4 Maccabees 9:6

6 If the old men among the Hebrews fulfilled their duty toward God by enduring torture for the sake of godly character, it would be even more appropriate for us who are young to die with contempt for the same torture that our aged teacher defeated.

4 Maccabees 9:6 In-Context

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.

6 If the old men among the Hebrews fulfilled their duty toward God by enduring torture for the sake of godly character, it would be even more appropriate for us who are young to die with contempt for the same torture that our aged teacher defeated.

7 So put us to the test, tyrant! Even if you are able to kill us because of our godly character, don't think that you can truly harm us by these tortures.

8 We will gain the awards of moral character through this suffering, and we will be with God, for whose sake we suffer.