4 Maccabees 9:1

1 "What are you waiting for, tyrant? We are ready to die rather than sin against the commandments handed down by our ancestors!

4 Maccabees 9:1 In-Context

1 "What are you waiting for, tyrant? We are ready to die rather than sin against the commandments handed down by our ancestors!

2 We would be a disgrace to our parents if we didn't maintain our commitment to the Law and to Moses our chief advisor.

3 You, tyrant, advise lawless behavior. In your hatred for us, don't pity us more than we pity ourselves!

4 We consider your pity, which offers safety at the cost of breaking our Law, to be more bitter than death.

5 You are trying to frighten us with threats of torture and death as if you've learned nothing from Eleazar just a short while ago.