If war comes first to Rome or to any of their allies in all their dominion: It is helpful to introduce this verse with the connector “But” (Good News Bible), since it is now speaking of what will happen if, in spite of the wishes in verse 23, war does come. If war comes first to Rome may be rendered “if enemies attack Rome” (Contemporary English Version). Their allies in all their dominion refers to nations and peoples who chose to be on Rome’s side. In all their dominion will sound repetitive in many languages. Good News Bible translates it adequately with “anywhere.” An alternative model for this verse is:

• But if enemies attack Rome or any of her allies anywhere….

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.