1 Maccabees 15

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

1Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people;

Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people: Antiochus son of Demetrius sends letters from the isles of the sea to Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people — a new claimant-state writing before it reigns.

2The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews, greeting:

The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews, greeting: the contents, exact: King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews, greeting.

3Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I may restore it to the old estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of war;

Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I may restore it to the old estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of war: his stated ground, exact: certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our fathers; my purpose is to challenge it again, to restore it to the old estate; to that end I have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers and prepared ships of war.

4My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities in the kingdom desolate:

My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities in the kingdom desolate: my meaning also is to go through the country, to be avenged of them that destroyed it and made many cities in the kingdom desolate.

5Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted.

Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted: now therefore I confirm to you all the oblations the kings before me granted you, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted.

6I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with thine own stamp.

I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with thine own stamp: I give you leave also to coin money for your country with your own stamp — the state's own image on its own substance.

7And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free; and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them remain unto thee.

And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free; and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them remain unto thee: as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free; and all the armour you have made, and fortresses you have built and keep in your hands, let them remain to you.

8And if any thing be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore.

And if any thing be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore: and if anything be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be forgiven you from this time forth for evermore.

9Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour, so that your honour shall be known throughout the world.

Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour, so that your honour shall be known throughout the world: furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour you, and your nation, and your temple — the established sanctuary-state — with great honour, so that your honour shall be known throughout the world: promises written from exile, to be weighed against the sequel.

10In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus into the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.

In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus into the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon: in the hundred threescore and fourteenth year Antiochus goes into the land of his fathers; all the forces come together to him, so that few are left with Tryphon — allegiance draining from the usurper-state.

11Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora, which lieth by the sea side:

Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora, which lieth by the sea side: pursued by king Antiochus, Tryphon flees to Dora by the sea side.

12For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that his forces had forsaken him.

For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that his forces had forsaken him: he saw troubles come upon him all at once — the crisis-moment arriving for the treacherous state — and that his forces had forsaken him.

13Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand horsemen.

Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand horsemen: Antiochus camps against Dora with an hundred and twenty thousand men of war and eight thousand horsemen — the numbers exact.

14And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.

And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in: he compasses the city round about, joins ships close to the town on the sea side, and vexes it by land and sea, suffering none to go out or in.

15In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome, having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written these things:

In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome, having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written these things: meanwhile Numenius and his company come from Rome with letters to the kings and countries, whose contents follow exactly.

16Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting:

Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting: the Roman letter heading, exact: Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting.

17The Jews’ ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came unto us to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews:

The Jews’ ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came unto us to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews: the Jews' ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came to us to renew the old friendship and league, sent from Simon the high priest and from the people of the Jews.

18And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound.

And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound: and they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound — the defensive furnishing of pure good, delivered.

19We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against them, their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies against them.

We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against them, their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies against them: we thought it good to write to the kings and countries, that they do them no harm, nor fight against them, their cities, or countries, nor aid their enemies against them — Rome's protection stated as a standing command to the surrounding states.

20It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.

It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them: it seemed good to us also to receive the shield from them.

21If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.

If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high priest, that he may punish them according to their own law: if any pestilent fellows have fled from their country to you, deliver them to Simon the high priest, that he may punish them according to their own law — the written order judging its own fugitive states.

22The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king, and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,

The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king, and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces: the same things he wrote likewise to Demetrius the king, and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces — every addressee named exactly.

23And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and Phaselis, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.

And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and Phaselis, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene: and to all the countries, and to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians — the Spartans — and to Delus, Myndus, Sicyon, Caria, Samos, Pamphylia, Lycia, Halicarnassus, Rhodus, Phaselis, Cos, Side, Aradus, Gortyna, Cnidus, Cyprus, and Cyrene: the full roll of states kept exact, the protection published to the whole circle of consciousness.

24And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.

And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest: and the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.

25So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day, assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in.

So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day, assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in: Antiochus camps against Dora the second day, assaulting it continually and making engines, shutting up Tryphon so he can neither go out nor in.

26At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him; silver also, and gold, and much armour.

At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him; silver also, and gold, and much armour: at that time Simon sends him two thousand chosen men to aid him, silver also, and gold, and much armour.

27Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange unto him.

Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange unto him: nevertheless Antiochus will not receive them, but breaks all the covenants — the laws of relationship — he had made with him before, and becomes strange to him: the claimant's gratitude ending where his need ended, as with his father in chapter 11.

28Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends, to commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.

Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends, to commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm: he sends Athenobius, one of his friends, to commune with him and say: You withhold Joppa and Gazera, with the tower in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm — the demand opens.

29The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.

The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom: their borders you have wasted, done great hurt in the land, and gotten dominion of many places within my kingdom.

30Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the tributes of the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without the borders of Judea:

Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the tributes of the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without the borders of Judea: now therefore deliver the cities you have taken, and the tributes of the places whereof you have gotten dominion without the borders of Judea.

31Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for the harm that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and fight against you.

Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for the harm that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and fight against you: or give me for them five hundred talents of silver, and for the harm done and the cities' tributes other five hundred talents; if not, we will come and fight against you — the sums and the threat exact.

32So Athenobius the king’s friend came to Jerusalem: and when he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him the king’s message.

So Athenobius the king’s friend came to Jerusalem: and when he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him the king’s message: Athenobius comes to Jerusalem — the established center of spiritual consciousness — and seeing Simon's glory, the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his great attendance, is astonished, and delivers the king's message.

33Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken other men’s land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others, but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in possession a certain time.

Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken other men’s land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others, but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in possession a certain time: Simon answers: We have neither taken other men's land, nor holden what appertains to others, but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in possession a certain time — the house's title stated in one sentence: recovered inheritance, not seizure.

34Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our fathers.

Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our fathers: wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our fathers.

35And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not a word;

And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not a word: and whereas you demand Joppa and Gazera — albeit they did great harm to the people in our country, yet we will give you an hundred talents for them. Athenobius answers him not a word: the just answer silencing the demand's messenger.

36But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.

But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth: he returns in a rage to the king and reports these speeches and Simon's glory and all he saw; whereupon the king is exceeding wroth — the sight of the ordered house's glory enraging the claimant-state.

37In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.

In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias: meanwhile Tryphon flees by ship to Orthosias — the besieged usurper escaping by the sea.

38Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,

Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave him an host of footmen and horsemen: the king makes Cendebeus captain of the sea coast and gives him a host of footmen and horsemen.

39And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and to war against the people; but as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon.

And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and to war against the people; but as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon: he commands him to move his host toward Judea, build up Cedron, fortify its gates, and war against the people; the king himself pursues Tryphon.

40So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them.

So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them: Cendebeus comes to Jamnia and begins to provoke the people, invade Judea, take prisoners, and slay them — the provocation opening the book's last conflict.

41And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and an host of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.

And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and an host of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him: having built up Cedron, he sets horsemen and a host of footmen there, that issuing out they might make outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king commanded — a raiding stronghold planted against the roads of the praise-state.

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