4 Maccabees 9:4

4 For we consider this pity of yours, which insures our safety through transgression of the law, to be more grievous than death itself.

4 Maccabees 9:4 In-Context

2 we are obviously putting our forebears to shame unless we should practice ready obedience to the law and to Moses our counselor.

3 Tyrant and counselor of lawlessness, in your hatred for us do not pity us more than we pity ourselves.

4 For we consider this pity of yours, which insures our safety through transgression of the law, to be more grievous than death itself.

5 You are trying to terrify us by threatening us with death by torture, as though a short time ago you learned nothing from Eleazar.

6 And if the aged men of the Hebrews because of their religion lived piously while enduring torture, it would be even more fitting that we young men should die despising your coercive tortures, which our aged instructor also overcame.