But the sons of Jambri from Medeba came out and seized John and all that he had, and departed with it: The sons of Jambri were an Arab tribe living in the Nabatean area east of the Jordan. This phrase may be rendered “some people of the tribe of Jambri” (compare how “the sons of Baean” in 1Macc 5.4 was handled). These people lived in Medeba, which was a town about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the northern end of the Dead Sea. The verb phrase came out implies that they left the town and attacked John’s convoy somewhere else. Seized John and all that he had means they captured John and stole all the personal belongings of the Jews that he had with him. The grammatical form of the Greek word translated all indicates that only property, not people, are intended. So we may say “they captured [or, seized] John and all the supplies [or, possessions].”

At this point we believe it makes sense to insert verse 34 (see the comments there). If a footnote is provided at the end of verse 33 alerting the reader to this, none should be needed here. Translators may wish to enclose verse 34 in parentheses if it is placed after verse 36. We feel it is not necessary, but some may think it helpful. An alternative model for verse 36 with verse 34 after it is:

• 36~But some people of the Jambri tribe from the town of Medeba met them. They captured John and all the supplies [or, possessions]. Then they left. (34~Meanwhile, one Sabbath day, Bacchides learned what was happening. He then led his army across the Jordan River, to the east side.)

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.