The verse "But when the people heard these things, they said, What thanks shall we give to Simon and his sons?" (1 Maccabees 14:25) in the context of 1 Maccabees is asking how the people can possibly show enough gratitude to Simon Maccabeus and his sons for all they have done for the Jewish people.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"But when the people heard these things...": This refers to the preceding verses in 1 Maccabees 14, which describe the various accomplishments and blessings that Simon Maccabeus had brought to the Jewish people. These included:

Liberating them from foreign rule (primarily the Seleucid Empire).
Establishing peace and security in the land.
Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and fortifying the cities.
Restoring the Temple and its worship.
Generally improving the well-being and prosperity of the Jewish people.
"...they said, What thanks shall we give to Simon and his sons?": This expresses the overwhelming sense of gratitude and indebtedness the people felt. They were struggling to find a way to adequately express their appreciation for Simon's leadership and the sacrifices he and his sons had made on their behalf. The question is rhetorical. It implies that no amount of thanks would truly be enough.

In essence, the verse conveys:

Deep gratitude: The people were profoundly thankful for the liberation and prosperity brought about by Simon and his family.
Recognition of immense service: They acknowledged the magnitude of Simon's achievements and the sacrifices he made.
Inability to repay the debt: They felt that no form of appreciation could fully compensate for what Simon and his sons had done for them.

This verse sets the stage for the subsequent actions of the people, which included bestowing honors and privileges upon Simon and his descendants, establishing a hereditary high priesthood and leadership role within the Jewish community. It demonstrates the high esteem in which Simon Maccabeus was held and the recognition of his pivotal role in Jewish history.