THE METATEXTS OF 1 AND 2 MACCABEES

Abstract

The physical placement of Maccabees within translations provides important evidence concerning the translators’ views of the book and its relation to other parts of the canon. Some of the translations include a preface which explicitly indicates the status of Maccabees with respect to the remainder of the canon of Scripture and its proper use both for public reading and ecclesiastical doctrine. In addition, some translations include introductions to Maccabees, which further discuss the status and role of Maccabees within the canon. Finally, the metatextual evidence of marginal notes will be used to indicate interpretive issues concerning the text of Maccabees.