I myself and our government are faring well is an extension of the personal pleasantries used to open a letter, but it leads into the account of recent events that follows in the next verses. Contemporary English Version translates “Our kingdom is strong and secure.” There is nothing wrong with this model. Something closer to the text is “I myself am well, and our government [or, kingdom] is in good shape [or, strong and secure].”

Throughout the rest of this letter Philopator speaks in the first person plural. At times it is appropriate to render this as a singular, with the king really referring to himself. At other times it is better to let the first person plural represent the Egyptian government in general. The models we give provide our suggestions as to which might be appropriate in each instance.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 3-4 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2018. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.