When they had arrived at Ptolemais, called “rose-bearing” because of a characteristic of the place: The introductory word When may be rendered “Some time later” (Contemporary English Version) or even “After leaving Alexandria.” The name Ptolemais occurs in Acts 21.7, and often in 1 Maccabees (for example, 5.15) and 2 Maccabees (for example, 13.24). Although the name is the same, this is a different place. It refers to a certain area along the Nile River not too far from Alexandria. It should be made clear in the translation that Ptolemais is at the river. Rose-bearing means the place was famous for roses. We may render the first part of this verse as “When the Jews arrived at the river, at the area called Ptolemais, which was known for its roses [or, for growing roses].”

The fleet waited for them, in accord with the common desire, for seven days: The fleet refers to the boats that would carry the Jews back home. In accord with the common desire, for seven days apparently means the Jews made arrangements for the boats to wait seven days before leaving.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• Some time after the Jews left Alexandria, they arrived at the river, at the area called Ptolemais, which was known for its roses [or, for growing roses]. There they arranged for the boats that would take them home to wait for them [or, not to leave] for seven days.

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.