1 Maccabees 12

How to read these pages: the text itself comes first, verse by verse, in the volume's own translation. Beneath each verse stands its Meaning — a rendering of what the passage's terms name in the inner life, drawn from the correspondences the text itself uses. The text is never altered; the meaning is offered, not imposed.

King James Version

1Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.

Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them: Jonathan, seeing the time serve, sends chosen men to Rome to confirm and renew the former friendship — the house reaching beyond the empire-states to a further order.

2He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.

He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose: letters also go to the Lacedemonians — the Spartans — and to other places, for the same purpose.

3So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in former time.

So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in former time: at Rome they enter the senate and speak their commission exactly: Jonathan the high priest and the people of the Jews sent us, that you renew the friendship and league with them, as in former time.

4Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.

Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably: the Romans give them letters to the governors of every place, that they bring them into the land of Judea peaceably — safe conduct through every province of the outer order.

5And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians:

And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians: and this is the copy of Jonathan's letter to the Lacedemonians — its text kept entire, next.

6Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:

Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting: the copy opens exactly: Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting.

7There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.

There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify: letters were sent in times past to Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, signifying that you are our brethren, as the copy underwritten specifies.

8At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.

At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship: at which time Onias received the ambassador honourably and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.

9Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,

Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us: therefore we also — albeit we need none of these things, having the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us: the house's true consolation is its own written order, held in hand.

10Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.

Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us: yet we have attempted to send, renewing brotherhood and friendship, lest we become strangers altogether — for a long time has passed since you sent to us.

11We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:

We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren: we at all times without ceasing, in our feasts and other fitting days, remember you in the sacrifices — the yielded faculties — we offer, and in our prayers, as is right and as it becomes us to think upon our brethren.

12And we are right glad of your honour.

And we are right glad of your honour: and we are right glad of your honour.

13As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us.

As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us: as for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side — the kings round about us, the surrounding ruling states, fighting against us.

14Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars:

Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars: yet we would not be troublesome to you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars — the house asking renewal, not rescue.

15For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.

For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot: for we have help from the inner realm that succours us, so that we are delivered from our enemies and our enemies are brought under foot — the letter's confession of where the house's strength truly lies.

16For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.

For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league: for this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus and Antipater the son of Jason and sent them to the Romans to renew the amity and the former league.

17We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.

We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood: we commanded them also to go to you, salute you, and deliver our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.

18Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.

Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto: wherefore now you shall do well to give us an answer thereto.

19And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.

And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent: and this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent — the older letter now produced.

20Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:

Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting: the copy opens exactly: Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting.

21It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:

It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham — Faith itself, the exalted father-mind that believes the promise: it is found in writing that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, of the stock of Abraham — a kinship of states traced to one father-state.

22Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.

Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity: now therefore, since this has come to our knowledge, you shall do well to write to us of your prosperity.

23We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are ours, and ours are yours. We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.

We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are ours, and ours are yours. We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise: we write back: your cattle and goods are ours, and ours are yours; we command our ambassadors to make report to you on this wise — the covenant-form of shared substance.

24Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,

Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore: Jonathan hears Demetrius' princes are come to fight him with a greater host than before.

25He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.

He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country: he removes from Jerusalem and meets them in the land of Amathis, giving them no respite to enter his country — the conflict met outside the borders, not within them.

26He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.

He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season: spies sent into their tents return reporting: they are appointed to come upon them in the night season — attack planned for the hidden state.

27Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth sentinels round about the host.

Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth sentinels round about the host: so soon as the sun — the greater light — is down, Jonathan commands his men to watch and be in arms all the night, ready to fight, and sets sentinels round about the host: vigilance commanded for the whole hidden state.

28But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.

But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp: the adversaries, hearing his men are ready for battle, fear and tremble in their hearts, and kindle fires in their camp — a show of presence while resolve fails.

29Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.

Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning: Jonathan's company knows it not till the morning — the dawning — for they saw only the lights burning.

30Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus.

Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus: at morning he pursues but does not overtake them: they are gone over the river Eleutherus.

31Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.

Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils: he turns to the Arabians called Zabadeans, strikes them, and takes their spoils.

32And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the country,

And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the country: removing thence, he comes to Damascus and passes through all the country.

33Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it.

Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it: Simon passes through the country to Ascalon and the adjoining holds, turns aside to Joppa, and wins it.

34For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius’ part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.

For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius' part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it: he had heard they would deliver the hold to Demetrius' part; therefore he sets a garrison there to keep it — a threatened faculty secured before it can be handed over.

35After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea,

After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea: Jonathan comes home and, calling the elders together, consults about building strong holds in Judea.

36And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.

And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it: and making Jerusalem's walls higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, to separate it from the city, that it might stand alone, and men neither sell nor buy in it — the hostile stronghold in the center to be cut off from the city's life until it starves of exchange.

37Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.

Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha: they gather to build up the city; part of the wall toward the brook on the east side had fallen, and they repair what is called Caphenatha.

38Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars.

Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars: Simon sets up Adida in Sephela and makes it strong with gates and bars.

39Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.

Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head: Tryphon now schemes for the kingdom of Asia, to kill king Antiochus and set the crown — a ruling state perfected — on his own head: ambition that served a king now reaches for his throne.

40Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.

Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan: but he fears Jonathan will not suffer it and will fight him; so he seeks a way to take Jonathan and kill him, and removes to Bethsan — force avoided, treachery chosen.

41Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.

Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan: Jonathan goes out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle — the number exact — and comes to Bethsan.

42Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;

Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him: Tryphon, seeing so great a force, dares not stretch his hand against him — treachery waits for weakness, and finds strength.

43But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.

But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself: instead he receives him honourably, commends him to all his friends, gives him gifts, and commands his men of war to be as obedient to Jonathan as to himself — honour as the mask of design.

44Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?

Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?: to Jonathan he says: Why have you brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war between us?

45Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.

Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming: send them home, choose a few men to wait on you, and come with me to Ptolemais; I will give it you, and the rest of the strong holds and forces and all in charge; I will return and depart — this is my coming's cause: the lure in its exact words, generosity offered to disarm.

46So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.

So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea: Jonathan, believing him, does as bidden and sends his host away into the land of Judea — trust given to a state that had not earned it.

47And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.

And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him: he retains but three thousand men; two thousand he sends into Galilee — the circuit of the outer faculties — and one thousand goes with him.

48Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.

Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword: as soon as Jonathan enters Ptolemais, its people shut the gates and take him, and all who came with him they slay with the sword.

49Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s company.

Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's company: Tryphon sends footmen and horsemen into Galilee and the great plain to destroy all Jonathan's company — the divided forces hunted in turn.

50But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together, prepared to fight.

But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together, prepared to fight: but when the two thousand know Jonathan and his company are taken and slain, they encourage one another and go close together, prepared to fight — grief closing the ranks instead of scattering them.

51They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.

They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again: their pursuers, perceiving they are ready to fight for their lives, turn back — readiness itself repels the attack.

52Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.

Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation: they all come into the land of Judea peaceably, bewail Jonathan and those with him, and are sore afraid; all Israel laments greatly.

53Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men.

Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men: then all the heathen round about seek to destroy them, saying: They have no captain nor helper; now let us make war on them and take away their memorial from among men — the surrounding states moving at the news of the leader-state's fall, as in chapter 9.

Companion volume to The Why Bible — the King James Apocrypha, rendered in its spiritual meanings. First final edition, October 2026.