And burned incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets: The subject here continues to be Antiochus’ officials. The Greek verb rendered burned incense is literally “made smoke,” but it can be taken to mean “offered illicit sacrifices” (Goldstein). However, sacrifices would normally be offered on altars. Incense can be burned anywhere. Perhaps smoking fat from the sacrifices was carried through the streets to emphasize to the Jewish population that their towns were now dedicated to the Greek gods. Unless translators can find an expression in their language more equivalent to the Greek word for “made smoke,” it is probably best to say burned incense. Incense was any aromatic substance burned for its pleasing aroma. Here it was burned to worship pagan gods. It may be rendered “sweet-smelling herbs.” At the doors of the houses may be translated “in front of their houses” (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.