1 Maccabees 13

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 Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,

Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it: Simon hears Tryphon has gathered a great host to invade the land of Judea and destroy it.

2And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,

And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together: seeing the people in great trembling and fear, he goes up to Jerusalem — the established center of spiritual consciousness — and gathers the people together.

3And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.

And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen: he exhorts them: You yourselves know what great things I, my brethren, and my father's house have done for the laws — the written order of the divine life — and the sanctuary, and the battles and troubles we have seen: witness appealed to, not argument.

4By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone.

By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, and I am left alone: by reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, and I am left alone — the last brother-state standing, and saying so.

5Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.

Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren: be it far from me to spare my own life in any time of trouble, for I am no better than my brethren — the ruling state refusing exemption from the house's cost.

6Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.

Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice: doubtless I will avenge my nation, the sanctuary, our wives, and our children, for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.

7Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived.

Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived: as soon as the people hear these words, their spirit — their breath of life — revives: courage is a faculty restored by a leader-state's resolve.

8And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.

And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother: they answer with a loud voice: You shall be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan your brothers — the house acclaiming its third brother-state.

9Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do.

Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do: fight our battles, and whatsoever you command us, that will we do — obedience pledged in advance, the whole consciousness placed under one command.

10So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.

So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about: he gathers all the men of war and makes haste to finish Jerusalem's walls, fortifying it round about — the center secured first.

11Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it.

Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it: he sends Jonathan the son of Absolom with a great power to Joppa, who casts out those therein and remains there in it.

12So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.

So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward: Tryphon removes from Ptolemais with a great power to invade Judea, and Jonathan is with him in ward — the captive leader-state carried in the invader's train.

13But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.

But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain: Simon pitches his tents at Adida, over against the plain — the level sense-state faced from the stronghold.

14Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,

Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying: Tryphon, knowing Simon is risen in his brother Jonathan's stead and means to join battle, sends messengers with the offer that follows.

15Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king’s treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him.

Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him: the pretext, exact: We hold your brother Jonathan for money owing to the king's treasure, concerning the business committed to him.

16Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.

Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go: send an hundred talents of silver and two of his sons for hostages, that when free he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go — the terms exact.

17Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people:

Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people: Simon, though he perceives they speak deceitfully, sends the money and the children, lest he procure himself great hatred of the people — duty performed with open eyes, the blame guarded against.

18Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead.

Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead: who might have said: Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead.

19So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.

So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go: he sends the children and the hundred talents; but Tryphon dissembles and will not let Jonathan go — the price taken, the bargain broken.

20And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went.

And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went: Tryphon comes to invade and destroy, going round by the way to Adora; Simon and his host march against him in every place, wherever he goes — the invader shadowed at every step and nowhere given the land.

21Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals.

Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals: those in the tower send messengers to Tryphon, begging him to hasten to them by the wilderness and send them victuals — the cut-off stronghold calling to its false deliverer.

22Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.

Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad: Tryphon readies all his horsemen to come that night, but a very great snow falls and he comes not; he departs into the country of Galaad — the relief defeated not by arms but by the season.

23And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there.

And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there: near Bascama he slays Jonathan, who is buried there — the ransom's lie completed in murder.

24Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.

Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land: afterward Tryphon returns and goes into his own land.

25Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.

Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers: Simon sends and takes the bones — the essential structure of the state — of Jonathan his brother, and buries them in Modin, the city of his fathers, beside Judas of chapter 9.

26And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days.

And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days: all Israel laments greatly for him and bewails him many days.

27Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before.

Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before: Simon builds a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and brethren, raised aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before.

28Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.

Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren: he sets up seven pyramids, one against another — for his father, his mother, and his four brethren: seven, completeness of a cycle, over the family's states.

29And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea.

And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea: in these he makes cunning devices, sets great pillars about them, and upon the pillars all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, to be seen of all that sail on the sea — the memorial raised where even passing states must behold it.

30This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day.

This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day: this is the sepulchre he made at Modin, and it stands yet unto this day.

31Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew him.

Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew him: Tryphon deals deceitfully with the young king Antiochus and slays him — the ward murdered by his keeper, the pattern of his treacheries completed.

32And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.

And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land: he reigns in his stead and crowns himself king of Asia — the ruling state seized by the hand that served it — and brings a great calamity upon the land.

33Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein.

Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein: Simon builds up Judea's strong holds, fencing them with high towers, great walls, gates, and bars, and lays up victuals in them.

34Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil.

Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil: Simon chooses men and sends to king Demetrius, that he give the land an immunity, because all Tryphon did was to spoil.

35Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner:

Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner: Demetrius answers and writes after this manner — the letter follows in its own words.

36King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:

King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting: the heading exact: King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, and unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting.

37The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted.

The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted: the golden crown and scarlet robe you sent we have received; we are ready to make a stedfast peace — a firm rest within the order — with you, and to write to our officers to confirm the immunities granted.

38And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.

And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own: whatsoever covenants — laws of relationship written into the state — we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds you have builded shall be your own.

39As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.

As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid: any oversight or fault committed to this day we forgive, and the crown tax you owe us; and if any other tribute was paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.

40And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.

And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us: whoever among you are meet to be in our court, let them be enrolled, and let there be peace between us.

41Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundred and seventieth year.

Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundred and seventieth year: thus the yoke of the heathen is taken away from Israel — the spiritual house — in the hundred and seventieth year: foreign rule lifted from the neck of consciousness.

42Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews.

Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews: the people begin to date their instruments and contracts: In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews — a new era reckoned from the house's own ruling state.

43In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it.

In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it: in those days Simon camps against Gaza and besieges it round about, makes an engine of war, sets it by the city, batters a certain tower, and takes it.

44And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:

And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city: those in the engine leap into the city; a great uproar rises in it.

45Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.

Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace: the city's people rend their clothes, climb upon the walls with their wives and children, and cry with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.

46And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy mercy.

And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy mercy: their plea, exact: Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy mercy — a state asking to be met by the Source's measure, not its own deserving.

47So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.

So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving: Simon is appeased, fights no more against them, puts them out of the city, cleanses the houses wherein the idols were — the formed images of lesser goods removed — and enters it with songs and thanksgiving.

48Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwellingplace for himself.

Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwellingplace for himself: he puts all uncleanness out of it, places there men who will keep the law, makes it stronger than before, and builds therein a dwellingplace for himself.

49They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.

They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine: those of the tower in Jerusalem are kept so strait they can neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy nor sell — the separation of chapter 12 accomplished — and in great distress for want of victuals, a great number perish through famine, the lack-state doing its work inside the cut-off hold.

50Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:

Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions: they cry to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them; he grants it, puts them out from there, and cleanses the tower from pollutions.

51And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.

And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel: he enters it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year — the date exact — with thanksgiving, palm branches, harps, cymbals, viols, hymns, and songs, because a great enemy is destroyed out of Israel: the center's last hostile hold become a place of praise.

52He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.

He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company: he ordains that day kept every year with gladness; and the hill of the temple by the tower he makes stronger than it was, and dwells there himself with his company.

53And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.

And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera: when Simon sees John his son is a valiant man, he makes him captain of all the hosts; and he dwells in Gazera — the succession already being prepared within the house.

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