He cast out of it all uncleanness: The author does not specify exactly what is meant by all uncleanness, but Good News Bible handles this phrase well by saying “everything that would make the town ritually unclean.”

And settled in it men who observed the law: Good News Bible‘s translation of this clause is long, but it presents it well. We may also say “and let people live in the town who faithfully followed [or, obeyed] the Jewish Law [or, the Law of Moses].”

He also strengthened its fortifications: The city wall certainly had to be repaired after Simon’s assault had broken through it (verses 43-44), and perhaps other restorative measures were taken. We may translate “He also made the walls of Gezer stronger.”

And built in it a house for himself: Good News Bible translates house as “palace,” but this is more than the Greek says. “House” or “residence” would be quite sufficient. However, translators should use a word that will be understood as a place that he built which was reserved for his use and where he could stay and conduct official business.

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.