4 Maccabees 8:6-11

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁶ Just as I am able to punish those who disobey my orders, so I can be a benefactor to those who are disposed to obey me. ⁷ Trust me, then, and you will receive positions of authority in my government if you will renounce the ancestral tradition of your national life.^{(A) 8} Enjoy your youth by adopting the Greek way of life and by changing your manner of living.^{(B) 9} But if by disobedience you rouse my anger, you will compel me to destroy each and every one of you with dreadful punishments through tortures. ¹⁰ Therefore take pity on yourselves. Even I, your enemy, have compassion for your youth and handsome appearance. ¹¹ Will you not consider this, that if you disobey, nothing remains for you but to die on the rack?”