The Fourth Book of the Maccabees

Chapters:

… 8 9 10 11 12 …   ⇤ ← 10 → ⇥

verse #1

Now this one endured this praiseworthy death. The third was brought along, and exhorted by many to taste and save his life.

verse #2

But he cried out and said, “Don’t you know that the father of those who are dead is my father also, and that the same mother bore me, and that I was brought up in the same way?

verse #3

I don’t renounce the noble relationship of my kindred.

verse #4

Now then, whatever instrument of vengeance you have, apply it to my body, for you aren’t able to touch my soul, even if you want to.”

verse #5

But they, highly incensed at his boldness of speech, dislocated his hands and feet with racking engines, and wrenching them from their sockets, dismembered him.

verse #6

They dragged around his fingers, his arms, his legs, and his ankles.

verse #7

Not being able by any means to strangle him, they tore off his skin, together with the extreme tips of his fingers, and then dragged him to the wheel,

verse #8

around which his vertebral joints were loosened, and he saw his own flesh torn to shreds, and streams of blood flowing from his entrails.

verse #9

When about to die, he said,

verse #10

“We, O accursed tyrant, suffer this for the sake of Divine education and virtue.

verse #11

But you, for your impiety and blood shedding, will endure unceasing torments.”

verse #12

Thus having died worthily of his kindred, they dragged forward the fourth, saying,

verse #13

“Don’t share the madness of your kindred, but respect the king and save yourself.”

verse #14

But he said to them, “You don’t have a fire so scorching as to make me play the coward.

verse #15

By the blessed death of my kindred, and the eternal punishment of the tyrant, and the glorious life of the pious, I will not repudiate the noble brotherhood.

verse #16

Invent, O tyrant, tortures, that you may learn, even through them, that I am the brother of those tormented before.”

verse #17

When he had said this, the blood-thirsty, murderous, and unholy Antiochus ordered his tongue to be cut out.

verse #18

But he said, “Even if you take away the organ of speech, God still hears the silent.

verse #19

Behold, my tongue is extended, cut it off; for in spite of that you won’t silence our reasoning.

verse #20

We gladly lose our limbs on behalf of God.

verse #21

But God will speedily find you, since you cut off the tongue, the instrument of divine melody.”

Chapters:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18