1 Maccabees 6

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

1About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold;

About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold — the persecuting ruling state, travelling the high countries, hearing of a rich city: Elymais in Persia, renowned for riches, silver, and gold.

2And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there.

And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there — a rich temple reported, its golden coverings, breastplates, and shields, the defensive furnishings left there by Alexander, the first Macedonian ruling state among the Grecians.

3Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof,

Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof — the spoiler coming to spoil and failing at the threshold: the city warned beforehand.

4Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.

Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon — the city rising in battle, and the persecutor fleeing in heaviness to Babylon, confusion enthroned as an empire: the would-be spoiler returning to the confusion that enthroned him.

5Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies, which went against the land of Judea, were put to flight:

Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies, which went against the land of Judea, were put to flight — worse tidings following him into Persia: the armies sent against Judea, the praise-state's land, all put to flight.

6And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was driven away of the Jews; and that they were made strong by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of the armies, whom they had destroyed:

And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was driven away of the Jews; and that they were made strong by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of the armies, whom they had destroyed — the deputy driven off, and the faithful made strong by the very armour, power, and spoils of the armies they had destroyed: the empire's strength become Israel's.

7Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city Bethsura.

Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city Bethsura — the abomination he enthroned on the point of consecration pulled down, the sanctuary-state walled about as before, and even his own garrison city Bethsura fortified against him.

8Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked for.

Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked for — the ruling state astonished and stricken: grief taking him to his bed because the event had fallen out against his expectation.

9And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should die.

And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should die — the grief deepening day by day, the persecutor reckoning his own death: the state given over to the disorder it chose, consuming itself.

10Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care.

Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care — the deathbed confession beginning: sleep gone, the heart failing for care, spoken to his gathered friends.

11And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I was bountiful and beloved in my power.

And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I was bountiful and beloved in my power — the flood of misery acknowledged: the persecutor measuring his fall against his former bounty and beloved power.

12But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause.

But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause — remembrance arriving at last, and naming the acts truly: the sanctuary despoiled, Judea's inhabitants marked for destruction without a cause.

13I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a strange land.

I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a strange land — the perception stated plainly: for this cause. The persecuting state perishing by its own grief in a strange land, its troubles the harvest of its decree.

14Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made ruler over all his realm,

Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made ruler over all his realm — Philip summoned and made ruler over the whole realm: the dying empire disposing its rule.

15And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.

And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom — crown, robe, and signet, the instruments of ruling authority, delivered, that the heir Antiochus be brought up and nourished for the kingdom.

16So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth year.

So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth year — the year kept exact: the persecuting ruling state dies in a strange land, its decree outlived by the house it sought to abolish.

17Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son, whom he had brought up being young, to reign in his stead, and his name he called Eupator.

Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son, whom he had brought up being young, to reign in his stead, and his name he called Eupator — the deputy setting the young heir on the throne and naming him Eupator: the empire renewing its ruling state under a child.

18About this time they that were in the tower shut up the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the strengthening of the heathen.

About this time they that were in the tower shut up the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the strengthening of the heathen — the citadel's garrison still at its work: the Israelites about the sanctuary shut up and hurt, the outer states strengthened from Love's own city.

19Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the people together to besiege them.

Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the people together to besiege them — the captain resolving the citadel's end and summoning the whole people to the siege.

20So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines.

So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines — the year kept exact: the hundred and fiftieth; the people assembled, the tower besieged, mounts and engines raised against it.

21Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:

Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves — some of the besieged escaping, godless states of Israel itself joining them: the apostasy within supplying the embassy without.

22And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?

And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren? — the escapees appealing to the young ruling state: judgment and vengeance demanded for their besieged brethren.

23We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his commandments;

We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his commandments — their plea grounded in their record: willing service and obedience to the dead persecutor's commandments.

24For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are alienated from us: moreover as many of us as they could light on they slew, and spoiled our inheritance.

For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are alienated from us: moreover as many of us as they could light on they slew, and spoiled our inheritance — the grievance stated: besieged by their own nation, their fellows slain wherever found, their inheritance spoiled.

25Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only, but also against their borders.

Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only, but also against their borders — the charge widened: not against us only, but against all their borders.

26And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they fortified.

And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they fortified — the present facts urged: the tower at Jerusalem, the center of spiritual consciousness, besieged this day; the sanctuary and Bethsura fortified by the faithful.

27Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do the greater things than these, neither shalt thou be able to rule them.

Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do the greater things than these, neither shalt thou be able to rule them — urgency pressed on the young king: act quickly, or the faithful will pass beyond ruling.

28Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered together all his friends, and the captains of his army, and those that had charge of the horse.

Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered together all his friends, and the captains of his army, and those that had charge of the horse — the young ruling state's anger answering the appeal: friends, captains, and the masters of the horse gathered for a great expedition.

29There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles of the sea, bands of hired soldiers.

There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles of the sea, bands of hired soldiers — hired bands flowing in from other kingdoms and the isles of the sea: the empire buying strength from every quarter.

30So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty elephants exercised in battle.

So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty elephants exercised in battle — the numbers kept exact: a hundred thousand foot, twenty thousand horse, and thirty-two elephants exercised in battle.

31These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura, which they assaulted many days, making engines of war; but they of Bethsura came out, and burned them with fire, and fought valiantly.

These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura, which they assaulted many days, making engines of war; but they of Bethsura came out, and burned them with fire, and fought valiantly — the host entering by Idumea against Bethsura: engines made and burned, the defenders coming out and fighting valiantly through many days.

32Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in Bathzacharias, over against the king’s camp.

Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in Bathzacharias, over against the king's camp — the captain leaving the siege to meet the greater threat: pitched at Bathzacharias, over against the king's camp.

33Then the king rising very early marched fiercely with his host toward Bathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to battle, and sounded the trumpets.

Then the king rising very early marched fiercely with his host toward Bathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to battle, and sounded the trumpets — the young king rising early and marching fiercely: armies arrayed and trumpets sounded against the faithful.

34And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight, they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.

And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight, they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries — the great beasts provoked with the juice shewn them as blood: the life-stream counterfeited to madden the animal powers for battle.

35Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies, and for every elephant they appointed a thousand men, armed with coats of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and beside this, for every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the best.

Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies, and for every elephant they appointed a thousand men, armed with coats of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and beside this, for every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the best — the order of the beast-host detailed: a thousand mailed men and five hundred chosen horse appointed to every elephant.

36These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the beast was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither departed they from him.

These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the beast was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither departed they from him — the escorts bound to the beasts: wherever the animal power went, its appointed thousands went and did not depart.

37And upon the beasts were there strong towers of wood, which covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them with devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong men, that fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him.

And upon the beasts were there strong towers of wood, which covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them with devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong men, that fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him — wooden towers girt on the beasts, two and thirty fighting men on every one, beside the driver who ruled him: the animal nature towered and manned like a moving fortress.

38As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this side and that side at the two parts of the host giving them signs what to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks.

As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this side and that side at the two parts of the host giving them signs what to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks — the remaining horse disposed on both wings, signalled and harnessed amid the ranks: the host's full order displayed.

39Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of fire.

Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of fire — the spectacle at its height: sunlight on gold and brass shields, the mountains, the exalted states, glistering like lamps of fire.

40So part of the king’s army being spread upon the high mountains, and part on the valleys below, they marched on safely and in order.

So part of the king's army being spread upon the high mountains, and part on the valleys below, they marched on safely and in order — the host spread from the heights to the valleys, the low states, marching safely and in order: immensity made orderly.

41Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and the marching of the company, and the rattling of the harness, were moved: for the army was very great and mighty.

Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and the marching of the company, and the rattling of the harness, were moved: for the army was very great and mighty — sound itself a weapon: all who heard the multitude's noise, marching, and harness-rattling were moved, for the army was very great and mighty.

42Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle, and there were slain of the king’s army six hundred men.

Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle, and there were slain of the king's army six hundred men — the few engaging the immensity, and the first count kept: six hundred of the king's army slain.

43Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the beasts, armed with royal harness, was higher than all the rest, and supposing that the king was upon him,

Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the beasts, armed with royal harness, was higher than all the rest, and supposing that the king was upon him — Eleazar, the captain's brother, marking the tallest beast in royal harness and supposing the ruling state himself upon it.

44Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his people, and get him a perpetual name:

Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his people, and get him a perpetual name — his life deliberately hazarded for two ends: his people's deliverance, and a name that endures.

45Wherefore he ran upon him courageously through the midst of the battle, slaying on the right hand and on the left, so that they were divided from him on both sides.

Wherefore he ran upon him courageously through the midst of the battle, slaying on the right hand and on the left, so that they were divided from him on both sides — the run through the battle's midst, slaying right and left, the host dividing before him on both sides.

46Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him under, and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and there he died.

Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him under, and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and there he died — the beast slain from beneath, and falling upon its slayer: the deliverer-faculty dying under the animal power it destroyed.

47Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king, and the violence of his forces, turned away from them.

Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king, and the violence of his forces, turned away from them — the host of the faithful giving ground before the empire's strength and violence: Eleazar's stroke not turning the day.

48Then the king’s army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and the king pitched his tents against Judea, and against mount Sion.

Then the king's army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and the king pitched his tents against Judea, and against mount Sion — the empire advancing on the center itself: tents pitched against Judea and against Zion, the love-height.

49But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: for they came out of the city, because they had no victuals there to endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.

But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: for they came out of the city, because they had no victuals there to endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land — Bethsura yielding for want of victuals, and the cause named with quiet irony: it was a year of rest to the land, the Sabbath-year, in which no store had been sown.

50So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep it.

So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep it — Bethsura taken and garrisoned: the frontier fortress passing to the empire without a battle.

51As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: and set there artillery with engines and instruments to cast fire and stones, and pieces to cast darts and slings.

As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: and set there artillery with engines and instruments to cast fire and stones, and pieces to cast darts and slings — the sanctuary-state itself besieged many days, engines set to cast fire, stones, darts, and slings against it.

52Whereupon they also made engines against their engines, and held them battle a long season.

Whereupon they also made engines against their engines, and held them battle a long season — engine answered with engine: the besieged sanctuary holding the conflict through a long season.

53Yet at the last, their vessels being without victuals, (for that it was the seventh year, and they in Judea that were delivered from the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the store;)

Yet at the last, their vessels being without victuals, (for that it was the seventh year, and they in Judea that were delivered from the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the store;) — famine doing what engines could not: the seventh year, the year of rest, its stores eaten by the very delivered who had fled to Judea.

54There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the famine did so prevail against them, that they were fain to disperse themselves, every man to his own place.

There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the famine did so prevail against them, that they were fain to disperse themselves, every man to his own place — the sanctuary thinned to a few: famine dispersing the defenders, every man to his own place.

55At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom Antiochus the king, whiles he lived, had appointed to bring up his son Antiochus, that he might be king,

At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom Antiochus the king, whiles he lived, had appointed to bring up his son Antiochus, that he might be king — tidings reaching the deputy at the siege: Philip, appointed by the dead king to raise the heir, moving for the rule.

56Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king’s host also that went with him, and that he sought to take unto him the ruling of the affairs.

Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king's host also that went with him, and that he sought to take unto him the ruling of the affairs — Philip returned with the eastern host, seeking the ruling of the affairs: a rival for the empire rising behind the besiegers.

57Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the captains of the host and the company, We decay daily, and our victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us:

Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the captains of the host and the company, We decay daily, and our victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us — Lysias' counsel spoken in haste: daily decay, small victuals, a strong place besieged, and the kingdom's affairs pressing: the empire's own arithmetic turned toward peace.

58Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make peace with them, and with all their nation;

Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make peace with them, and with all their nation — the counsel concluded: friendship and peace with these men and their whole nation.

59And covenant with them, that they shall live after their laws, as they did before: for they are therefore displeased, and have done all these things, because we abolished their laws.

And covenant with them, that they shall live after their laws, as they did before: for they are therefore displeased, and have done all these things, because we abolished their laws — the deputy's own verdict on the whole war: the covenant proposed, life after their laws restored, because, he confesses, all this came of abolishing the law, the written order of their divine life.

60So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent unto them to make peace; and they accepted thereof.

So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent unto them to make peace; and they accepted thereof — king and princes consenting, the offer sent, and peace accepted by the besieged.

61Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them: whereupon they went out of the strong hold.

Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them: whereupon they went out of the strong hold — the oath sworn by king and princes, and the faithful coming out of the stronghold on the oath's faith.

62Then the king entered into mount Sion; but when he saw the strength of the place, he broke his oath that he had made, and gave commandment to pull down the wall round about.

Then the king entered into mount Sion; but when he saw the strength of the place, he broke his oath that he had made, and gave commandment to pull down the wall round about — the oath broken at the sight of strength: the young ruling state entering Zion, fearing its walls, and commanding them pulled down in perjury.

63Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto Antiochia, where he found Philip to be master of the city: so he fought against him, and took the city by force.

Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto Antiochia, where he found Philip to be master of the city: so he fought against him, and took the city by force — the perjured king hastening home to a rival already master of his capital, and taking Antiochia by force: the empire's strength spent upon itself.

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