army

The Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin that is translated as “army” in English is translated in Chichewa as “group of warriors.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 14:3

And he went and defeated the army of Demetrius, and seized him and took him to Arsaces, who put him under guard: Instead of the pronoun he, Good News Bible has “They,” referring back to the commander and his “troops” in verse 2. Under guard and “in prison” (Good News Bible) are slightly different interpretations of the same Greek phrase. Translators may follow either interpretation. An alternative model for this verse is:

• The king’s commander obeyed the orders. He defeated Demetrius’ army, captured Demetrius, and took him to Arsaces. Arsaces put him in prison [or, under guard].

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.