4 Maccabees 12:2

2 When he saw that the boy was already in chains, the tyrant felt pity for him, despite the verbal abuse he had endured from the boy's brothers. He called the boy closer and tried to encourage him, saying,

4 Maccabees 12:2 In-Context

1 When the sixth brother also died a privileged death after being thrown into a burning-hot kettle, the seventh and youngest of all came forward.

2 When he saw that the boy was already in chains, the tyrant felt pity for him, despite the verbal abuse he had endured from the boy's brothers. He called the boy closer and tried to encourage him, saying,

3 "You see the result of your brothers' lack of sense. They died in terrible pain because they disobeyed.

4 If you don't obey me, you too will experience horrible torture and die long before your time.

5 But if you listen to me, you will be my friend, and you will be put in charge over the affairs of the kingdom."