2 Maccabees 12:37 kjva — And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias’ men,…

King James Version with Apocrypha

"And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias’ men, he put them to flight."

— 2 Maccabees 12:37, King James Version with Apocrypha

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2 Maccabees 12 — Context

34

And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the Jews were slain.

35

At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor’s company, who was on horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.

36

Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he would shew himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.

37

And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias’ men, he put them to flight.

38

So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.

39

And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers’ graves.

40

Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was the cause wherefore they were slain.

2 Maccabees 12:37 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Maccabees 12:37 say?
2 Maccabees 12:37 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias’ men, he put them to flight.”
Where is 2 Maccabees 12:37 in the Bible?
2 Maccabees 12:37 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of 2 Maccabees, chapter 12, verse 37.
Who wrote 2 Maccabees?
2 Maccabees is traditionally attributed to Anonymous epitomist of a (lost) five-volume work by Jason of Cyrene. Not a continuation of 1 Maccabees but a parallel — covering a shorter, earlier slice (c. 180–161 BC) with a more overtly theological and rhetorical style. It was written c. 124 BC.
What is the book of 2 Maccabees about?
2 Maccabees retells the early part of the Maccabean crisis with stirring rhetorical power. It contains the most famous martyrdom narratives of the Old Testament era — the priest Eleazar (ch. 6) and the mother with her seven sons (ch. 7), who choose torture and death rather than violate the Law. The book is also notable for its explicit affirmation of bodily resurrection, intercessory prayer for the dead, and the role of providence in Israel's history.
What are the major themes of 2 Maccabees?
2 Maccabees explores themes including Martyrdom, Resurrection, Temple, Providence, Hanukkah. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Maccabees 12:37.
What translation should I read 2 Maccabees 12:37 in?
2 Maccabees 12:37 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Maccabees 12:37?
2 Maccabees 12:37 reads (KJVA): “And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias’ men, he put them to flight.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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