Version). So we may translate this clause as “please let us the people of Israel see your power quickly.” In many languages it will be appropriate to soften Eleazar’s demand with the word “please.” We suggest placing those of the nation of Israel at the beginning of the verse, saying “We are the people of Israel” (Contemporary English Version). Revised Standard Version has another textual footnote here giving a reading of some other Greek manuscripts that differs slightly from the text given in Hanhart and Rahlfs. We think the variation is not important enough for translators to insert a textual footnote.

Who are being outrageously treated by the abominable and lawless Gentiles may be rendered “and those hateful [abominable] Gentiles who have no respect for the Law [lawless] are causing us to suffer terribly.” For Gentiles see 3 Macc 4.1.

An alternative way of ordering this verse (based somewhat on Contemporary English Version) is given in the following model:

• “We are the people of Israel, and those hateful Gentiles who do not respect the Law are causing us to suffer terribly. You hate arrogant behavior. You are very merciful, and you can protect all of us. So show us your power soon!

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.