1 maccabees 12:11 - We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and on the other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as it is right and meet to be mindful of kindred:

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 12:11

What does "1 maccabees 12:11" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 12:11 expresses a sentiment of kinship and continuous remembrance between the Jews in Judea and the Spartans. Let's break it down:

"We therefore at all times without ceasing...": This emphasizes the constant and unwavering nature of their remembrance. It's not a fleeting thought but a persistent practice.

"...both in our feasts, and on other convenient days...": This indicates that the remembrance happens during both special occasions (feasts, religious holidays) and regular, less significant days.

"...do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers...": This is the key action: They remember the Spartans in their religious practices. Specifically, during sacrifices (offerings to God) and in their personal and communal prayers. This suggests that they are asking for God's blessing or favor upon the Spartans.

"...as it is right and meet to be mindful of kindred:": This explains why they are doing this. They believe it is appropriate, fitting, and just to remember their "kindred" - their supposed relatives (the Spartans).

In essence, the verse says:

"We always remember you Spartans, consistently and without fail. We remember you in our sacrifices and in our prayers, both during our religious festivals and on ordinary days, because we consider it right and proper to remember our relatives."

Historical Context and Significance:

This verse comes from a letter purportedly written by the Jewish leader Jonathan Maccabeus to the Spartans, claiming a shared ancestry between the two peoples. The letter is an attempt to forge an alliance between the Jews and the powerful Spartan state. The Jews were seeking allies in their struggle against the Seleucid Empire.

The inclusion of the detail about remembering the Spartans in sacrifices and prayers adds a layer of religious and moral weight to the claim of kinship. It suggests a deep, heartfelt connection and a commitment to the Spartans' well-being.

Whether the historical claim of kinship was accurate is debated, but the letter (and this verse) reveals the Maccabees' strategic thinking and their efforts to bolster their position through international alliances. The verse highlights the importance of shared identity, kinship, and religious practices in forging political bonds in the ancient world.

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