high priest

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “high priest” in English is translated as “the ruler of the priests of our nation” in Yatzachi Zapotec, as “very great priest” in Chol (source: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.), as “first over the priests” in Ayutla Mixtec, and “chief of the priests” in Desano (source for this and one above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.).

In Uma it is translated as “Big Priest,” in Western Bukidnon Manobo as “high sacrificer,” and in Tagbanwa as “Most-important Priest of God.” (See here.)

See also priest and chief priest.

widow

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “widow” in English is translated in West Kewa as ona wasa or “woman shadow.” (Source: Karl J. Franklin in Notes on Translation 70/1978, pp. 13ff.)

The etymological meaning of the Hebrew almanah (אַלְמָנָה) is likely “pain, ache,” the Greek chéra (χήρα) is likely “to leave behind,” “abandon,” and the English widow (as well as related terms in languages such as Dutch, German, Sanskrit, Welsh, or Persian) is “to separate,” “divide” (source: Wiktionary).

See also widows.

Translation commentary on 2 Maccabees 3:10

Good News Bible combines verses 10-11 in order to move forward from verse 11 the reference to Simon. This works, but is not necessary. We suggest that translators keep the verses separate.

The high priest explained that there were some deposits belonging to widows and orphans: Deposits belonging to widows and orphans refers to money that was in the Temple treasury to be given to widows and orphans; the widows and orphans had not put the money there. Translators should make this clear as in the following model for this verse:

• Onias explained that there was some money in the Temple treasury that was to be given to widows and orphans.

For languages that prefer direct speech here, translators may say:

• Onias explained [or, answered], “There is some money in the Temple treasury that is to be given to [or, that we keep to give to] widows and orphans.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.