My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law: Good News Bible‘s introductory connector “But” is not in the Greek and is not necessary, but translators who feel the need for some such introductory word should certainly add one. The Greek uses children rather than “sons,” but “sons” (Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version) will be proper here in a number of languages (see verse 49), and translators may use whichever sounds most natural. The phrase in the law modifies the verbs be courageous and grow strong (compare Deut 31.6, 23 for the verbs). Most versions understand the relationship between this phrase and the two verbs as Good News Bible has: “be strong and courageous in defending the Law.” However, New English Bible and Revised English Bible understand it to mean “draw your courage and strength from the law.” Contemporary English Version is similar with “you must find courage and strength in God’s Law.” Alternative models for this first sentence of the verse that follow the understanding in Good News Bible are “My sons, fight for the Law with strength and courage” and “My sons, be strong and courageous as you fight for the Law.” Translators may follow either understanding here.

For by it you will gain honor: By it is literally “in it.” The pronoun it refers to keeping the Law. Mattathias assures his sons that people will honor them if they obey the Law.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• My sons, you must find strength and courage in the Law. If you do that, people will remember you as great men.

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.