The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is translated as “sanctuary” in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) with opatulika or “separated place.” This is understood in a religious setup as a place designated for worship. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 15:7
And I grant freedom to Jerusalem and the sanctuary: Although we cannot be certain what is meant here, it is generally assumed that freedom refers to freedom from paying taxes (so Good News Bible; see 1Macc 10.31). An alternative model is “Jews in Jerusalem or the Temple will no longer have to pay taxes.”
All the weapons which you have prepared: Prepared may be rendered “made” or “manufactured” (Good News Bible).
And the strongholds which you have built and now hold shall remain yours: Hold may be translated “occupy” (Good News Bible). Antiochus seems to leave open the possibility of reoccupying any fort that the Jews have abandoned.
An alternative model for this verse is:
• Jews in Jerusalem or the Temple will no longer have to pay taxes. You may keep [or, I will allow you to keep] all the weapons that you have made. You may also keep the forts that you built and now occupy.
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.
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