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 3:43
But they said to one another, “Let us repair the destruction of our people, and fight for our people and the sanctuary”: The sanctuary refers to the Temple (see 1Macc 1.21). Good News Bible uses indirect discourse here rather than direct speech, although this lessens the dramatic impact. Contemporary English Version also uses indirect speech, saying “But Judas and his brothers were determined to make their nation strong again and to defend their people and temple.” The two clauses of the quotation can be reversed by rendering the verse as follows:
• But they [or, Judas and his brothers] said, “We will fight for our people and our Temple! Let’s make our nation strong again!”
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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