This verse, "And now you shall do well if you give us an answer thereto," from 1 Maccabees 12:18 is a diplomatic way of saying "We expect a response from you on this matter."
Let's break it down:
"And now you shall do well...": This is a polite and indirect way of stating a request or expectation. "Do well" implies that a positive outcome or good standing hinges on complying with the request.
"...if you give us an answer thereto": "Thereto" is an archaic word meaning "to that" or "to it." The entire phrase means "if you provide us with a response to what we have presented/asked."
Context in 1 Maccabees 12:
In this chapter, Jonathan (a leader of the Maccabees) is renewing a friendly alliance with the Spartans. He has sent a letter to them outlining this desire and recalling the long-standing relationship between their peoples. This verse likely appears at the end of his letter, requesting a formal acknowledgment and confirmation of the alliance.
Therefore, the overall meaning is:
Jonathan is concluding his communication with the Spartans by urging them to respond to his request for a renewed alliance. He subtly implies that a positive response would be in their best interest (and in keeping with their historical friendship). It's a polite but firm request for an answer.
This verse, "And now you shall do well if you give us an answer thereto," from 1 Maccabees 12:18 is a diplomatic way of saying "We expect a response from you on this matter."
Let's break it down:
"And now you shall do well...": This is a polite and indirect way of stating a request or expectation. "Do well" implies that a positive outcome or good standing hinges on complying with the request.
"...if you give us an answer thereto": "Thereto" is an archaic word meaning "to that" or "to it." The entire phrase means "if you provide us with a response to what we have presented/asked."
Context in 1 Maccabees 12:
In this chapter, Jonathan (a leader of the Maccabees) is renewing a friendly alliance with the Spartans. He has sent a letter to them outlining this desire and recalling the long-standing relationship between their peoples. This verse likely appears at the end of his letter, requesting a formal acknowledgment and confirmation of the alliance.
Therefore, the overall meaning is:
Jonathan is concluding his communication with the Spartans by urging them to respond to his request for a renewed alliance. He subtly implies that a positive response would be in their best interest (and in keeping with their historical friendship). It's a polite but firm request for an answer.
