For this reason not only Jews, but many also of other nations, were grieved and displeased at the unjust murder of the man: This verse is the conclusion for the section, not the beginning of a new one as in Good News Bible. It emphasizes the unjust murder of Onias. For this reason is expressed very clearly in Greek; Good News Bible fails to establish the logical connection between this verse and the preceding one. To make the connection clearer we may begin the verse with “The unjust [or, unlawful] murder of Onias horrified….” For not only Jews, but many also of other nations, Good News Bible has “The Jews and Gentiles,” which is misleading. Of course, all Jews were offended at what happened, but it is important to notice that the Greek does not say that all the Gentiles were also offended, only many of them. Saying “The Jews and Gentiles” implies all of them. For were grieved and displeased, Good News Bible has “were very angry,” which is completely inadequate; the Greek expression here is much stronger. New English Bible says “filled … with alarm and anger,” and Revised English Bible uses “caused indignation and resentment.” Goldstein is excellent with “were scandalized and outraged.” We suggest that translators place at the unjust murder of the man at the beginning of the verse as follows:

• The unjust [or, unlawful] murder of Onias horrified and outraged the Jews, but not only the Jews. Many Gentiles felt the same way.

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.